Council sets public hearing for street project
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Residents who live within the boundaries of the proposed 2026 Bald Eagle Industrial Park street project may want to attend the public hearing, which has been scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15.
The Bald Eagle Industrial Park street improvement project consists of full-depth pavement removal, paving, mill and overlay improvements, spot curb and gutter replacement, trail improvements, street lighting improvements and minor utility improvements. The project is proposed to include 130th Street N. (from Highway 61 to Fenway Boulevard and from Fenway Boulevard to Europa Trail N.); 140th Street N (from Highway 61 to Fenway Boulevard N.); Fenway Boulevard North (from 130th Street N. to 140th Street N.); Fenway Boulevard Court N. (from Fenway Boulevard N. to its eastern terminus;
SEE STREET PROJECT, PAGE 5
SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Nearly 1,000 high school juniors and seniors across 13 school districts can gain a competitive advantage over their peers at the 916 Career and Tech Center located on the East Campus of Century College. The school offers a variety of programs, including: Information technology, animation and game design; entrepreneurship, travel and social media marketing; cosmetology; construction; welding; criminal justice and law enforcement; dental careers; emergency medical technician; medical careers series and more.
“My goal for all my students, and I think our overall goal for 916 Career and Tech, is to let students come in, do some of this hands-on stuff they think they’re interested in, and then rule it out or pursue it,” said Dan Burton, the instructor for the Auto and Auto Body Careers program.
SEE COLLISION, PAGE 14
CONTRIBUTED
Fanberg (center) participated in the Speaking Proudly oratory competition.
Kya Fanberg, of Hugo, participated in the in the Speaking Proudly oratory competition Saturday, Nov. 8, at the State Capitol Rotunda. The New Life Academy student’s speech was titled, “Dwindling Democracy: How the Rights of American Citizens Are Slipping Away.”
Benjamin Clauson, a management major from Hugo, is a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, which will compete in the NCAA Division III Championship for the 20th time in program history.
The Warhawks (8-2 overall), who earned an atlarge bid to the 40-team national tournament, will host DePauw (Indiana) in a second-round game on Saturday, Nov. 29, at noon.
City of Hugo disputes Metropolitan Council population forecast
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Since the 60-day review period is fast approaching and city staff has yet to reach agreement with the Metropolitan Council, the City Council is moving forward with formally disputing its 2025 System Statement.
Community Development Director Rachel Juba informed the council earlier this month that city staff would likely be back in front of the council to dispute the document.
“In the past several weeks we have been talking to them, we have not resolved the differences with staff,” Juba said. “We are still trying to work out the differences with the Met Council staff so we can get some administrative approvals; however, we are coming up on the end of the review period.”
The system statement is a customized document informing each community in the seven-county metropolitan area about how it is affected by the Metropolitan Council’s policy plans for regional systems, including transportation, aviation, water resources and regional parks and open space. The document, required by state law, is intended to help communities review and, if necessary, amend their local comprehensive plans. (See “City of Hugo considers disputing Metropolitan Council document,” The Citizen, Nov. 13, 2025.)
According to the Met Council’s
forecast, Hugo’s estimated population is 23,500 in 2050. The Met Council’s 2030 projection was 18,500, and the 2040 projection was 20,500. Juba was previously told by the Met Council that forecasts are being “held and lowered” for communities impacted by the White Bear Lake lawsuit.
“The Met Council estimates Hugo will grow between 1,100 and 1,300 households per decade, but Hugo gained 1,272 households in the last 6 years,” Juba said. “We have confirmed that the forecasts are a cap on growth for the communities impacted by the lawsuit.”
The city of Hugo has requested a hearing at the Met Council Land Use Advisory Committee and the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The city requests that the forecast used for 2025 be used in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, as it is consistent with the Met Council’s forecasts for the city’s last comprehensive plan (2040).
Council Member Becky Petryk wondered whether the city of Hugo was the only community seeing a cap on its growth. Juba explained that a memo received by the Met Council said that all of the communities that are impacted by the White Bear Lake lawsuit are capped, but there seems to be some discrepancy.
“We evaluated some of the other communities that have that impact, and they are showing increases in their forecast,” Juba said.
Petryk also asked if the cap was
only on residential, or if it would impact industrial and commercial growth. Juba explained the city plans to provide sufficient infrastructure for locations that are guided for commercial and industrial development. However, the Met Council forecasts the employment (jobs) for each community, and if the city goes over, it might need to ask for a comprehensive plan amendment.
Mayor Tom Weidt wanted to know what will happen if the Met Council doesn’t ultimately agree to adjust the forecasts. Juba said she was not sure what next steps would be.
Now that a hearing has been requested, it needs to be conducted within 60 days or a mutually agreed-upon date by both parties. Juba noted a decision by the Met Council is not likely until 60 days after the hearing.
“I appreciate staff’s work on this. I know there has probably been a lot of back and forth or attempts for clarification so that we didn’t have to do this. I think it is unfortunate that we have to do this, but I think it is the next prudent move given the calculations and the numbers that they are providing to us,” said City Council Member Mike Miron. “I want to make sure that we leave our options open to challenge this further should we need to.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
Kya
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1; 1st and 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413
HUGO SENIOR CLUB:
When and Details: No meeting in December. The Hugo Lions will host a dinner for Hugo senior residents at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. RSVP by Dec. 1. Contact: Katie 651-429-5433
HUGO SENIORS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12: 45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4th, Dec. 18th, and every 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday of each month. Where: Rice Lake Centre in Hugo, 6900 137th Street N.
