Warm weather cuts winter activities short
Despite the unseasonably warm weather, anglers can still be found out on the ice waiting for something to bite their lines. The warm weather has deteriorated many public water accesses and prompted thin-ice warnings for some bodies of water. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice in various parts of the state this month.
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Every year at the beginning of March, daylight saving time will spring our clocks forward an hour, depriving us of an extra hour of sleep and taking away the opportunity to be exposed to sunlight during the earlier part of our day.
“When we move to daylight savings time and everything is pushed back an hour, it affects us in the morning and in the evening,” said Dr. Akinbolaji Akingbola, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
According to Akingbola, standard time is ideal for sleep due to the earlier evenings and the earlier sunrise. Standard time is observed for approximately four months, running from the first Sunday in November to the second Sunday in March.
“With the later daylight, we tend to stay up later so we have more difficulty falling asleep in the evening because of the extra hours of sunlight,” Akingbola said. “With the later sunlight, that also impacts us negatively in terms of waking up and being more alert.”
Akingbola said that studies show the switch to daylight saving time is associated with an increase in morning accidents due to decreased alertness and vigilance, whether from sleep deprivation or traveling in the dark.
The change in time can also lead to increased cardiovascular incidents within the first days or weeks after the shift. SEE DAYLIGHT SAVING
Lino Lakes takes over as ditch authority from watershed
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
LINO
LAKES —
Lino Lakes has asked the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) to transfer management authority of portions of Anoka County Ditch (ACD) 55 to the city. The specific portion requested for transfer is known as Branch 8. The segment of the ditch proposed for transfer lies entirely within Lino Lakes, east of Centerville. According to a report created by Chris
Otterness, a professional engineer at Houston Engineering, the well drains west from the northeast quarter of Section 24, Township 31, Range 22 in Anoka County, crosses Interstate 35E and ends with its connection to the main trunk of ACD 55.
The total length of the proposed transfer is approximately 4,600 feet.
Toni Schmidt, drainage and facilities manager at Houston Engineering, said the watershed district will
still manage the remaining portions of ACD 55, including its main trunk.
According to Schmidt, under the transfer, Lino Lakes will have the authority to modify or replace Branch 8’s system at its own discretion, but the city is still subject to local, state and federal rules, including RCWD rules.
“The city would inspect and maintain Branch 8 of the drainage system. It would manage it under its municipal authorities, rather than under
M.S. 103E,” Schmidt said.
M.S.103E.812 refers to the state’s statutes for drainage projects that affect state land or water areas used for conservation. The city will still be obligated to manage the drainage system to meet the needs of upstream landowners.
According to Otterness, the city and private developers will likely replace most of Branch 8 with urban stormwater infrastructure (storm sewer, open channels and ponds) to accommodate future
development in the area.
“The alignment and makeup of the system will likely change due to development. This is one of the instigating factors in the city’s request to be transferred management of the drainage system,” Schmidt added. “They have an upcoming proposed project to extend Otter Lake Road … It would cross Branch 8 at least once, maybe multiple times.”
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes.
Contact: 651- 783-0055
LINO LAKES TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Zoom
Details: Develop your communication and leaderships skills. Contact: Phyllis Moore: 763-268-9366
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 5; and the 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
CURRENT EVENTS
ONCE UPON A STORY TIME: ANIMALS IN YOUR BACKYARD
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Themed story book reading and craft for kids ages 2+ with an adult. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
COUNTY BRIEF
Anoka County Library hosts virtual class
The Anoka County Library will host a virtual class titled “Beginner Canva-Graphic Design for Business” from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Those who attend will learn Canva’s tools for editing photos and images, creating logos and designing websites. There will also be an opportunity to explore Canva templates, including social media and business card templates. To register, visit anokacounty.libcal.com/ event/15550326.
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST: PHENOLOGY
When: 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino
Lakes
Details: Bring your lunch and learn. Listen to a naturalist present on a local natural or cultural history topic and possibly go on a relaxing stroll on the trails.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
NATURE PLAY: MAPLES
When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, March 5
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino
Lakes
Details: Experience the wonders of nature with your child through outdoor exploration, play and stories in this parent-child program. Be prepared for the weather. Register through Anoka County Parks. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
FIX-IT CLINIC
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 7
Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N., Forest Lake
Details: Bring broken items and receive free guided assistance with repairs. First come, first served; two item limit.
Contact: washingtoncountymn.gov/3776/Fix-ItClinics
POT O’GOLD BINGO
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7
Where: Cowboy’s Saloon, 9005 S Hwy Drive, Lexington
Details: Play a few rounds of Bingo for a chance to win prizes.
Contact: 763-784-6560 or cowboyssalon.co
WEEKLY WAG
LIFE ON THE RUN: GANGSTERS IN WHITE BEAR LAKE
Details: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St.
