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Blaine cuts Lexington from water system
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
BLAINE — According to a ruling by Judge Jenny Walker Jasper, the city of Blaine has the right to disconnect its water system from the city of Lexington. The ruling also states that Blaine owns a key water main in Lexington, having paid to build it.
“As this situation played out over the last three years, the main goal of the City of Blaine was to bring clarity to this issue for all parties involved, and we believe that this judgement accomplishes that goal. We thank the court for agreeing that the City of Blaine has the right to have safeguards in place where our water system interconnects with our neighboring cities,” Blaine Communications Manager Ben Hayle said.
In the late 1960’s, the city of Lexington and Blaine began discussions so that certain Blaine residents who live close to the Lexington boundary lines could use Lexington’s water and sewer services. According to court documents, in October 1977 both cities entered into a joint powers agreement (JPA). The purpose of the JPA was to interconnect the water systems of both cities to reinforce fire flow capabilities for Lexington; provide more adequate domestic water supply; allow Blaine to purchase adequate water from Lexington until the construction of the Blaine water supply facilities was sufficient to service portions of Blaine abutting Lexington; and allow Blaine to extend a water trunk main system through Lexington to a proposed 1-million-gallon water tower.
Blaine finished the construction of the water tower in July 1982. By September 1982, the city was pumping approximately 75% of the water used by both cities.
Shortly thereafter, Lexington’s well pump failed. As a result, Blaine begin pumping all the water for that area of Blaine and all of Lexington for approximately three months. When the pump was repaired, Lexington began to pump larger amounts of water to catch up to their water sharing agreement.
In September 1983, Blaine was pumping 8.5 million gallons to Lexington’s 1.5 million gallons. At a Blaine City Council meeting in May 1984, the council voted unanimously to install one-way valves to separate the two water systems.
SEE BLAINE WATER RULING, PAGE 2
14 single family lots a possibility on 20th Avenue
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO LAKES — Fourteen single-family lots have been proposed at 7590 20th Avenue in Lino Lakes by Hampton Companies. The company submitted a preliminary plat to the Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board. A stormwater pond is also proposed. The development is being called the Erickson Property.
The existing residential lot contains a house built in
1922 and several accessory structures. It is approximately 5.15 acres. According to City Planner Katie Larsen, the lot is currently zoned R (rural). It will need to be rezoned to R-2, or two-family residential, which is consistent with the city’s requirements for lowdensity mixed residential land use. According to Larsen, all 14 proposed lots meet the city’s standard R2 zoning requirements.
SEE ERICKSON DEVELOPMENT, PAGE 7
And there was music
This summer, Centerville residents and those living in the surrounding area can adventure to Hidden Spring Park every Tuesday to catch a bit of live music with the return of Music in the Park. Concerts kick off at 6:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
The Centennial Community Band is set to perform next on Tuesday, June 17. Billee Jo Hall is on deck to play on June 24. Other performances include Rebel River,
… in the park
Capitol City Wind Ensemble, Steve Poynter, Mean Gene and the Woodticks, Lowdown Dirty Fools, Grunge Unplugged and the Minneapolis Senior Commodores Big Band closing out the event on Aug. 19.
Hidden Spring Park is located at 1601 LaMotte Drive, Centerville. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CentervilleMusicInThePark.
Centerville’s Music in the Park returns to Hidden Spring Park for another summer. Music in the Park happens every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 19. The event features a lineup of local musicians.
Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
The Erickson Property residential development would be located at 7590 20th Avenue in Lino Lakes.
Phone and Internet Discounts Available to CenturyLink Customers
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $16.32-$33.50 per month and business services are $34.61-$60.89 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.
CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify. A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.
If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/comm unity/community-development/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.
BLAINE WATER RULING: Cities to seperate systems
According to court documents, Blaine followed up the council’s actions by sending a letter to Lexington discussing its concerns about Lexington’s water quality after receiving complaints from residents.
The JPA between the two cities was terminated on Oct. 5, 1987. Court documents state that while Blaine had given notice of its intent to terminate the 1977 JPA due to Lexington’s objections, the parties continued to share water under an informal agreement in which Blaine would pump water all year round to the benefit of both communities and only in the high-water demand months (roughly April through October) the water from Lexington’s Well 15 was augmented by Blaine’s water to meet the higher demands of irrigation. After receiving continued complaints, the cities agreed to run Lexington’s Well 15 primarily at night and during peak lawn watering times to minimize water complaints from Blaine residents.
For the past decade, Blaine has tried to separate its water system from Lexington’s water system. Blaine city officials argue that Lexington’s water has unacceptable levels of alkaline, calcium and manganese.
In 2022, after multiple meetings between the two cities, where Lexington continued to refuse to consider allowing Blaine to separate its water system, Blaine filed a lawsuit against the city of Lexington.
The lawsuit claimed that there was no active joint powers agreement in place between the two cities; Blaine is the sole owner of the 16-inch water main that runs through Lexington; the city of Blaine has the right to maintain infrastructure situated within Lexington; and Lexington must
Important dates of note:
• Late 1960’s: Cities of Lexington and Blaine began discussion for certain Blaine residents to utilize Lexington’s water and sewer services.
• October 1977: Both cities enter into a joint powers agreement (JPA) to interconnect the water systems of both cities to reinforce fire flow capabilities for Lexington, provide more adequate water supply and more.
• September 1982: Blaine began pumping approximately 3/4 of the water used by both cities.
• September 1983: Blaine was pumping approximately 8.5 million gallons of water into the system compared to Lexington’s 1.5 million.
• May 1984: Blaine City Council unanimously decides to install one-way valves to separate the two water systems after receiving complaints from residents about Lexington’s water quality.