Details: Games begin promptly at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee will be served.
Contact: Barb @ 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CURRENT EVENTS
FAST BEFORE THE FEAST
When: 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27 (registration opens)
Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.
Details: Festive 10K, 5K and Turkey Dash for runners, walkers, families
with strollers and leashed dogs. Portion of proceeds benefits hunger relief. Registration information online. Contact: mmraces.com/fast-before-thefeast
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Details: Shop for holiday gifts at local businesses and dine at local restaurants. Contact: downtownwbl.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When: 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: Lino Lakes Fire Station #2, 1710 Birch St., Lino Lakes
Details: Join the Lino Lakes Public Safety team, partnering with the Lino Lakes Volunteers in Public Safety for breakfast with Santa. Proceeds raised will go towards the volunteer programs of the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department.
Contact: linolakes.us/470/Breakfast-with-Santa
FESTIVAL OF TREES OPEN HOUSE
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.
Details; See more than 30 trees decorated by local businesses and organizations. Photos with Santa, cookes, cocoa and holiday activities. Free. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through Dec. 20. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
FREE PARK ENTRY DAY
When: Friday, Nov. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 2
Where: All Washington County Parks
Details: Visit any Washington County Park for free the day after Thanksgiving.
Contact: co.washington.mn.us/parks
ONCE UPON A STORYTIME: WINTER IS COMING
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Step into a world where imagi nation knows no bounds as our Wargo storyteller takes you on nature adven tures through stories, songs and crafts. Register through Anoka County Parks. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
When: 9-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Hugo American Legion, 5383 140th St. N.
SANTA PARTY & TREE LIGHTING
Details: Photos with Santa and children’s activities hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. Bring a non-perishable food item.
Contact: 651-225-1432
STORYTIME WITH SANTA AT THE FILLEBROWN HOUSE
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Children and families can experience old-fashioned Christmas traditions with Santa, complete with cider, cookies and a holiday story. PJ’s wecome. See ticket information online. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
Santa Party & Tree Lighting
When: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
Where: Peder Pedersen Pavilion, 5524 Upper 146th Street, Hugo
Details: Meet and greet with Santa. Activity bags given to the first 100 kids. Mayor Tom Weidt will light the tree at 6:30 p.m. Attendees should bring a toy or food item for the Hugo Fire Department’s Toy Drive, benefiting the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf. Contact: 651-762-6300
White Bear School Board public comments address free speech issue
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Residents speaking during the White Bear Lake Area School Board monthly meetings are criticizing board members for apathy and lack of transparency regarding public comments. One board member has even made repeated motions to expand both the time commenters have and the options for locals to view the comments.
State law and federal court case precedents, however, put the school board in a tricky position.
Several times this year, Board Member Dan Skaar has made motions for the board’s public forum—the portion of the school board meeting in which the board hears from members of the community—to be longer so as to allow for more people to comment and have more time to speak. He has also made a motion to have the public forum recorded and posted on ISD 624’s YouTube channel. This portion of the meeting is neither recorded nor livestreamed.
Not only have other board members not supported Skaar’s motions, but, at November’s meeting, they also officially objected to them.
Shortly after the formal objection, public forum commenter Brad Nelson stated, “I thought (Skaar’s) motion was a reasonable motion.” Nelson’s comments ran over the allotted time, at which point, Board Chair Dr. Scott Arcand sounded his gavel. “I’m halfway done …” Nelson responded. “This just enforces my idea that the board does not take public forum seriously.”
The next commenter, Diana Delaney, noted that during last month’s board meeting, many who were present who wished to speak did not get the opportunity. All 12 commenters who requested to speak by 3 p.m. on the day of October’s meeting did publicly comment. Delaney added, “I’m asking the board to please carve out time to discuss these concerns at the following meeting. Bring answers back to us as we await them. Otherwise, there is no point in giving the community any opportunity to speak if our concerns are never addressed.”
Minnesota State Statute Chapter 13D.01 requires that a school district’s board meetings be open to public attendance. The votes, minutes and board member materials must be publicly available. According to the Minnesota Department of Administration, “(The Open Meeting Law) does not guarantee the right to speak at an open meeting. If a public body chooses to allow public comments, the body can set the rules for commenters.”
Therefore, ISD 624 could choose not to hold a public forum. Because it does, the district becomes beholden to data privacy laws regarding minors. Like Forest Lake, Centennial, Stillwater, Mahtomedi and Roseville, as well as all St. Paul and Minneapolis schools, White Bear Lake Area school district elects not to post video of its meetings’ public comment section. When ISD 624 affords the public with an opportunity to address the board, it legally creates a “limited public forum.” According to attorneys Jennifer K. Earley and Elizabeth M. Meske of Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney P.A. of St. Paul, “When a limited or ‘designated’ public forum is created, schools may restrict speech to certain topics or groups as long as the limitation is implemented to maintain the parameters set for the forum.”