Details: Deep dive into the areas most wanted. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
Whimsical Wigs Crafter and Crocheters Night
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3
Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines
Details: Crochet, decorate envelopes, silk flowers and wig packaging. To attend, RSVP to whimsicalwigs@gmail.com
Contact: whimsicalwigs@gmail.com
regular exercise and play time.
Mount Everest is kennel-trained but he enjoys being with his people much more than he does spending time in his crate. He has boundless, silly and joyful energy, and he is certain to provide plenty of smiles and lots of entertainment.
Mount Everest is a loving companion with a big personality and an even bigger heart! He is playful, goofy and very affectionate. Mount Everest is a 2-year-old Husky/ Siberian husky mix. He is social with other dogs, and he is friendly to everyone he meets. He is house-trained, intelligent and playful, and he has a high energy level. Mount Everest is treat-motivated and he is eager to engage. He enjoys walks and exploring outside, and he would do best with a companion or with a family that can provide
Mount Everest is a big, lovable companion who wants to be part of a loving forever family that will provide adventure and fun. If you are interested in learning more about Mount Everest or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.
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
ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
‘I
didn’t want to wake up the dragon’
Afew weeks ago, my alarm to get up for work didn’t go off. The night before, I had forgotten to plug my phone in to charge and it died sometime in the night. Thirty minutes after I was supposed to wake up, my mom hesitantly knocked on my bedroom door, slowly opened it and proceeded to ask me if I had meant to sleep in late.
With my head shoved under a pillow, I mumbled that I had not meant to sleep through my alarm nor sleep in. After she told me I had slept an extra 30 minutes, the grey fog that always seems to fill my brain first thing in the morning disappeared and I rushed through my morning routine to make it to work on time.
As I waited for my coffee to finish brewing, my mom asked how I had managed to oversleep because it was something I had never done before, not even in high school. I simply told her my phone had died and I use the alarm clock feature on my phone to wake me up.
During the conversation, she said “I was a bit hesitant to wake you up. I never know how you’re going to respond… I didn’t want to wake up the dragon.”
For anyone who knows me, I genuinely love to sleep. I also am an extremely hard sleeper. I hate waking up early unless absolutely necessary. And I hate being woken up by someone else.
One night in college, at probably around 2 a.m. the fire alarms in the duplex I lived in started going off unexpectedly. I stumbled out of my bedroom, extremely annoyed by the disruption to my sleep, and was met with my roommates sitting on the living room couch asking how I had just woken up. Apparently, they had been going off since 1 a.m. They were amazed that I didn’t hear them since one was in my bedroom.
My family has learned the hard way not to speak to me right after I wake up. I need time to “thaw” before interacting with those around me. If I don’t, for reasons I still don’t know why, I am extremely defensive and everything annoys me.
They also have learned not to wake me up early unless there is a good reason. My older sister used to wake me up at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning to open presents. When I became a teenager, I became vicious when she woke me up. I remember yelling at her that she could let me sleep for an extra hour because the presents would still be there. You could say that was when the “dragon” was born.
On Sunday, March 8, we will set the clocks back an hour for daylight savings time. My mind is already reeling about the fact I am going to lose an hour of sleep. It won’t affect me for too long, but I do struggle to fall asleep that first week of the time change. I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Akinbolaji Akingbola, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, about the effects daylight savings time has on sleep. He provided a lot of good tips and tricks to help combat the change. You’ll find my full interview with him in this edition of the paper. I hope you find it as insightful as I did. Hopefully his tips and tricks will help tame “the dragon.”
Madeline Dolby is the editor of the Quad Community Press.
OPINION
You can’t have one without the other
Freedom and civil rights are inseparable, and I don’t think we talk about that enough.
I fear freedom has been reduced to a slogan associated with the armed forces. While the armed forces defend our country, the framers of the U.S. Constitution understood lasting personal freedom and liberty comes from strong civil rights protections.
My journey as a civil rights advocate began when I joined the Army National Guard in high school. I enlisted to experience my freedom, as I saw military service as an avenue to expand my horizons outside of my small town, pay for college, travel and meet people different from me. My experiences as a female service member in the Middle East during Desert Storm, in Guatemala and several U.S. states made me keenly aware of the link between freedom and civil rights. I was grateful to live in the U.S. where equality and liberty felt permanent. However, life experiences over the next 30 years erased any naivety that these protections are applied fairly and consistently. They only work when we the people hold each other, our elected representatives and our government accountable.
Civil rights define, protect and enforce the limits on government power. Our civil rights can be found as amendments in the Constitution.
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and
The Bill of Rights protect individual liberties of speech, religion, press, gun rights, due process, fair trials and protection from cruel punishment by limiting government power. Civil rights are essential to freedom as they protect individuals, guarantee equality, enable democracy, safeguard private life, prevent tyranny and support peaceful change.