• Oct. 5, 1987: The 1977 JPA is terminated. Due to Lexington’s objections, the parties continued to share water under an informal agreement.
• 2022: Blaine sues Lexington to separate from the system.
• June 2025: Judge Jenny Walker Jasper rules that the city of Blaine has the right to break off its water system from the city of Lexington.
comply with its own ordinance regarding the issuance of right of way permits to the city of Blaine. The case went to trial in January (See “Blaine takes Lexington to court over water system,” Quad Community Press, Sept. 27, 2022).
“While we have always been confident in the City’s understanding of this issue, today’s ruling affirms the City of Blaine’s position. Blaine is ready to move forward and work with Lexington under the parameters put forth in today’s judgement,” Hayle said.
“As mayor, my top priority is making sure Lexington residents have access to safe, reliable and high-quality water — not just today, but for decades to come,” said Lexington Mayor Mike Murphy.
“Our city staff, engineers and legal counsel have been working diligently for several months to
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• One hundred and fifty-six residents responded to the city’s survey, according to City Administrator Patrick Antonen. Approximately 1,340 surveys were sent out; there was a 12% response rate. Highlights, according to Antonen, included that 86% of respondents rate the appearance of the city as excellent or good; and 65% feel very safe in the city while 32% feel safe. Overall, 90% of respondents felt that the city provides excellent or good-quality services. The city has been collecting responses since 2017, but Antonen said the rate of responses has consistently decreased.
• The city has implemented 10 performance measures and will report the results to its residents following council approval. In 2010, Minnesota Legislature created a Council on Local Results and Innovation, which released a standard set of 10 performance measures for cities that will aid residents, taxpayers and state and local elected officials in determining the efficacy of cities as they provide services, and in measuring residents’ opinions of those services. The city has participated in the program for approximately nine years.
• Mayor Dave Bartholomay announced that the city will host a City Hall garden cleanup on the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m. through August. The garden is situated between City Hall and the Centennial Library.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24.
Madeline Dolby
WEEKLY WAG
explore every option available to us. This is a complex situation, and we’re committed to doing the work necessary to make the best decisions for Lexington’s future,” he said. “I remain hopeful about what lies ahead, and that Lexington and Blaine can continue working together as good neighbors.”
Lexington City Administrator Bill Petracek said the city of Lexington will consult with City Attorney Kurt Glaser to determine the city’s next steps in this process. The council will have that discussion during a closed session on Wednesday, June 18.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Midnight is a middleaged (6-year-old) Labrador retriever mix. He arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas as part of the Lone Star to North Star Program. Midnight is your future shadow and snuggle buddy. He loves his people and he wants to be around them, always! Midnight is an active boy and he especially loves to play fetch. He also enjoys playing with other toys and he likes to play in the kiddie pool. Any playtime suits him well, as long as he is with his people or person. When he’s not playing, he is a snuggler and loves belly rubs.
Midnight is social with other dogs and even cats, and he is friendly to everyone he meets. He knows his basic commands but he is eager to please and he is always willing to learn more. This happy, sweet boy will make a great addition and a wonderful, affectionate and loyal companion to a loving family or partner.
If you are interested in learning more about Midnight 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.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. 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
LINO LAKES TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Zoom
Details: Develop your communication and leaderships skills.
Contact: Phyllis Moore: 763-268-9366
CURRENT EVENTS
18TH ANNUAL WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASSIC AND VINTAGE BOAT SHOW
When: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Where: White Bear Lake Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Display of classic and vintage boats— inboards, outboards, row boats and sailboats. Live fishing as well as nautical market.
Contact: ppinfo@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200
LINO LAKES RECYCLE SATURDAY
When: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Where: Lino Park, 7850 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes
Details: Residents can drop off various items for recycling such as appliances, computer monitors, couches, fluorescent light bulbs, scrap metal and more. There will also be paper shredding available. Contact: Recyclingintern@LinoLakes.us or 651-9822423
DROP-IN NATURE INVESTIGATIONS: BIRDS
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Join a naturalist any time during the session to explore more about a nature topic through hands-on activities and nature artifacts. This drop-in program is open for children with an accompanying adult. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
CAMPFIRE TALKS: OWLS
When: 7-8 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Campground, 73737 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Hosted by Wargo Nature Center. Enjoy
Upcoming Games
Summer Solstice Celebration
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, June 20
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Celebrate the longest day of the year. Try a self-guided activity or join a naturalist for a relaxed walk to see what is happening around Wargo this summer. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
a naturalist-led presentation around a roaring campfire to learn about a new topic.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
WILD WONDERS
When: 9 a.m.-noon Monday, June 23- Thursday, June 26
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Journey through the woods, prairies and wetlands to find the biggest and littlest wonders. Program suitable for ages 4 to 5. Registration required. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
WHIMSICAL WIGS WORKSHOP
When: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
Where: Centennial Library 100 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines
Details: Create beautiful yarn wigs for children with cancer or who are experiencing hair loss. No crafting experience necessary. Registration is required.
Contact: Whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com
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
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Top 5 at PressPubs.com:
Week of June 8 – 14, 2025
Editor’s note: Visit www.presspubs.com to read the full versions of these most-visited stories
1. White Bear Police seeks help locating missing teen. White Bear Press > News
2. Endeavor Development adjusts Park 35E project. White Bear Press > News
3. White Bear Township resident required to prove citizenship. White Bear Press > News
4. Highway 97 closure in Forest Lake begins. Citizen > Briefs
5. Bear catchers Eckerle, Kotzmacher are finalists for state awards. White Bear Press > Sports
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OPINION
Celebrations
It has been a jam-packed couple of weeks following our son Kellen’s graduation from high school, graduation parties and finishing up state championship games.