Earley and Meske also note, “The right to public comment generally does not allow a member of the public the opportunity to engage in a discussion with board members or require comment or a response from the board.”
Those who wish to address the school board, either in person or in writing, may visit isd624.org/about/ school-board/meeting-materials. ISD 624’s policy regarding public forum procedures may be found at isd624.org/about/district-policies.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
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
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
Happy Thanksgiving
Since Amy and I have been living the dream as empty-nesters, we find ourselves sitting across from one another in the mornings and evenings with more time to talk. The past few days we are like two little kids excited about the upcoming holidays in anticipation of our kids coming home for a long break from college.
Publisher’s
View Carter Johnson
I am thankful for the holidays and the traditions that have been passed down. Holidays are pre-scheduled blocks of time to be with family. I still miss all the early Thanksgiving mornings when we would stand in line at Cretin–Derham Hall as we prepared to deliver meals for Bill Foussard's special project, Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels. My father-in-law normally joined me and our two kids as we delivered meals throughout the Twin Cities and suburbs. We never had the same route - sometimes we made deliveries in Hastings and other times our route took us through Saint Paul neighborhoods. One year the kids made bracelets to give out to any kids they saw during the drop. We almost always had good weather. The annual event has wound down due to several factors. I miss that element of Thanksgiving morning. As we have most years, we will host Thanksgiving at our house with both sets of grandparents. As usual, my mother-in-law will make the turkey and stuffing, and, I'm hoping, her cranberry Jell-O mold. I think I'm the only one who likes it, so I'm grateful she still makes it for me. We will do the potatoes, vegetables and some kind of dessert. Our kids actually don't care for turkey. Our friends have the same problem, and have switched their traditional Thanksgiving meal to a steak dinner. Sometimes it makes sense to change up holiday traditions to better meet everyone's desires.
Our kids are anxious to be home and reconnect with friends. “Friendsgiving” activities have been planned, and both kids will go to the Gopher-Badger game on Saturday with their respective friend groups. We hope they will spend some time with us, but we may have to wait until they are home for a longer break at Christmas. Not everyone in our community is looking forward to the holidays. Many are suffering or grieving the loss of a loved one, or perhaps a job. We have many wonderful organizations in our community that can help those in need. Churches and food shelves are extra busy this time of year, and businesses, service organizations and individuals hold drives to collect everything from warm coats, mittens, clothing, diapers, toys and more. Hopefully those in a position to be generous with their time and donations will finds ways to help. If you are need, get in touch with your child's school, a local church, the food shelf or even give us a call here at the Press – there are many of us who can help point you in the right direction to make your holidays a little easier.
As you gather this Thanksgiving, I pray you and your families will be blessed wherever you are.
Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Celebrating student success and community connections
As students have settled into their school-year routines, we’re finding many reasons to celebrate success and connection across White Bear Lake Area Schools.
Movers & Shakers
Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak
At recent School Board meetings, we’ve had the honor of recognizing outstanding student achievements at the state and national levels for success in athletics and activities. Academic accolades have also been highlighted, with more than 130 current students and members of the Class of 2025 being celebrated for their accomplishments in the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Two students also reached the prestigious semi-finalist level in the ongoing National Merit Scholarship process, and one of our current students earned a perfect 36 on the ACT – an achievement reached by just 0.22% of test takers nationwide.
Hundreds of students are also gaining valuable hands-on experience through our Career Pathways programs. Last year, students in our automotive program completed 455 Ford ACE High School Automotive Program courses and 36 students earned certification through AllData Automotive Intelligence. Another 36 students
achieved ServSafe certification in the Food Service industry, more than 100 students earned First Aid/CPR credentials and 41 students became Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). These meaningful experiences provide students with practical skills, industry-recognized credentials, and confidence as they prepare for future careers.
Student success is matched by district excellence. For the 25th consecutive year, White Bear Lake Area Schools have earned top honors for financial reporting. The district received both the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Association of School Business Officials’ Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. These awards represent the highest level of recognition for governmental financial transparency and accountability. They reflect the outstanding work of our Finance Department, whose careful stewardship of resources helps maintain the community’s trust.
Our success as a district is built through collaboration and care – qualities that make White Bear such a special place to learn and grow. A recent example of this spirit was on display at one of our middle schools, where a sixth grader who was born without a right hand wanted to learn the violin. Her school nurse and orchestra teacher began researching adaptive solutions and discovered specifications for a 3D-printed bow
THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES
holder. They teamed up with a science teacher who is a hobbyist 3D printer and a tech education colleague who specializes in CAD design. After several prototypes and adjustments, the team successfully created two customized devices, allowing the student to play the violin. This story exemplifies the creativity, compassion, and teamwork that define our district.
Community members also play a vital role in supporting and enriching our schools. White Bear Lake Area High School is currently seeking about 200 volunteers for its “Test Drive... Next Stop Reality” event that will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 17. This engaging program helps juniors navigate real-world budgeting and decision-making through interactive stations focused on housing, transportation, childcare, insurance, and more. Those interested can sign up to volunteer through the district’s website.
And finally, as the temperatures drop, we invite our community to stay active and connected by walking the indoor WBLAHS Field House track. Open Monday through Thursday from 6–9 p.m., the track offers a warm, safe, and free space to enjoy some exercise while sharing in the pride of this wonderful community facility.