Having a list of civil rights is great but in the absence of strong protections, freedom under those rights is theoretical. Only when civil right protections are strong is freedom durable and communal. They are not obstacles to order but rather the foundation making a free society possible. The framers of the Constitution understood this. In The Federalist Papers, James Madison argued that freedom cannot survive without legal protection, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” Madison believed people abuse power, majorities can oppress minorities and officials can violate rights. Madison, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson firmly believed that freedom survives only when rights are protected by law, courts and engaged citizens. They designed the Constitution to make civil rights operational, not symbolic and built a system to defend freedom.
Something the framers did not believe was freedom was self-sustaining. Instead, they believed freedom had to be practiced by a virtuous and informed public. Madison warned that free governments collapse when citizens become passive. Power always tries to expand, officials respond to pressure, and silence enables abuse so citizens must
monitor government and speak out. When citizens stop paying attention, rights weaken, even if laws remain on paper.
Protecting our civil rights to live in freedom is our responsibility to each other. Voting is the most basic civic duty and as a volunteer with The League of Women Voters, I believe that all voices be heard at the ballot box. Voting allows citizens to remove officials who violate rights, support civil rights legislation, and shape courts through elections. Low voter participation weakens rights protection.
Defending civil rights can be incorporated into our daily lives to create a culture of liberty. We can challenge discrimination at work, support fair policies at school, question unlawful searches, report misconduct and teach children about rights. Supporting civil liberties organizations, independent media, legal aid groups and community advocates with our time and resources makes a difference. I had the privilege to defend my country by serving in the Army National Guard but now I serve in organizations that advocate for freedom by protecting civil rights. The League of Women Voters understands civil rights survive not because they are written down, but because citizens insist they be honored. Freedom thrives when ordinary people choose to speak up, show up and stand up for the freedom and dignity of one another.
Kim Samrock is a Hugo resident and a member of the League of Women Voters White Bear Lake Area.
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.
Madeline’s Mail
Madeline Dolby
Movers & Shakers
Kim Samrock
letter to Congressman Tom Emmer
Imagine that you have an acquaintance that constantly brags, saying stream-of-consciousness things like Donald Trump freely says all of the time. Would you bring him or her to a gathering of friends, associates, or particularly to meet a group of people that you are trying to impress? If you say “yes,” you are either lying or in desperate need of help.
Yet you, as my elected representative to the U.S. House of Representatives, have resolutely supported Donald Trump when he says the most embarrassing and stupid things on the world stage. Worse, you have been silent or supportive when he has initiated numerous immoral and lawless actions in our name.
It is still not too late for you to end your complicity in the destruction of our country. Please do the right thing and save the United States of America from Donald Trump and the rest of his antiAmerican regime.
LEXINGTON CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• The City Council has appointed Brandon Winge to the vacant council member position. Winge will serve on the council until Dec. 31, 2026. Winge previously served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Lexington Resident Christine Olson asked the council for an update regarding the water treatment issue between the city and Blaine. City Administrator Bill Petracek and Mayor Mike Murphy said negotiations with Blaine are still ongoing and the cities are predicted to reach a resolution by July 1.
• NEO Electrical Solutions will replace the ball field lights in Memorial Park after council accepted its bid of approximately $144,800.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at City Hall.
Hannah Testa
CORRECTION
In the Feb. 24 edition of the Quad Community Press., there was an error in the story titled “Centennial Long-Range Plan: What’s Next.” It should have read “Centennial School District Superintendent Jeff Holmberg.” The Press apologizes for the error.
DITCH AUTHORITY: District approves transfer
Until future development occurs, though, water flow to ACD 55 is physically limited by the capacity of the tile crossings under I-35E.
The design of the new stormwater infrastructure would be in adherence to the Otter Lake Road extension project. According to Henry Meeker, professional engineer at WSB, the city is also looking to construct components of a regional drainage system in accordance with the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (CSMP) prepared by the city of Lino Lakes and approved by the RCWD in 2018.
Included in the regional drainage system is regional wetland floodplain storage, an open conveyance ditch and regional pond with an outlet under I-35E. The drainage system will provide a surface flow outlet for land in the region for the first time since the construction of the Interstate. According to Meeker, the regional system roughly follows the alignment of Branch 8.
When it comes to water quality, Schmidt said the city is subject to NPDES MS4 permit requirements, which requires it to limit pollutants entering the stormwater system. The city is also subject to terms of the CSMP and RCWD rules.
“With all of these requirements, the city does adhere to objectives, with regard to water quality, similar to Rice Creek,” he added.
The RCWB Board of Managers approved the transfer in a 4-0 vote (Board Manager Janet Hegland was absent).
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4071226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
• Centennial Fire District Station No. 1 will now be known as Spring Lake Park—Blaine—Mounds Fire (SBM) Station No. 4, according to Mayor Matt Percy. Additional bunks and a bathroom and shower facility have been added to the station.