The Mahtomedi boys baseball team and girls flag football team both won their state tournaments this past week. The Centennial girls flag football team also made it to the state semifinals. How amazing is it to have winning teams around us. Girls high school flag football was a new sport this spring, with around 110 teams launched with the support of the Minnesota Vikings. According to the team’s website, girls flag football is the fastest-growing emerging high school sport in the nation. The state tournament was held at the Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in Eagan. Flag football utilizes a 50 yard field, allowing two games to be played at a time.
Publisher’s View
The Mahtomedi girls had an undefeated season. We have heard that the team photos will be displayed in the TCO building.
I confess we missed seeing the baseball team win at Target Field in person. We were at a graduation party when it was announced that they won, and the entire group erupted with applause and cheers. There were also significant successes among our boys and girls high school golf and track athletes at the state meets this week.
It is so fun celebrating with friends and family in this round of amazing graduation parties. Several of the picture displays at grad parties included articles clipped from The Press, which was also fun to see. Many of the families we know, like ours, have the youngest kid graduating and heading off to college. We hope these friendships will continue as we all try navigating the “empty nest” that is coming up quickly.
We also celebrated Derrek Skeie’s milestone birthday, Sean Wagner’s retirement and Flag Day over the weekend. Our daughter’s birthday is on Flag Day. Every year since she was born, I have lined our driveway or the boulevard with mini flags. Early in elementary school she wanted her birthday parties to be flag-themed. In first grade, she requested everyone at her party sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” instead of “Happy Birthday.” Abbey still enjoys planning parties around a theme, complete with decorations and sometimes T-shirts that she designs.
I enjoy seeing the flags displayed along the streets throughout our communities. I’m thankful for the Rotary Club, American Legion, VFW and others who take on the dedication to uphold and honor the flag.
This year’s Flag Day turned tragic with the assassination of a Minnesota legislator and her husband, and attempted assissination of another lawmaker and his wife. There were also political protests throughout our communities. I have often written about the courage and personal sacrifice it takes to run for elected office, from state and federal-level positions to city council and school board members. Our democracy at all levels is dependent on the debate of political differences in a peaceful and respectful way. Violence can never be tolerated. With the 4th of July ahead, dust off your decorations and get your flag out in full force.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
GGrowing garlic: Tips and tricks
arlic, as you may guess, is closely related to chives, onions and shallots. It does, however, have its own unique place in folklore, and in our kitchens.
Garlic bulbs planted last fall will start to send up long green shoots in early spring, looking a bit like their onion cousins, except garlic’s leaves are flat. This is a good time to top dress your garlic with nitrogen, but avoid adding nitrogen after the first week or so of May.
Here are some further tips for growing and harvesting garlic successfully:
• Mulch around your young plants with clean straw to help hold moisture in and prevent weeds. Garlic has a shallow root system, which means it can dry out more quickly than plants with deeper roots. Aim for one inch of water a week. Inadequate or inconsistent watering can lead to smaller, and sometimes
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deformed, bulbs. Overwatering can cause bulb rot.
• Weeds can also interfere with bulb growth so remove them early. Keep any cultivation shallow as injury to the bulb can lead to disease. Some garlic varieties will develop scapes, a flowering stalk with a tiny garlic bulb (the seed) on the end. Removing scapes can increase the size of the bulbs by sending energy to the garlic head instead of the seed.
• Bonus! You have several options for using scapes, which you will want to remove when the green stems have one or two curls. Try steaming or sautéing them. As they are garlic seeds, keep some of the larger ones to plant in the fall. Any remaining scapes can be composted.
• To promote drying of the papery wrap around the bulbs, stop watering about two weeks before harvest, which will start in late June or July in Minnesota. This depends on the variety of garlic and growing conditions. The rule of thumb is to harvest when 30-40% of the lower leaves have turned brown and the garlic fills its whole skin. You can see if it’s ready by pulling a bulb and
cutting it in half. As with carrots, you’ll dig/pull up the whole plant, bulb and shoot, and shake off the excess dirt. Garlic you plan to eat now can be trimmed and cleaned, being careful to leave the skin on until used. The rest of your harvested garlic can be cured and stored, so leave both roots and green shoots on the bulb. Curing is the process of drying the outer wrapper on the bulb without drying the cloves within. To do this, hang your garlic or lay it out on drying racks for a few weeks. Either way, good air circulation and indirect light are important. The shoots, roots, and cover on the bulb will turn brown and dry. Properly stored and cured garlic can last for several months. Store garlic in a cool, dark place, as light can cause it to sprout. Choose a few of the larger, firm bulbs (or scapes) to plant in the Fall for next year’s harvest! For more information on this and other plant topics, go to https:// extension.umn.edu/vegetables/ growing-garlic
Linda Moll is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.
QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m.
Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Carter Johnson
2 local authors help write 40-day devotional book
Longtime Lino Lakes resident Lori Anderson and Blaine resident Annette Beseman decided to form a writing group with Dawn Rogers, of Fridley, Janell Giesler from Afton and Lori Waite Whitaker from South Carolina after meeting during an online workshop entitled, “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” in November 2021. The workshop was hosted by Christos Center for Spiritual Formation in Lino Lakes.
After two years of meeting together, the group decided to collaborate on devotional book titled, “Unleash your pen: Read, reflect, and write to connect with God.” The book encourages readers to use the spiritual practice of writing to connect with God.