Go Bears!
Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak is Superintendent of White Bear Lake Area Schools.
• 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 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 Citizen 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 citizennews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
STREET PROJECT: Slated for ‘important network’
Public Lands Rule
I am one of millions of Americans who love our nation’s public lands. These are places where we go to breathe fresh air, to enjoy time with our families and communities and to learn about our history, culture and the natural world.
For far too long, extractive industries like oil and gas, mining and logging were prioritized for most of the 245 million acres of public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Then, last year, the BLM finalized its “Public Lands Rule” to make clear that conservation — including access to nature, protecting cultural areas and safeguarding wildlife habitat — is an essential use too. Now, the Trump Administration is seeking to repeal the rule and eliminate conservation as a use of these lands altogether.
More industrial development will mean fewer places for the people to use and enjoy. We must act now to ensure our public lands are accessible for future generations. I care deeply for our public lands and hope my children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy them.
John Eischens Hugo
Thankfulness: It’s good for you
Pastor’s Pondering
Tim Heinecke
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, there are many conversations about being thankful. We try to reflect and think about what we are thankful and appreciative of over the last year.
Sometimes it is easy to come up with things to be thankful for. However, sometimes we are struggling, and it is harder to come up with things to be thankful for.
Practicing appreciation is not just a polite and positive thing to do. It is also good for us! Studies show how being thankful reduces our stress and improves our quality of life.
As God’s people were about to come home in the Bible, He tells them, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you.” (Deuteronomy 8:10)
As you “eat” and “are satisfied” this Thanksgiving, just remember: being thankful is good for you!
Tim Heinecke is the pastor at New Life Church –Lutheran in Hugo.
CITY OF HUGO CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOTICE OF MEETING BY INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hugo will hold its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN. In accordance with the requirements of Minn. Stat. Section 13D.02, Becky Petryk, Hugo Council Member Ward 1, will appear remotely using interactive technology via ZOOM. The meeting ID is 838 0818 1053 and Passcode is 984989. Published one time in The Citizen on November 27, 2025.
CITY OF HUGO
PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
The Hugo Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 7:00pm in Hugo City Hall to consider a request for approval of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zoning Amendment, Preliminary Plat, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan for Kwik Trip, Inc., 1626 Oak Street, La Crosse, WI 54602 for the construction of a gas station and convenience store with attached car wash. The subject property is generally located at the northeast corner of the roundabout intersection with 159th Street North and Forest Boulevard North. There are two parcels of interest, the westerly of which is zoned and guided for commercial use and the easterly of which is guided as Low Density Residential (LD) in the 2040 Land Use Plan and zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD), and the The Comprehensive Plan Amendment request is to guide that parcel as Commercial (COM), and the Zoning Amendment request is to rezone that parcel as General Business (C-2). The Preliminary Plat request would move the shared property line for the two parcels. The Conditional Use Permit request is to allow for the attached car wash and for the store to operate 24 hours. The easterly parcel is legally described as Outlot B, The Shores of Oneka Lake, Washington County, Minnesota and the westerly parcel is legally described as That Part of the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼) of Section 17, Township 31 North, Range 21 West, Washington County, Minnesota. The full legal descriptions are available at Hugo City Hall. Anyone wishing to comment on the request can be heard at this time.
FROM PAGE 1
and Farnham Avenue N. (from 130th Street N. to its southern end). (See “Council gives staff OK to deviate from assessment policy on next street project,” The Citizen, Oct. 30, 2025.)
City Engineer Mark Erichson recently presented the findings of the feasibility report for the project to the City Council.
“This is a really important roadway network for large industrial and commercial users, so we want to make sure that we take a proactive approach and address this before it fails,” Erichson said.
The trail along Europa Court is now proposed to be included in the project. “The trail condition warrants it, and it can’t wait until those roadways are reconstructed. We want to take advantage of having a project in the vicinity (and) try to reduce the costs of that trail replacement, so we wanted to include it with this project.”
Erichson noted several lights along the corridor are not functional right now, as the contract with Xcel has expired. He said going forward, the city plans to look at reducing the number of lights that are illuminated at one time and transition from a “continuously lit” strategy to lighting at strategic locations for cost-saving measures.
The city continues to work with Washington County in hopes that it will agree to replace the section of the regional Hardwood Creek Regional Trail that runs along Fenway Boulevard. Erichson noted the county has preliminarily agreed to replace the existing concrete walkway along 140th Street as part of the project.
As a part of the project, 130th Street will be widened by 4 feet on the north side of the street. Erichson said residents were “overwhelmingly” supportive of the roadway being widened. “Public works feels it is warranted. It doesn’t meet our street standard, and they have difficulty on that curve with approaching vehicles while plowing,” he said.
The project is estimated to cost $4,690,400. Of that, approximately 22% ($1,033,330) will be paid for by assessments, 68% ($3,192,720) will be paid by the city of Hugo and 9.90% ($464,359) by Washington County if the county agrees to move forward with both trail segments.