• Following council appointment, Brett Asleson, Brian Olson and Eric Peterson will join the Utilities Commission; Jack Livingston and Raechel Huff will join the Planning Commission; and Brandon Zingsheim will join the Park Board.
• Council has approved updates to Policy 12. Policy 12 handles the city’s refuse and recycling rates. According to the staff report, the city is experiencing an
increase in rates for stormwater of 5%, sewer increases of 7% and an increase in the tax levy of over 9%. Kate Manson, the city’s finance director, said there are strong reserves in the refuse and recycling fund so there isn’t a need to propose higher rates for all services. However, the city’s hauler is raising fees considerably. Currently, refuse carts are priced at $8.28 for the 35-gallon, $11.90 for the 64-gallon and $17.08 for the 96-gallon sizes. These rates were set at the beginning of 2022. These estimates are based on the quantity of tonnage that is disposed. Manson stated that after conducting an analysis of current cart counts and anticipated tonnage costs, staff
recommends adjusting the rate for the 35-gallon cart to $9.11 and the 64-gallon cart to $12.32. She noted that a moderate volume residential utility customer would see an increase to their monthly bill of $3.68 for the sewer and stormwater changes, as well as an additional $0.83 per month for refuse (35 gallons). This would result in an overall bill increase of 2.3% to 3.4% from 2025, depending on the season.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at City Hall.
Clark Bergman Lino Lakes
RICE
The segment of Anoka County Ditch 55 proposed for transfer, known as Branch 8, lies entirely within Lino Lakes. Branch 8, shown as the teal line on the map above, will now be managed by the city.
Madeline Dolby
CIRCLE PINES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
• Northern Attire
• Sugar Fairy
• Flowers Forever
• Tipsy Tini
• Dellwood Country Club
• Unreal Arrangements
• Creative License
• Doggy Social MN
• Hosted Hospitality
• Midwest Sound
• Big Wood
• Jen Bloom
• TST Creative Catering
• Mary Kay Cosmetics
• Complete Wedding & Events
• Five Star Bath Solutions
• North Star Medical
• Calla Lily Event Rentals
• Kake Kreations
• White Bear Country Inn
• Simply Captured Photography MN
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Police conducted a traffic stop Feb. 19 near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Flowerfield Road in Lexington.
• Officers initiated a traffic stop Feb. 20 near the intersection of North Road and Park Drive West in Circle Pines after observing a violation. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the driver was cited for an offense.
• A community service officer was dispatched Feb. 20 to a complaint about8j a barking dog in the 7200 block of Mill Road in Centerville. The owner was educated on the city’s ordinance and received a verbal warning.
• Officers received a report of suspicious activity Feb. 20 in the 8800 block of Pascal Avenue in Lexington.
• Officers initiated a traffic stop Feb. 21 near the intersection of Main Street and Centerville Road in Centerville after observing a violation. The driver was cited for an offense, and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
• Officers initiated a traffic stop Feb. 23 near the intersection of Lake Drive and Village Parkway in Circle Pines after observing multiple violations. The driver was cited and arrested for the violations.
• Police were dispatched Feb. 24 to a property damage motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Lake Drive in Lexington.
• Police responded Feb. 24 to a resident in the 1700 block of Dupre Road in Centerville who was feeling ill due to possible carbon monoxide or gas leak. The fire department responded, checked and cleared the building.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Officers responded Feb. 16 to a business parking lot in the 7100 block of Otter Lake Road for a twovehicle crash with no injuries. Both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Officers arrested a male with a felony warrant Feb. 16 at a residence in the 6200 block of Otter Lake Road. The male was transferred to the custody of another county for booking.
• Officers attempted to arrest an adult female on an outstanding warrant Feb. 16 in the 8000 block of Hazelwood Court. Officers were unable to make contact with the female.
• An officer responded Feb. 16 to a report of possible identity theft in the 800 block of Oak Lane. At this time, there is no financial loss. The officer investigated and a suspect was not identified.
• An officer responded Feb. 18 to a business in the 8000 block of Lake Drive on a report of a vehicle left in the parking lot for several days. A message was left with the vehicle owner, and the business owner was advised they could tow at their own discretion.
• Officers responded Feb. 18 to a two-vehicle property crash near the intersection of Main Street and Sunset Avenue. There were no injuries, and neither vehicle required a tow.
• Officers responded Feb. 18 to a property damage crash near the intersection of 20th Avenue and 80th Street. There were no injuries, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• While on patrol Feb. 19, an officer located a vehicle in a city park in the 6600 block of West Shadow Lake Drive after hours. The occupant left the park without issue.
• An officer responded Feb. 19 to a two-vehicle hitand-run crash near the area of Ash Street and Hodgson Road. There were no injuries reported and one vehicle was towed. The incident is under investigation.