Recently, Press Publications sat down with Anderson and Beseman to learn more about them and their book.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Anderson: I am a recently retired nursing professor from the University of Northwestern St. Paul School of Nursing in Roseville, where I taught community and population-based care services (public health nursing) for the past 11 years! I also co-taught a variety of other nursing courses and supervised students in clinical settings. My previous nursing career focused on communityoriented nursing positions, including faith community nursing. I’ve lived in Lino Lakes for over 32 years. My husband and I raised our two sons here and now enjoy spending time with them and their families, who live in the northern suburbs. We have two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren aged 3 1/2 and under. My husband and I love to camp, garden and ride bikes, we serve on the prayer team at our church. I’m a voracious reader and I’ve kept journals for years.
Beseman: I retired four years ago after a career in business management. The last 26 years of my career were spent as director of administration at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley. As a single person, I have the privilege of being actively involved in the lives of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. I enjoy reading, music, cooking and spending time with friends.
Q. What inspired you to want to help write “Unleash Your Pen: Read, Reflect, and Write to Connect with God”?
Anderson: We all met at an online webinar entitled, “Writing as a Spiritual Practice,” offered by Christos Center for Spiritual Formation in Lino Lakes. Following the webinar, some of us decided to form our own writing group to continue to practice writing and build relationships with other writers. Five of us emerged as the core group and we began meeting twice a month in January of 2022. After two years of meeting together, we noticed that our writing prompts developed into material that fit into the devotional genre. We researched writing devotionals and began to use a devotional format. From there, we began reading and critiquing each other’s devotionals, fine-tuning them until we had a manuscript comprised of 40 devotionals: eight devotionals each from five authors.
Beseman: After spending nearly two years with our co-authors sharing our writing and encouraging one another, Lori Anderson made the comment at one of our meetings that we had a lot of good material that would be worth sharing, and that we should write a book. At first, I didn’t take it seriously, but she was serious, so I had to rethink and ultimately was excited to be part of something that I had always dreamed about doing.
Q. What was your experience like working with multiple authors on the book?
Anderson: We started our writer’s group by building relationships and trust with one another. We prayed with and for one another from the beginning. This was
foundational to our writing process going forward. Each co-author brought a unique perspective from their life experiences. It takes time to consider all opinions and reach a consensus. This is particularly true during the myriad of decisions required once the publishing process begins.
Beseman: Honestly, it was challenging at times to make decisions as a group and to keep our timeline, as this wasn’t anyone’s full-time job. But ultimately, I can’t imagine ever doing this alone. We were all first-time authors, so it took our collective knowledge and connections to navigate the publishing process. We had developed a community over the years of meeting together that provided a great foundation of trust to work together effectively.
Q. How did you choose the themes and topics for each devotion?
Anderson: We wrote based on the writing prompts shared as each of us took turns leading our meetings. We wrote from our life experiences and the things that mattered most to us regarding our individual relationships with Jesus.
Beseman: Over the initial two years of meeting together we would each write in response to prompts provided by the meeting facilitator. The same prompt could generate completely different responses from each of us. We were each to contribute eight devotions to the book. Since our writing came out of our personal experiences, some of my devotions centered on caregiving for my elderly parents, who have since both passed. I wrote in search of hope in the midst of a difficult time. Janell Geisler writes beautiful poetry and inspired me to take a crack at it. I have enjoyed this powerful way of communicating things with few words, so I included a couple of poems in my selection.
Q. Was there a particular devotion in the book that was hardest—or most personal—for you to write?
Anderson: For me the most personal devotional was “Building a Lasting Legacy,” as I described our family camping experiences over the decades and how we desire to pass our foundational faith and values on to our children and grandchildren.
Beseman: The devotion called “An Unexpected Answer,” was most difficult to write. As my parents aged and became more and more incapacitated, it was difficult to understand why God would not just take them home and relieve their suffering. This devotion is an honest processing of this question with God.
Q. Who is the intended audience? What do you hope they take away from the book?
Anderson: Our intended audience is really anyone who wants to grow closer to God and is willing to try a new spiritual practice to do so — specifically, women 35-65 years of age. We desire to help people rediscover the power that writing has to heal, transform and deepen the faith of the person practicing this spiritual discipline. It is for those who have never written before and those who desire to do so.
Beseman: Broadly, our audience would be anyone who wants to connect with God on a deeper level. But specifically, we are using the devotions to encourage people
to write or “unleash their pens” as a way of processing thoughts and connecting with God. People may be new to writing or already have a developed writing habit that could be used for a new purpose.
Q. How do you hope readers will interact with this book—daily, weekly?
Anderson: As a 40-day journal, it can be used as a small group study where members can read, reflect and write prior to meeting as a group and share what they learned. Anyone can benefit from going through the book individually, or at special times during the year, such as the Lenten season.
Beseman: Every person has a different rhythm that works for them. It can be used daily, weekly, monthly … any way the reader chooses. We did choose 40 days to accommodate someone reading through it during the 40 days of Lent.
Q. What advice would you give someone new to daily devotionals?
Anderson: Take your time and make it work for you and your needs. Schedule a place and a time to use the devotional, but don’t worry about skipping some days, especially during the summer months. Committing to working through it with a friend, or as a group, will help keep you accountable to the process of working through it.
Beseman: I would say to not be intimidated by the word “daily.” Take as much time as you need or have each day to read, reflect and write. Some days you will have no time. Some days you will have extended time. Don’t quit if you can’t keep a daily routine.
Q. Do you have any other published work?
Anderson: I have two academic published works, “Population-Based Public Health Clinical Manual: The Henry Street Model for Nurses” and “Faith Community Nurses’ Impact on Family Caregivers.”
Beseman: No, this is my first!
Q. Aside from writing, what do you like to spend your time doing?
Anderson: I love nature, and if I’m not reading or spending time with my grandchildren, you’ll find me walking the trails near my home or spending time with my husband at our favorite camping spots in Minnesota.
Beseman: I enjoy reading, Bible studies, journaling, cooking, time with friends and family.