Per the city’s assessment policy, which was last updated in 2013, property owners along the partial reconstruction portion of the project will pay $4,100 per unit or $2,100 per unit for the mill and overlay project. Those amounts are $76.87 per foot for commercial/ industrial properties and $39.27 per foot, respectively. Internal streets to the project (Europa Trail Way N., 132nd Street N., 132nd Way N., Europa Court N., 134th Street N.) will be assessed in the future when those streets are redone.
“We are not keeping up with some of the construction cost increases, and so the city is bearing more and more of these costs each year,” Erichson explained.
During construction, motorists should expect full closures at 130th Street N. and Fenway Boulevard as well as at 132nd Street. Erichson noted the full details will be worked out in the upcoming design phase of the project, but there will likely be one-way traffic
Please call Max Gort, Associate Planner at 651-762-6311 if you have any questions or comments on the application and would like to participate in the meeting. Max Gort, Associate Planner Published one time in The Citizen on November 27, 2025.
CITY OF HUGO PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Hugo will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025 to consider the 2026 Bald Eagle Industrial Park Area Street Improvement Project.
The proposed project includes pavement rehabilitation and minor utility upgrades on the following streets:
• 130th Street North (from TH 61 to Europa Trail North)
• 140th Street North (from TH 61 to Fenway Boulevard North)
• Fenway Boulevard North (from 130th Street North to 140th Street North) Fenway Boulevard Court North (from Fenway Boulevard North to its eastern terminus)
• 130th Street North (from Fenway Boulevard to Europa Trail North)
• Farnham Avenue North (from 130th Street North to its southern terminus)
The project scope includes trail improvements, such as converting a sidewalk to a bituminous trail on 140th Street N, and reconstructing trails on Fenway Boulevard and Europa Court N. Additionally, a new trail along the north side of 130th Street N, extending from TH 61 to Fenway Blvd, is proposed. Improvements made would assess benefited properties for all or a portion of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 and pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.011 to 429.111. The estimated cost of the improvement is $4.7 million. A reasonable estimate of the impact of the assessment will be available at the hearing.
(from 140th Street to Fenway Boulevard to 130th Street), which will allow for half of the roadway to be constructed at a time.
“We are contemplating closing those accesses to mitigate the amount of traffic going through the construction zone,” Erichson explained, noting that corridor sees significant traffic volumes of approximately 4,000 trips per day.
A neighborhood open house is planned for January, and the council is expected to accept project plans and authorize advertisement of bids in February. The council will likely award a construction contract in March, and construction could begin in May or June and is expected to take about three months.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@ presspubs.com.
The parcels shaded on the map above are proposed to be assessed for the 2026 street project.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• A resident in the 17000 block of Keystone Avenue N. reported a hunter on his property at 2:30 a.m. Sept. 24 and again at 3:30 a.m. Sept. 27. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies surmised that the hunter was tracking wounded coyotes.
• A young adult was taken into custody at 10:45 p.m. Sept. 28 after deputies were dispatched out to the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. on a medical call regarding a person who may have drunk too much alcohol. The theory was confirmed when the suspect assaulted deputies and medical personnel as they tried to evaluate the patient.
• A caller from an undisclosed Hugo address at 7:11 a.m. Sept. 30 reported being harassed by a partner in a business transaction, after he traded a vehicle for a generator. However, the trading partner blew up the transmission of the vehicle he had bartered for and now wanted his generator back. Deputies got in the middle and relayed the complainant’s message to the harasser to be left alone.
• A business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 8:49 p.m. Sept. 29 reported a trespasser and asked deputies to formally ban the individual. Either the same business or another business at the same location recorded a trespass complaint, after which deputies arrived to notify the person they were kicked out of the business.
• A motorist was cited at 2:18 a.m. Oct. 1 on Highway 61 at Frenchman Road for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for expired registration. A second motorist was cited for hands-free cellphone violation at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the 14000 block of Oneka Parkway after deputies observed him stopped several feet before a stop sign. The driver stated he was changing the song on his cellphone.
• Deputies were dispatched
out on a disturbance at 11:43 p.m. Oct. 1 in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. Cries of “Get off of me!” could be heard amidst the racket.
When deputies addressed the occupants of the residence, one of the people was found to be intoxicated and was throwing things.
• A Minnesota motorist on Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road was cited at 10:58 a.m. Oct. 2 for using a cellphone while driving, after deputies waiting at the stoplight observed him holding onto a black cellphone. The motorist admitted to using a map app to find his way to a delivery.
• A resident in the 16000 block of Harrow Avenue at 3:51 p.m. Oct. 3 reported a dispute with a neighbor who had unplugged his generator. The complainant did not want deputies to speak to the neighbor who unplugged the generator. Deputies also observed that the complainant was clearly intoxicated. At 6:41 p.m. that same evening the same complainant phoned deputies to talk about the previous incident. He still didn’t want deputies to talk to the generator unplugger, and he was still intoxicated.
• A male was arrested for harassment at 8:29 a.m. Oct. 4 in the 13000 block of Elmcrest Avenue N.
• In the case of the Missing Muskrat, deputies were called out to the scene of a muskrat reportedly trapped in a window well in the 14000 block of Evergreen Avenue N. at 10:22 a.m. Oct. 4. However, when deputies arrived at the address, the complainant was not at home, and neither was the muskrat.
• A suspicious residence in the 15000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. reported at 11:26 p.m. Oct. 4 for having all its lights on inside and outside turned
out to be swarmed with family members cleaning up the property.