• Officers responded Feb. 19 to a report of a disorderly
female in the 400 block of Elm Street. Officers arrived and found the female to be intoxicated. The female was trespassed from the property and charged with possession of alcohol on a school campus.
• An officer responded Feb. 20 to a call about a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was parked legally in the 7500 block of Fourth Avenue, not obstructing traffic and not causing a hazard. The owner was made aware of the call.
• While on patrol Feb. 20, an officer stopped a vehicle for a driving offense in the 6800 block of Lake Drive. The officer cited the driver and impounded the license plates on the vehicle.
• School officials advised officers on Feb. 20 they found a student with drug paraphernalia. The evidence was confiscated, and the investigation is ongoing.
• While on patrol Feb. 20, an officer stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation in the 7700 block of Lake Drive. After an investigation, the driver was arrested for driving while impaired and booked in the Anoka County Jail.
• Officers responded Feb. 20 to a two-vehicle accident in the 1700 block of Birch Street. The driver of one vehicle was arrested for second-degree DWI and booked in jail for the offense.
• Officers responded Feb. 21 to a business in the 500 block of Apollo Drive for an unwanted person. The person had already left when officers arrived but was located and told they were not welcome to return to the business.
• While on patrol Feb. 21, an officer documented a traffic stop for a traffic violation in the 1100 block of Ash Street. After investigating, the officer arrested the driver for third-degree DWI, and they were booked in jail.
• An officer responded Feb. 22 to a business for a report of theft in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The suspect was charged with theft and trespassed from the location.
• Aria Christ and Chad Lunas have been appointed to the police records technician position within the Lino Lakes Police Department following council approval. Christ’s starting wage will be $33.22 an hour, Step 4 in a 7-step wage scale for the position. The starting wage for Lunas will also be $33.33 an hour. Both will start work Monday, March 9.
• The Peltier Ponds comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning and planned unit development (PUD) preliminary plan/ preliminary plat was approved by the council
in a 4-1 vote (Council Member Chris Lyden opposed). The residential development, proposed by US Home LLC (acquired by Lennar Corp. in 2000) is proposed to be built west of 20th Avenue N. across from Watermark, east of Peltier Lake and north of the Centerville border. The development contains four parcels totaling approximately 125 gross acres and 282 housing units (See “Peltier Ponds showcases fewer units,” Quad Community Press, July 15, 2025).
• WSB will prepare plans and specifications for the 2026 public
works utility extension project following council approval. The 2026 public works utility extension projects will extend municipal utilities to provide sewer and water service to the public works facility that is currently planned for construction in 2026. According to the staff report, WSB has submitted a proposal to complete the topographic survey, plans and
specifications and provide bid documents for the 2026 public works utility extension project for a total not to exceed the amount of approximately $81,000.
The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, March 9, followed by a regular City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Madeline Dolby
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
CONTRIBUTED
This aerial map shows the site location of the Peltier Ponds development proposed by US Home LLC. The residential development would be built west of 20th Avenue N. across from Watermark, east of Peltier Lake and north of the Centerville border.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME:
The hidden toll and impacts on our sleep health
Kids are impacted by daylight savings time because it affects their baseline routine. Akingbola said routine is important, especially for younger children. He explained it can be hard for them to understand the time shift and create a routine around it.
Since teenagers and young adults have a tendency to delay their sleep naturally, Akingbola said the time change might feel “great” for people within that demographic and they might not see it as a negative. “It’s not uncommon for us to have
patients who, after they’re done with their schooling and their training, and now have a stable 9 to 5… They’re now struggling because the constraints, the way they set their life around delaying their sleep, no longer conforms to their schedule of being in the workforce,” Akingbola added.
A month or a couple of weeks in advance to the time change, Akingbola recommends shifting your typical bedtime up 15 minutes earlier and waking up 15 minutes earlier than you normally would.
Akingbola also said the most important thing you can do to
adjust to the time change is stick to a consistent routine and manage your light exposure. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, he recommends limiting the time you spend outside during the day, or wearing sunglasses to reduce your exposure to sunlight.
“Sometimes we get light here in Minnesota until eight or nine o’clock,” Akingbola added. “Make sure you have a pretty regular, winding-down routine so your brain can learn that once you start doing these things it’s time for you to start preparing yourself for sleep.”
Akingbola also recommended
having a very consistent wake up time.
“Everything you do from the moment you wake up is preparing you for sleep,” he said. “If you can make the day as regular as possible, then your brain will kind of figure out, ‘I wake up at this time. I do these things throughout the day and once these things happen, I can start falling asleep.’”