“Unleash your pen: Read, reflect, and write to connect with God” is available to purchase on Amazon and X.
Q. Where can people find and purchase your book?
Anderson: Watch for our booth at Marketfest in downtown White Bear Lake, beginning June 19 from 6-9 p.m. The book will also be available for sale at various bookstores and boutiques in the north metro area. It is also available on Amazon.
Q. Anything else you want to add?
Anderson: We had several key partnerships which helped bring our book project to completion. Each coauthor had resources from their own circles of influence to enhance the process. We partnered with University of Northwestern St. Paul graphic design student, Madeline Deckert, to design the book cover. Additionally, we worked with the Minnesota Christian Writers Guild to do final editing, typesetting and publishing of the book. Proofreaders, beta readers and a professional editor contributed to the publication process. We are grateful to each one for the gifts each partner contributed to launching our devotional book.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
• Serving Families for more than 115 years
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Lori Anderson Annette Beseman
CONTRIBUTED
The Cafesjian Art Trust is accepting applications for teens 16 through 19 to join its Teen Council.
Centennial Library hosts patchwork silk pin class
Learn how to stitch a tiny, improvised patchwork of iridescent silk scraps from 4:45-6:45 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Centennial Library. Add a pin back and finish with a wool border to create a stained-glass window effect. Textile artist Becka Rahn will lead the class. The class is suitable for those 16 years or older. The Centennial Library is located at 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines. The library is part of the Anoka County Library system. For more information, visit www.anokacountymn. gov/2586/CentennialLibrary.
Join the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum Teen Council
The Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum is currently accepting applications for its Teen Council. Participants will gain valuable firsthand experience working directly with museum staff. Participants will learn what goes into curating museum exhibitions, developing and leading museum programs and creating social media posts for museums. Applicants must be high school students between the ages of 16-19 years old. Applications can be found online at cafesjianarttrust.org/ education-programs and are due by Saturday, June 21.
• Longtime resident Megan Helling has asked the City Council to adopt a humane pet store ordinance. Helling and her family bought a puppy, Monty, from a metro area pet store. Within six months of the purchase, Monty began to experience seizures and was diagnosed with early onset hip dysplasia. Helling said that, as of right now, no pet stores in Lino Lakes sell puppies or kittens. Enacting a humane pet store ordinance would be preventative. A second Lino Lakes resident, Cindy Ojcyzk, also asked the council to consider passing a humane pet store ordinance. Ojcyzk said the ordinance would protect the community from unethical operations, affirm the community’s values of compassion and provide transparency.
• Chief of Police Curt Boehme presented the council with the police department retention and recruitment plan. In April 2025, Citygate Associates provided the city with the results of its operational study, which included 34 recommendations for the police department to consider for implementation. Police staff reviewed the study and developed a phased implementation plan that included retention
Patriotic flag etiquette
BY BOB KROMINGA AND SARA MCFEE SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
Parades
It’s the beginning of the parade season, and not everyone may be aware of the proper flag etiquette for parades. This is how you honor the flag of our country and pay your respect as it passes.
It’s appropriate to salute only the first American flag as it passes by. It is typically carried by an honor guard. Saluting
the American flag carried by other groups in the parade is appropriate but not required to show respect.
If a flag is carried by an honor guard or in a group with other flags, stand up and pay respect to the flag. To show your respect:
• Stand up
• Stop your conversation
• Remove your hat
• Place your right hand over your heart or
• Salute if you are a military veteran.
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• The council approved license renewals for Carbone’s, Curious Crow, Pancho’s Taqueria and Café, Cowboy Saloon and Boulevard Bar and Grille.
• The council approved a new business license for Affordable Plumbing Solutions LLC.
• Construction of the new Chipotle located in the Northway Shopping Center is now underway (See “Council approves first step towards Chipotle Lexington,” Quad
Community Press, April 11, 2025).
• The council accepted the 2025 audit report. Highlights included a 1% increase to the city’s liquor fund, improvements in the storm fund cash deficit since 2023, and interest continues to accrue in the Lovell Road fund.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at City Hall.
Hannah Testa
and recruitment strategies. Boehme said that included in the plan are temporary hiring practices. These practices include offering a $5,000 one-time hiring bonus for lateral police officers, with $2,500 to be paid at the start of employment and the remaining $2,500 to be paid upon the successful completion of the new officer training program; establishing two sergeant positions to provide 24-hour supervision when staffing levels support the change; establishing two lieutenant positions when staffing levels support the change; and more. The plan was approved by the council in a simple majority vote.
• The council has approved the preliminary plat for a Chipotle and a Pacific Dental office to be built as part of the Java Lino Lakes 2.0 Second Addition proposed by Java Companies (See “Lino Retail 2.0: Residents raise concerns about proposed businesses,” Quad Community Press, Nov. 19, 2024).
• Arndt Construction Inc. of Hugo will be responsible for the construction of Test Well No. 7B after the council accepted its quote of approximately $48,520 and awarded Arndt Construction with the project contract. Well No. 7B will replace existing Well No. 2, which has not been in service due to poor water quality. City Engineer Diane Hankee
CENTENNIAL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
MILK/MISC. DAIRY PRODUCTS
DATE AND TIME OF BID OPENING
Monday, June 30th, 2025, 2:00 P.M.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received by Independent School District 12 at the Nutrition Services Office at 399 Elm Street, Circle Pines, MN 55014, until June 30th at 2:00 p.m. at which time all bids will be opened and read publicly. Bids are being invited on the purchase of milk and related products for District 12 school. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the district and be in accordance with specifications. The district reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. All Bids are to be addressed to the Director of Nutrition Services and be properly identified with the inscription: MILK/MISC.DAIRY PRODUCTS BID.