• Residents in the 5000 block of 131st Street N. at 9:52 a.m. Oct. 5 reported two juveniles for engaging in dingdong ditch at their residence for the past three years. The last incident involved a damaged gutter downspout.
• A Minnesota motorist was cited for driving after revocation at 8:50 p.m. Oct. 6 on Highway 61 at 150th Street N., after being pulled over for a faulty headlight and an object suspended from the rearview mirror. Before the stop, deputies had conducted a computer check and found the driver to be revoked. The driver also failed to provide proof of insurance during the traffic stop.
• A motorist was arrested at 12:41 a.m. Oct. 7 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. for driving after cancellation and for gross misdemeanor no insurance, following a traffic stop for no license plate light and a computer check that showed cancelled driving status.
• Deputies were called out to a disturbance at a family business in the 13000 block of Fenway Blvd. N. at 9:49 a.m. Oct. 7. The skirmish was all about the suspect’s poor work performance.
Deputies escorted the suspect off the property and gave him a ride home.
• The WCSO received a walk-in report at 10:39 a.m. Oct. 7 from a complainant in the 4000 block of Elm Drive N. who reported being defrauded out of cryptocurrency.
• When Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies tried to conduct a traffic stop on a speeding motorcycle for illegal passing and no license plates on Forest Blvd. N. and 120th Street N. at 1:53 p.m. Oct. 9, the motorcyclist fled.
• Deputies arrested the driver of a vehicle in the 16000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. for undisclosed offenses at 2:36 p.m. Oct. 9.
• Residents in the 8000 block of 126th Street N. at 9:45 a.m. Oct. 10 reported drones around their residence some time earlier. Deputies advised the complainants to call back when the drones were currently hovering in the area.
At 7:16 p.m. that day, the complainants again reported drones flying near their window before they flew away.
Deputies dispatched to the scene didn’t observe any drones while speaking with the complainants and advised them to document any further drone appearances.
• After residents in the 4000 block of Evergreen Drive reported hearing shooting in the area at 3:42 p.m. Oct. 10, deputies advised the complainants that duck hunting season was currently underway. Deputies took two more shooting reports and advised the complainants that peak bird hunting season was happening.
• In the Case of the Neighborly Nag, deputies notified residents in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N. at 8:14 a.m. Oct 9 that their horse was in the neighbor’s backyard. At 9:05 p.m. that day, the horse owners advised deputies they had removed the horse from the neighbor’s yard. At 5:03 a.m.
Oct. 11, the neighbors reported that the horse from next door was loose and returned to their property, where it was now eating the greener grass.
The horse owners were not at home and didn’t answer their phones when deputies tried to contact them. When deputies contacted the complainant again, the horse had run off and was at large at the time.
• A speeding motorist was arrested for DWI and revoked driving status at 3:59 p.m. Oct. 11 on 170th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N., following a traffic stop for the speeding.
• A motorist was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop for expired registration at 6:55 p.m. Oct. 6 on Egg Lake Road N. and Foxhill Avenue N.
• Extra patrol was requested after residents in the 5000 block of 131st Street N. at 1:31 a.m. Oct. 12 reported their house being toilet-papered by eight to 10 juveniles. At 3:32 a.m. that same night, deputies took a report from the same residents who said their house was TP’d for the second time in one night. Deputies and the complainants put their heads together to come up with a plan to proactively eliminate this type of behavior for the upcoming weekends.
• A motorist on Rosemary Way N. and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. was arrested at 9:34 a.m. Oct. 12 for driving after cancellation, after deputies on rolling patrol conducted a random computer check on the subject’s license plate and discovered his driving status. The driver was positively identified as the cancelled registered owner and taken into custody for driving license violation.
• Deputies responding to a commercial burglar alarm at 4:25 a.m. Oct. 14 from a business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. came upon the culprit — a Sysco food truck crew delivering product to the business.
• A suspicious male was reported by the Lino Lakes Police Department at 9:12 a.m. Oct. 15 as loitering near a day care on Rosemary Way N. and Elmcrest Avenue N. Deputies conducted a mutual aid assist and found the male in Anoka County. After deputies and Lino Lakes Police officers identified the male, he said he was just out walking and refused assistance.
• An ex-husband at 12:32 p.m. Oct. 15 reported that he had never received his Glock handgun from his ex-wife in the 16000 block of Ethan Trail after their divorce. When deputies spoke with the ex-wife, she revealed that she had sold the pistol, as it was marital property. The complainant was alerted of the findings and advised that the issue was now a civil matter.
• In the Case of the Gone Goose, an injured goose was reported at 3:57 p.m. Oct. 15 on Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. When deputies arrived on scene, they realized the goose was not going to make it and released it from this life to forever graze on the freshly manicured golf course of goose heaven.
• A motorist stopped for expired registration at 12:14 a.m. Oct. 16 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. received a citation for that violation.
• A suspicious male reported at 7:07 a.m. Oct. 16 in the 15000 block of Glenbrook Avenue N. turned out to be a roofer on the job. He was backed up in his reasons for being there by his fellow roofers on scene.