This year, daylight saving time will fall on Sunday, March 8.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF CIRCLE PINES
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
REHABILITATION OF 500,000 GALLON ELEVATED WATER TOWER CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MN
RECEIPT AND OPENING OF PROPOSALS: Proposals for the work described below will be received online through QuestCDN.com until 10:00 a.m. on March 17, 2026, at which time the bids will be opened and publicly read through Microsoft Teams. Please use the link below or call-in number/ Conference ID to see and/or hear the bid opening results: 1. Microsoft Teams Link: https://bit.ly/CPWaterTowerBidOpen
2. Call: 612-428-8778 / Conference ID: 494 867 201
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The work includes the construction of approximately:
1. Water tower reconditioning includes complete removal and replacement of all exterior, interior wet, and interior dry coating systems. Additional reconditioning will include modifications and repairs related to structural appurtenances, foundation, accessories, and personnel access. together with numerous related items of work, all in accordance with Plans and Specifications.
You may view the digital plan documents for free by entering Quest project #10082744 on
certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: February 10, 2026
Signed: Barton L. Guthrie, Owner Published two times in the Quad Community Press on February 24 and March 3, 2026.
COMPLETION OF WORK: All work under the Contract must be complete by 150 Calendar Days.
PLAN HOLDERS LIST, ADDENDUMS AND BID TABULATION: The plan holders list, addendums and bid tabulations will be available for download online at www.questcdn.com or www.bolton-menk.com. TO OBTAIN BID DOCUMENTS: Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.questcdn.com or www.bolton-menk.com.
City of Circle Pines shall accompany each bid.
OWNER’S RIGHTS RESERVED: The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract to other than the lowest bidder if, in their discretion, the interest of the Owner would be best served thereby. Patrick Antonen, City Administrator Published one time in the Quad Community Press on March 3, 2026.
Edith Bisila
89, of Circle Pines MN, went to be with our Loving Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 17th, 2026, after a 4-week long illness in the hospital. She passed away at Unity Hospital in Fridley MN, with family members by her side.
Edith is survived by her husband, Donald; 6 sons with their wives: Dan (Diane), Dave (Laurie), Pete (Melissa), Tom (Lisa), Tim (Sharon), and Phil (Amanda); 12 Grandsons, 9 Granddaughters, 2 step Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grand Children; sister: Aili Nelmark; sister: Sandy (Bob) Mattila; sister-in-law: Edith Pyhala (brother Art’s widow); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Edith is preceded in death by her parents: Emil and Saima Pyhala; stepmother: Sanna Pyhala: brothers: Vester, Edwin, Francis, Art, Hank; sisters: Ethel and Anne; and Grandson: A.J. Bisila. Funeral services will be pending with HamlinHansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. Spring Burial will be in Leonard Cemetery, Kalevala Twp., Carlton County.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Lino Lakes woman charged with third-degree DWI
Cassandra Flesch, of Lino Lakes, has been charged with third-degree DWI after being stopped by a Lino Lakes Police Officer at around 11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. The officer observed the vehicle, driven by Flesch, weaving while driving in the 1100 block of Ash Street. They followed the vehicle and observed multiple instances of weaving or failure to maintain a lane. The officer stopped the vehicle and identified Flesch by driver’s license.
According to the criminal complaint, Flesch emitted the odor of consumed alcohol and admitted to drinking a White Claw. The complaint stated Flesch had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. She began crying, stating this would “ruin her life.” The officer conducted field sobriety testing, revealing multiple signs of impairment. Flesch provided a PBT sample of 0.27 AC and was placed under arrest.
Tickets on sale for Centennial Area Education Foundation annual gala
Those who are interested in attending the Centennial Area Education Foundation’s annual gala can now purchase tickets for the event. The gala, Art & Soul, will take place from 6-11 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Bunker Hills Golf Club.
This year, proceeds raised at the gala will go toward the Fund The Need initiative, which focuses on enhancing music and arts education in Centennial schools.
To purchase tickets, visit www.caefoundation. org/gala. Bunker Hills Golf Club is located at 12800 Bunker Prairie Road NW, Coon Rapids.
Blaine welcomes new restaurant this spring
This Spring, Stella’s will open its second location in Blaine. It will be located at 4364 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE. The restaurant features steak, seafood, pasta and burgers. The restaurant also has another location in Forest Lake.
ca ncer? You may be entitled to comp ensation Contact Attorney Charle s Johnson 800/535-5727
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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
Akpan places 3rd with lone loss; collects 4th state medal
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Nora Akpan, star Centennial wrestler, was unable to repeat as a state champion Saturday but placed third at 155 pounds with just one loss for the season. She was 28-1. Wrestling at 155 pounds, she started with a pin of Eniva Barry of Bloomington Kennedy in 1:10 and a 15-2 win over Madilyn Pulk of Badger Greenbush Middle River 15-2.
In the semifinals she met her match, pinned by Luverne’s CeCe Redk in 2:13 in a duel of unbeatens. Akpan said she that when she was on the bottom, she tried a gamble that backfired.
She came back to beat a Maple Grove wrestler 11-0, then pinned St. Paul Johnson’s Elizabeth Hiler in 1:24 in the third-place match.