Tara Malinski, Food Service Director
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 12
Nutrition Services Office 399 Elm Street, Circle Pines, MN 55014
Published two times in the Quad Community Press on June 10 and 17, 2025.
CITY OF LINO LAKES
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 10-25 TO REZONE CERTAIN REAL
PROPERTY FROM R, RURAL TO PUD, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR WILKINSON WATERS ADDITION
The City Council of Lino Lakes ordains: Section 1. The Lino Lakes City Code Chapter 1007: Zoning Code
Teach your children to respect our nation’s flag. If they are given a small flag, please do not throw it on the ground.
Ceremonies If the National Anthem is sung, follow the same guidelines as above.
When Taps is played, also follow the same guidelines.
Thank you for showing your respect for our country and its symbols of patriotism.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
15-year-old boy identified as victim of Blaine mall shooting
According to the Blaine Police Department, the decedent in the Friday, June 6, death investigation at Northtown Mall in the city of Blaine has been identified as Sudais Abdi Omar, 15, of Brooklyn Park. Authorities were called to the mall on the report of shots being fired in the parking lot. When authorities arrived, they found Omar suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
During the investigation, authorities learned that three men were reportedly seen fleeing from the scene following the shooting. According to the Blaine Police Department, Ayub Abdullahi Mohamed, 20, has been taken into custody related to the investigation for aiding an offender. He has not been formally charged.
The incident remains under investigation by the Blaine Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. No further information is available at this time.
said the new test and production well will be located at the Lino Lakes Water Treatment Plant site on Birch Street, eliminating the need for a pumphouse and reducing the length of raw watermain needed to connect the well to the treatment plant. The completion for this project is Aug. 29. Funding for the project is through the area and unit trunk fund.
• RJM Construction will be responsible for preparing plans and specifications for the construction of the new public works building following council approval. The project fee, according to Community Development Director Michael Grochala, is approximately $1.069 million. The council also amended a contract with Oertel Architects to retain Design Tree as a subconsultant to complete civil engineering and surveying services. Grochala said the contract amendment is in the amount of $88,000.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 23, followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
ordinance is available at City Hall or on the City’s website at https://linolakes. us/163/City-Code-Zoning-Ordinances Rob Rafferty, Mayor ATTEST: Roberta Colotti, CMC, City Clerk
Published one time in the Quad Community Press on June 17,
Madeline Dolby
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• Officers arrested a male June 4 in the 1900 block of Cardinal Drive in Centerville on an outstanding warrant.
• Officers responded June 5 to a traffic complaint at the intersection of 20th Avenue North and Deer Pass Drive in Centerville.
• Police conducted a traffic stop June 5 at the intersection of Lake Drive and Village Parkway in Circle Pines. The driver was arrested and charged with DWI.
• Police observed a traffic violation June 5 at the intersection of Woodland Road and South Highway Drive in Lexington. The driver was cited.
• Police received found property June 7 in the 1800 block of Quebec Street in Centerville, which was later returned to the owner.
• Police responded June 8 to an ongoing neighbor dispute in the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Officers took a walk-in report June 9 of fraud that occurred in the 0 block of Center Road in Circle Pines.
• Police stopped a suspicious vehicle June 10 in the 9200 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.
• Officers were dispatched June 10 to a report of a suspicious package in the 700 block of Dupre Road in Centerville.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reports the following selected incidents:
• An officer responded June 3 to a call of a deceased animal in the 400 block of Birch Street. The office removed the animal from the road.
• An officer responded June 3 to a report of a neighbor dispute over damaged property in the 6300 block of Ware Road. The property owner did not want to file criminal charges and requested officers speak with the other involved party.
• An officer responded June 3 to a report of a road rage incident in the 100 block of Elm Street involving two parties. The officer spoke with both parties and determined the actions were mutually aggressive. Both parties were advised of safer ways to handle a traffic complaint.
• An officer responded June 3 to a juvenile shelter
in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue regarding an abandoned juvenile. The juvenile was admitted to the shelter and the case file was forwarded to the Anoka County Attorney’s Office to consider charges.
• An officer spoke with a resident June 4 at the police station in the 7200 block of Whippoorwill Lane about a text message scam. The resident was advised to delete the message and report it as spam. The resident did not suffer any loss.
• An officer received information June 5 regarding threats that were made between two juveniles in the 300 block of Elm Street. Both involve juveniles and their parents were contacted and advised of the statements. Criminal charges are not being pursued at this time.
• Officers responded June 5 to a personal injury crash at the intersection of Main Street and Interstate 35E between a vehicle and a bicycle. One adult was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
• Officers served an order for protection on an individual June 6 in the 7200 block of Fall Drive. The individual left the protected residence without incident.
• An officer responded June 6 to a report of an animal complaint in the 6500 block of White Oak Road. The officer advised the complainant to give the animal space and that it would return to nature.
• Officers responded June 6 to a delayed report of domestic assault in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. Officers identified a suspect and sent out an alert for his arrest. The suspect was later arrested.
• An officer responded June 6 to a local business regarding a report of suspicious activity in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The officer investigated and determined no crime had occurred.
• Officers were dispatched June 6 to assist with the removal of personal property from a residence in the 7200 block of Fall Drive that they were permitted to remove by court order. The property was successfully removed.
• An officer responded June 7 to a noise complaint in the 7100 block of Ivy Ridge Court. The office investigated and found the disturbance was from juveniles. The officer advised the juveniles to quiet down for the evening.
• Officers responded June 7 to a report of an
ERICKSON DEVELOPMENT: ‘Traffic consistent with Watermark’
Larsen explained that for lowdensity mixed residential land use, the city requires three to four net units per acre (upa). The developer is proposing 3.15 net upa, which is consistent with city code.