Loretta Harding
Man convicted of sex trafficking 2 victims in Mahtomedi
A Washington County jury has found a Minneapolis man guilty on multiple felony charges related to the sex trafficking and sexual assaults of a 14-yearold girl and a 20-year-old woman.
Billy Ray Wiley, 52, was convicted of two counts of sex trafficking, one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct following a multiagency investigation led by the East Metro Human Trafficking Task Force (EMHTTF). The jury also found aggravating factors that support a sentence above the standard guidelines.
Wiley looked for women and girls in the Twin Cities area, often approaching them near grocery stores or on the street in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He would offer them rides, drugs or money and then drive them to a man’s apartment at Piccadilly Apartments in Mahtomedi.
During the trial, witnesses testified that on June 30, 2025, a 14-year-old girl was seen outside the apartment complex displaying signs of extreme drug intoxication and emotional distress. She was behaving erratically and appeared unable to control her movements. A concerned resident called 911, prompting a response from Washington County Sheriff’s deputies, who then notified EMHTTF.
The girl was brought to St. John’s Hospital, where EMHTTF members— Washington County Sergeant Danelle Erickson and Cottage Grove Detective Jeff Rydeen—interviewed her in the emergency room. She disclosed to them that Wiley had given her crack cocaine and brought her to an apartment where she was sexually and physically assaulted by both Wiley and the other
man. Surveillance footage confirmed she was at the apartment with Wiley.
A second victim, a 20-year-old woman, reported that Wiley picked her up in Minneapolis on June 28, 2025, and brought her to an apartment, where he physically and sexually assaulted her.
He recorded the assault on his phone, and investigators later recovered the video, ultimately identifying the location as the same Mahtomedi apartment used in the other trafficking incident.
“This case is a horrifying example of a predator preying on the most vulnerable members of our community,” said County Attorney Kevin M. Magnuson.
“I truly admire the courage of the two young victims who not only survived these horrific assaults, but also bravely testified at trial — despite being forced to relive their trauma when the defendant, representing himself, cross-examined them in open court.”
“We are extremely fortunate to have the East Metro Human Trafficking Task Force in our community,” Magnuson said. “Their skill, compassion and quick action not only helped bring Wiley to justice but also helped build the trust necessary for these victims to identify additional victims and then testify so bravely.”
Wiley remains in custody at the Washington County Jail, where he is being held without bail pending sentencing. The sentencing hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 7. Michael Lewis, 69, of Mahtomedi, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct. His sentencing hearing is also set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 7.
10
Warm Up Inside
Ice Sculptures
Washington County Attorney’s Office
Washington County Fair manager resigns
Dorie Ostertag, 71, from Afton, has submitted her resignation as fair manager and treasurer of the Washington County Fair.
CONTRIBUTED
“Dorie leaves in good health and with the fair in very good financial shape,” said John Rheinberger, a longtime member and a former president of the Washington County Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that puts on the fair. Attendance at this past summer’s fair was the largest in over 20 years.
Ostertag has been fair manager for 31 years and along the way picked up extra roles like treasurer. “Every year was a highlight,” she said, as she reflected upon the decades of fairs she oversaw.
Electrical issues and weather were her two biggest obstacles over the years. This past summer, a storm took down power that was restored with less than seven hours before gates opened on the first day.
The 2026 fair will take place Wednesday through Sunday, July 29-Aug. 2. A job description and more information about the application process for the op-
CONSTRUCTION BRIEF
erations/fairgrounds manager position can be found online at www.washingtoncountyfair.org/employment
Opt outside with free
entry to Washington County Parks
the day after Thanksgiving
Free vehicle entry will be offered at all Washington County Parks on Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, encouraging residents and visitors to spend time outdoors with friends and family during the holiday weekend.
Free entry applies to all 10 county parks and regional trails:
• Big Marine Park Reserve
• Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
• Hardwood Creek Regional Trail
• Historic Courthouse
• Lake Elmo Park Reserve
• Pine Point Regional Park
• Point Douglas Park
• Point Douglas Regional Trail
• St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park
• Square Lake Park
County parks offer many amenities, such as hiking, mountain biking, horse trails and cross-country skiing in winter. For more information about county parks, visit WashingtonCountyMN. gov/Parks or contact staff by calling 651-430-4300 or emailing Parks@WashingtonCountyMN.gov.
County Road J, I-35E interchange update
The new roundabout at Centerville Road and County Road J, next to the gas station, is now open. The temporary stop signs at the intersection of 20th Avenue and Birch Street will be removed after County Road J and Centerville Road fully open. Construction of the new bridge piers will continue through December 2025 until the construction season winter break. To learn more about the project, visit tinyurl.com/kmnh8b9p.
Pizza, Burgers, Pastas, Hot Hoagies, Wraps, Soup & Salads
Authentic Mexican 114 Mahtomedi Ave Mahtomedi Rudy’s Redeye Grill
Upscale Steakhouse, Pan Fried Walleye, Drunk ‘N Dirty Pork Chops, Bull Bites and Martinis
Smokeys
Craft smoked meats, classic Memphis style BBQ & comfort food since 2012 552 Lincoln Drive, East Bethel
Authentic Mexican 5960 Hwy 61 North, White Bear Lake
STUFF THE TRUCK
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 | 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Locations:
City of Hugo Fire Station 5323 140th St. N.