(Reck faced another unbeaten in the finals and lost to Apple Valley’s top-
Centennial dancers cap good season at state
The Centennial Dance Team (CDT), coached by Sarah Austin, had a successful 2025-26 season, capped by competing in both Jazz and High Kick at the state meet. The CDT was section champion in both dances, after placing third in the Northwest Suburban Conference.
At state, they placed tenth in both. Team captains are Cecilia Austin, Grace Ferguson, Reese Johnson, Amelia Patterson and Karley Ellis. Other team members were juniors Holly Beck, Ava Meyer, Hailey Anderson and Abigail Heath; sophomores
ranked Cassy Gonzalez 7-4 in overtime.)
“Of course, it was disappointing to lose, but the thing about wrestling is you can learn from your mistakes and continue to grow, continue to grind away and eventually achieve your goals,” said Akpan.
She intends to wrestle freestyle from now on and has several tournaments coming up including the women’s nationals. She committed
Rory Edmonson, Bailey Loula, Lucy Mahrt, Ellery Simons and Hailey Staats; freshmen Addelyn Winsky, Nora Stegeman, Dakota Selle and Sophia Chong; and eighth-graders Samiya Ford and Kenji Ramey.
Bruce Strand
Cougar swimmers score in 4 events at state
The Centennial swimmers, led by Benno Schuhbauer, scored points in four of their seven events in the state swimming meet on Friday and Saturday at the University of Minnesota.
Schuhbauer, a junior, placed tenth in both the individual medley in 1:53.46 and the backstroke in 51.60, lowering his own school records.
The Cougars medley relay placed tenth in 1:36.87 with Schuhbauer, Sawyer Celotta, Grant Page and Eliot Shepard. The 200-freestyle relay placed 13th in 1:28.13 with Page, Celotta, Shepard and Isaac Nguyen.
Not making the top 16 were Nguyen in the 200 free and butterfly,
SMUGMUG | CONTRIBUTED
Grant Page swam on relays that placed 10th and 13th in the state meet.
Celotta in breaststroke and the 400-freestyle relay.
The Cougars tallied 36 points, their most ever, said Coach Pete Crawford, and ranked 18th in the standings.
Bruce Strand
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Centennial Swimming March 3, 2026
Benno Schuhbauer, Centennial swimmer, had excellent meets at both sections and state to close his junior season. At state on Saturday, Schuhbauer placed 10th in both the individual medley in 1:53.46 and the backstroke in 51.60. In each, he lowered his team record that he had set at sections when he placed first and second, respectively. Schubauer also led off the medley relay team that placed 10th at state. As a sophomore he made the top 16 at state in backstroke and 100 free.
to the University of Iowa in January.
Akpan’s loss to Reck was her only setback the past two seasons; she was an unbeaten champion at 130 as a junior. Akpan medaled for the fourth time. She placed third at 130 as a sophomore and sixth at 138 as a freshman.
Centennial’s other girl entrant, junior Samanha Dougherty at 136, was pinned twice and finished 16-16.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Centennial won its Section 7AAAA opener 64-34 over Duluth East last Wednesday, then lost to Blaine 63-60 in the semifinals Saturday, ending their season with a 15-13 record. Against Duluth, Sydney Schmitz led with 14 points. Kate Lee, Brooklyn Larson and Addy Sears sank nine points each and Amelia Delmedico had eight points. Ava Taylor had nine rebounds. Natalie Lauinger had four assists, six deflections, and seven steals. The Cougars won their Northwest Suburban Conference finale over Spring Lake Park 63-56 with Schmitz scoring 20 points, Delmedico 10 and Lee nine. They were 11-4 in conference for fourth place among 13 teams. Elk River (13-2) placed first.
BOYS HOCKEY
Centennial finished runner-up in Section 7AA hockey with a 9-5 loss to Andover on Thursday in Elk River. The Cougars, who finished 18-10, reached the finals with wins over Champlin Park 5-3 and Blaine 1-0. They had beaten Andover twice in conference, but the Huskies ousted them behind Camden Langfeld with three goals and KJ Sauer with two goals and two assists. Scoring for Centennial were Nolan Border (two),
Joey Hemr, Isaak Adams and Cooper Daikawa. Nick Carls made three assists. Against Blaine, the Cougars got a third-period goal by Adams and 31 saves by Flynn Sanburg, reversing an earlier 6-2 loss to the Bengals. Scoring against Champlin were Hemr, Tanner Dittrich, Carls, Cooper Hehir and Gavin Cunningham. Sanburg made 28 saves.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Centennial finished the regular season with a 4-22 record, including 2-14 in the Northwest Suburban Conference, after losing in the last two weeks Duluth East 68-61, Spring Lake Park 79-69, Assumption 64-55 and Osseo 81-77. The Cougars face Andover there Wednesday in the first round of Section 7AAAA.