Osakis Street, which is part of the Watermark development, will be extended to the north through the Erickson Property. There will be 60 feet of right of way dedicated along 20th Avenue. The city will install a trail at a future date.
“There will be a sidewalk on the west side. A temporary cul-de-sac will be at the north end until there is future development of the parcel to the north, and that road will connect,” Larsen said.
Ninety significant trees were noted on site. Thirteen trees will be preserved. The preliminary plat shows that 12 trees will be removed within the site of the stormwater pond. Larsen said this means 12 mitigation trees will be required. A double row of triangulated trees will be planted along the stormwater pond. A traffic study was performed as part of the developer’s application. The analysis was based on all 14 lots.
According to Larsen, single-family detached housing units average 9.43 trips per dwelling unit per day. She said a 14-lot subdivision would generate approximately 132 daily trips.
“This traffic was analyzed with the overall Watermark development … this Erickson Property was included in that, and this development is consistent with the Watermark traffic study,” Larsen said.
Board Member Neil Evenson asked why the city decided to handle the installation of the future trail, rather than the developer. Larsen explained that the park dedication fees obtained from the development would not be enough to pay for it. Instead, the developer will be responsible for grading the area where the trail will go.
“More than likely, we’ll be able to use some of the funds from the Watermark development to help finish the trail connection,” Larsen said.
The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 5-0. The preliminary plat will be presented to the City Council at a future date.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
animal complaint violation in the 2000 block of 21st Avenue South. Officers spoke with both parties and gave a verbal warning regarding the violation.
• Officers responded June 7 to a report of a suspicious individual at a local business in the 8000 block of Lake Drive. The individual left without further incident.
• Officers responded June to a phone call fraud report in the 100 block of Stallion Lane. Officers documented the incident, and the complainant will contact their bank to check on recent activity.
• An officer responded June 8 to a harassment complaint in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The officer documented the complaint, and the victim was provided resources regarding protection orders. The suspect was advised to cease further contact.
• An officer responded June 8 to a report of a panhandler at a local church in the 100 block of Elm Street. The male was advised he could not panhandle on church property.
• Officers responded June 8 to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 7700 block of Lake Drive. One party reported minor injuries, and one vehicle was towed from the scene.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding June 8 in the 1200 block of Main Street. The driver was subsequently arrested for a canceled driver’s license inimical to public safety.
• An officer responded June 8 to a report of a found dog in the 6400 block of Fawn Lane. The dog did not have a tag identifying the owner and was brought to a local animal hospital.
• Officers responded June 8 to a report of suspicious activity in the 2000 block of Palm Street. Officers checked the area and located five males having a water gun fight. No crime occurred and the males were told to go home.
• Officers responded June 8 to a phone call reporting property damage in the 7100 block of Ivy Ridge Lane. The investigation is ongoing.
• An officer spoke with a resident June 9 about suspicious activity happening at a residence in the 0 block of Elm Street. The officer investigated and determined there was insufficient evidence of a crime and documented the information in a police report.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Abiding Branches Cooperative Preschool finds new home
Abiding Branches Cooperative (ABC) Preschool has moved locations. The preschool will now be located at Lino Lakes Community Church starting in the fall. Previously, ABC preschool was located at Living Waters Lutheran Church.
Lino Lakes Community Church is located at 7730 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes. For more information about ABC Preschool, visit www. abidingbranches.org.
Kelly’s Korner Bar under new ownership
As of Monday, June 16, Kelly’s Korner Bar will be under new ownership. For over 14 years, Vicki and Jeff Byrne have owned the bar. Kelly’s Korner Bar is located at 7098 Centerville Road, Centerville.
BluePearl Pet Hospital in Blaine offers new program
BluePearl Pet Hospital in Blaine has launched a new program for pet owners, BluePearl Pet Hospice. The service is designed to keep pets approaching the end of their lives comfortable before they cross the rainbow bridge.
BluePearl Pet Hospice provides in-home care that allows pets to enjoy their final days in comfort surrounded by a familiar environment. For pets located in cities where BluePearl Pet Hospice is not available, BluePearl also offers virtual quality-of-life consultations. The hospice program will also offer Comfort Care, a program for families with pets that are living with chronic or terminal disease. Comfort Care places focus on the pet’s comfort and quality of life, while also taking into consideration the family’s goals for care. The program provides partnership to help families navigate pain and disease management, while also offering services to support their pet’s mobility.
To learn more about the hospice program, visit bluepearlvet.com/ pethospice.
CONTRIBUTED
Abiding Branches Cooperative Preschool will now be located at Lino Lakes Community Church, 7730 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes.
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EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
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S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
I C E D I R E C T O R Y
4 Cougars reap 6 medals
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Four Centennial athletes collected a total of six medals in the Class 3A track meet, held Tuesday (preliminaries and a few finals) and Thursday, the latter in a constant cold rain, at St. Michael-Albertville. The top nine get medals.
Cougar sophomore Reginae Tandoh placed third in the 100 dash in 25.09, behind two St. Michael-Albertville runners. Tandoh placed ninth in the 100 in 12.33. Her prelim times Tuesday were 25.23 and 12.31.
Gavin Moore, Cougar senior, took fourth in the 200 dash in 21.82 Thursday. His prelims time Tuesday was 22.01.
Kylie Nelson closed a stellar career as a distance runner with seventh-place finishes in the 3200 in 10:48.05 Tuesday and the 1600 Thursday in 5:00.31. The North Dakota State recruit beat her section times of 10:57 and 5:01.08.
distinguished career with two seventh-place medals.
Nelson made all-state in cross country twice with 11th and 13th place finishes. She qualified for state in the 1600 and 3200 last year and didn’t place in the top nine but got on the podium twice this year.