BOYS WRESTLING
Centennial’s contingent of six boys in the state wrestling tournament totaled just two wins, both of them by Jack Grygelko. The eighth grader at 121 pounds finished 31-18. He beat Eagan’s Evan St. German 8-6, lost to STMA’s Grant Bergeron by pin in 1:32, pinned Jack McGrew of Sartell in 2:42, and lost to Apple Valley’s Saitaro Kong by pin in 3:58. Two other entrants were also eighth graders. Evan Boesch (30-18) lost 19-12 and 15-3 at 114 pounds. Clay Wick (25-17) was pinned in his lone match at 107 pounds. Jack Ruegsegger (29-12), junior at 152 pounds, lost by pin in 5:11 and by 11-2. Andrew Person (30-14), senior at 172 pounds, lost by pin in 43 seconds and by 7-3. Braeden Boesch (29-8), junior at 285 pounds, lost twice by pins in the second period.
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Nora Akpan pinned a St. Paul Johnson opponent in her final prep match at her fourth state tournament.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Sydney Schmitz eyed the hoop before scoring on a breakaway against Duluth East.
Smokey’s fish fry remains ‘the
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
In honor of fish fry season, the Press will feature some Readers’ Choice Best of the Press winners and finalists of the “Fish Fry” category in our coverage area.
During Lent, the aroma of sizzling fish fills the air as local churches welcome the community to their weekly or monthly fish fries. Throughout the season, some area restaurants join in the tradition and serve up their own special fish fry offerings in celebration of Lent.
Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill, located at 552 Lincoln Drive in East Bethel, established in 2012, has a unique approach to craft smokehouse foods and classic American dishes. The same can be said about its fish fry.
Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill has secured the title of “the best” fish fry in the Quad Community Press Readers’ Best of the Press Contest for the last three years.
“The care, the love we put into the dish. Doing it from scratch really sets it apart from a lot of places,” said Chris Leibel, co-owner and pit master of Smokey’s.
The restaurant uses wild-caught Pacific cod and batters it by hand in a variation of an old Leibel family recipe. Leibel said a few years ago that he and Jeremy Huspek, co-owner of Smokey’s, altered the recipe to make the batter not quite as thick.
NAMES IN THE NEWS
Lino
“It’s really good. We thinned it out a little bit. We did some different variations of it,” Leibel explained. “What we use now … We knocked it out of the park and our customers love it.”
One of the changes they made to the recipe was battering the fish in light beer. Before the switch, Leibel said Smokey’s was using an IPA for its fish fries. When you order the fish fry, you’ll receive three, four-ounce filets of cod, Memphis mustard coleslaw and a choice of fries or tater tots. The dish also comes with Smokey’s homemade tartar sauce.
Smokey’s offers a fish fry deal on Fridays all year long. During Lent, which runs between Feb. 18 and April 2 this year, the restaurant features a special fish fry promotion each week. Huspek said that the restaurant typically goes through five boxes of fish on a single Friday during Lent.
A few weeks ago, Leibel said Smokey’s uploaded a video on social media showing the process of how the restaurant makes its fish fries, and the response from customers was great.
“The feedback was awesome. We had people say, ‘I was just there. The fish was amazing.’ All the feedback has been really positive,” he said.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
Lakes speed skater has strong showing at
Olympic games
Greta Myers, of Lino Lakes, had a strong showing in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics in February. At the Olympics, she competed in the women’s 1,500-meter speed skate, 3,000-meter speed skate and the women’s team pursuit. In the 1,500-meter speed skate, Myers finished 29th. Myers placed 20th overall in the 3,000-meter speed skate. In the women’s team pursuit, Myers and her team finished fourth overall.
Quad Community Press
categories
• Best Fish Fry
• Best BBQ Ribs
• Best Restaurant
• Best Tacos
• Best Beer Selection at a Bar (finalist)
• Best Bloody Mary (finalist)
• Best Bourbon Selection (finalist)
• Best Happy Hour (finalist)
• Best Lunch (finalist)
• Best Outdoor Dining (finalist)
• Best Appetizer (finalist)
• Best Appetizer Selection (finalist)
• Best Bar (finalist)
Local group find Winterfest medallion
Ed Brodie, Mike Nowak, Steven Sanftner and Matt Littlefield found the Winterfest medallion during the Centennial Area Chamber Winterfest, which took place Feb. 13 through Feb. 21 across the Quad area. Clues were released daily by Renstrom Dental until the group found the medallion located on a trail behind Rice Lake Elementary in Lino Lakes.
Brodie and Nowak picked up their winning check from Renstrom Dental.
Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill’s fish fry includes wild-caught Pacific cod, Memphis mustard coleslaw and a choice of fries or tots.
The
Readers’ Choice 2025 Best of the Press
Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill won, named finalist:
Greta Myers
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Ed Brodie and Mike Nowak