Owen Carter, a sophomore, placed sixth in discus with 156-1 on Thursday. His section qualifying throw was 159-11.
6 Cougars on allNWSC list in boys lacrosse
The Centennial boys lacrosse team had six allconference picks after a 10-4 season including 7-1 in the Northwest Suburban.
They are senior Gavin Krage (midfield) and Solomon Marshall (attack); junior Gavin Cunningham (attack); and sophomores David Moran (midfield), Matthew Frost (defense), and Isaac Adams (midfield).
Frost made first-team all-section. Named to the second team were Cunningham, Moran, Krage, Reed Helgerson and Kellen Searles.
Scoring leaders (goals-assist-points) were Cunningham (40-17-57), Krage (36-12-48), Marshall (26-16-42), Adams (22-18-40) and Moran (21-9-30).
Ground ball leaders were Moran with 80, Cunningham 48, Marshall 42, Nolan Larson 37, Searles 36, Adams 36, and Lars Goernitz 32. Caused Turnover leaders were Frost with 33, Searles 24, Traxton Becker 24, Helgerson 15, Goernitz 13, and Larson 13.
MSHSL | CONTRIBUTED
Kylie Nelson closed her
Bruce Strand
Centennial girls flag football has strong finish
team
a strong season, finishing 13-2. Last week, the girls were able to make it to the State Semifinals. The
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Taylor Thor watched her putt on the final hole of the first round Tuesday.
Thor grinds out 17th place at state
Taylor Thor of Centennial capped a strong sophomore golf season with a 17th-place finish among 88 qualifiers in the state Class 3A tournament.
Thor shot 81 on Tuesday for 23rd place and 77 on Wednesday to move up six spots with a 158 total at Bunker Hills. That strong finish earned all-state status for Thor. She moved up 31 spots from her 48th place finish with 167 as a freshman.
“Thirty-six holes can be a long grind, or a fun game, and these two days were both for Taylor,” observed Cougar coach Nicole Christensen. “I’m proud that she really worked through the mental aspects of the rounds and continued to learn from every shot.”
Brady Zins, another Cougar sophomore state qualifier, was off his game Wednesday and finished 86th. Zins, who shot 77-72-149 on the same course at the sectional, opened with 78 Tuesday and slipped to 93 Wednesday to finish with 171.
Bruce Strand
O’Connell, 500-strikeout hurler, heads Cougar SB honors list
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Riley O’Connell earned her fourth all-conference honor, heading a list of five honorees from the Centennial softball team after the Cougars captured the Northwest Suburban title with an 11-1 record.
The Cougars were 17-8 overall and Section 5AAAA runnersup. Impressive team statistics included 124 stolen bases and 18 home runs.
O’Connell, senior pitcher, posted a 10-5 record with 134 strikeouts in 109 innings and a 0.96 earned run average. She hit .286 with 11 walks and seven RBI’s. In her career, the Northern State recruit had a 37-24 record in 427 innings with a 1.28 earned run average. She notched her 500th strikeout late in the season and finished with 518. Also all-conference were
STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Riley O’Connell was named all-NWSC for the fourth time.
Peyton Corbin, senior outfielder (second time); Adison Border, senior second baseman; Kendall Cochran, sophomore shortstop (second time); and Maddy Abernathy, senior third baseman. Grace Nickle,
sophomore first baseman, got honorable mention. Named to all-section were Nickle, Abernathy and O’Connell. Border hit .351 with five home runs, 20 RBI’s, 18 runs and 15for-16 on stolen bases. Cochran hit .312 with seven homers, three triples, and two doubles for a .766 slugging percentage, 15 walks, 22-for-22 on steals, 24 RBI’s and 26 runs. Nickle hit .291 with 12 RBI’s and two homers. Abernathy hit .281 with 10 RBI’s and was 7-for-7 on steals. Corbin hit .276 with six doubles, a triple, 20 runs, 12 RBI’s and 23-for-25 on steals. Alaina Franco, designated runner, was 23-for-24 on steals with 15 runs and went 4-for-10 at bat.
Kendal Saffert, freshman No. 2 pitcher, was 5-2 with 51 strikeouts in 43 innings and a 1.78 earned-run-average.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Gavin Moore capped a strong career as a sprinter on the Cougar track team with a fourth-place finish in the 200 dash at the state meet with a personal best 21.82. Moore was Northwest Suburban champion in 21.84 and placed second in Section 5AAA in 22.05. He also anchored a 4x200 team that qualified for state. As a junior, Moore was third in the conference, second in the section and 13th at state in the 200.
The Centennial girls flag football
had
at TCO Stadium.
BRUCE
COMMUNITY BRIEF
The significance of Juneteenth and its celebrations
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Its significance can be traced back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, announcing to enslaved African Americans that they were officially free following the end of the Civil War. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated through a variety of events, including parades, family gatherings, religious services and educational-themed events, often featuring food, music and dancing. Some of these celebrations include eating various redcolored foods, such as barbecue, red velvet cake and strawberry pie. The color represents the blood shed by enslaved people in their fight for freedom and the resilience they demonstrated during the process. Additionally, most governmentrelated buildings and services will be closed in honor of Juneteenth.
To find out how your city is celebrating Juneteenth, visit your local city website for information on upcoming events and celebrations.
1. A backyard bunny is spotted in Lino Lakes resident LeAnn Michael’s backyard. This one appears to be losing its winter coat. —LeAnn Michael, contributed.
2. Cedar waxwings: A group of cedar waxwings is spotted in the treetops in Lino Lakes. —LeAnn Michael, contributed.
3. Noah Pineault is sworn in as an officer in the Centennial Lakes Police Department by Chief of Police James Mork. — Contributed.