Festival Foods Parking Lot 14775 Victor Hugo Blvd. N. Toy and food bins will be located at other area businesses until Friday, Dec. 5. Check hugobusinesses.biz for bin locations and additional Stuff the Truck Collection sites.
Santa’s Fire Engine Parade
CENTENNIAL FIRE DISTRICT
CENTERVILLE | MONDAY, DEC. 8 | 6 – 8:15 P.M.
Santa is
coming to town!
Santa leaves the station at 6 p.m. and will make his way through your Centerville neighborhood. To participate, place any non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys in the truck as it goes by. You can also leave donations by your mailbox that evening with a label that reads “Santa Parade Donation.” Santa will have treats for kids along the route!
Follow Centennial Fire District on Facebook for details.
Dorie Ostertag
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Tips to protect your personal financial information
Identity theft is a very real threat in the digital age. While it once was complicated for criminals to collect personal data, such as identification numbers, emails, phone numbers, and more, the connectivity the internet offers can sometimes make stealing information as easy as clicking a button.
In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fielded more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft. Credit card fraud was the most common crime. Also, 2024 saw the largest data breaches in history, impacting billions of users and subjecting customers to the potential of having personal data exposed and ultimately exploited.
Although there is no foolproof way to keep personal and financial data safe, people can take several steps to safeguard their information.
· Use strong, unique passwords. Have several different and complex passwords for each online account to prevent a compromised password from providing access to all of the accounts. People can use a password manager to help create and store these unique passwords. The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency says that strong passwords should be at least 16 characters; feature a random string of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols; or comprised of a memorable
phrase of four to seven unrelated words, known as a passphrase.
· Use two-factor authentication. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts to add an extra layer of security. This second form of verification often comes by the way of a texted or emailed code that must be entered to log into an account.
· Consider extra security for your credit report. Individuals can contact the three major credit bureaus and
bolster their credit-related security. A fraud alert tells businesses to check with the person before opening a new account to verify if it is really him or her. An initial fraud alert or active duty fraud alert expires in a year, while an extended fraud alert lasts seven years, but requires an FTC identity theft report. A credit freeze is a greater measure of security that keeps others from getting into the credit report at all (with a fraud alert the credit report can still be accessed). That means no one can open a new credit account while
the freeze is in place. It must be lifted each time a person wants to open a new account.
· Protect your identification numbers. Individuals should not carry a Social Security card in a wallet or give out their Social Security Number (Social Insurance Number in Canada) unnecessarily.
· Exercise caution on the phone and when answering emails. Scammers can mislead others by using seemingly legitimate phone numbers or email addresses to solicit information. Always verify the validity of requests before sharing personal information.
· Regularly check accounts. People should double-check all financial accounts periodically for suspicious transactions. Each year individuals are able to request and check a free credit report from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
· Use a secured internet connection. To reduce the risk of data being stolen, only review financial information when utilizing a secured (password locked) internet network.
Taking strides to protect personal data is important to safeguard one’s financial security.
SPORTS
O’Shea, Cougar lineman, on Star-Tribune all-state
Josh O’Shea, Centennial defensive lineman, was named to the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Football All-State Team for all classes. The paper stated: “At 6-1 and 230 pounds, O’Shea is not the biggest defensive lineman, but few have a greater impact on the game. He’s quick off the ball, routinely beating offensive lineman and disrupting offenses. He
had 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss and kept opposing blockers busy.”
O’Shea helped the Cougars post a 9-2 record this season. He is undecided about his college choice.
College athlete update
Lauren Eckerle of White Bear Lake capped her career at soccer power South Dakota State earning first-team All-Summit League honors, helping the Jackrabbits win the conference title and post a 122-6 overall record. The 5-foot-6 defender played a team-high 1,770 minutes on a unit that held opponents to 15 goals in 20 games, and notched a goal and five assists. A three-year starter and captain, she made the conference all-academic list all three years. Eckerle starred in soccer, basketball and track with the Bears.
Jenna Maloy, South Dakota State soccer freshman forward from White Bear Lake, stepped right into the starting lineup and was named to the All-Summit League second team. She notched six goals and three assists for the 12-2-6 Jackrabbits. Maloy was Class 3A Miss Soccer for the Bears in 2024 and holds the school record with 73 career goals.
Katelyn Beulke, the 2022 Class 2A Miss Soccer for Mahtomedi, missed her junior season at South Dakota State with a knee injury. She led them in goals (nine) and points (21) last year.
Cory Bohmert, St. John’s sophomore back from Mahtomedi, ran for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a 63-21 win over St. Olaf on Nov. 15, his
first game back after missing five with a broken collarbone. Bohmert has 372 yards and six touchdowns in five games for the Johnnies, who finished the regular season 9-1 and will host Monmouth (Illinois) in the playoffs Nov. 29. Bohmert rushed for 2,400 yards as a senior at Mahtomedi.
Mahtomedi’s Alex Mahoney, Nick Rollinger and Will Harris were defensive starters for St. Olaf, which finished 4-6. Mahoney, sophomore safety, made 45 tackles. He was MIAC Defensive Player of the Week after sparking a 17-16 win over Concordia-Moorhead on Sept. 20 with eight tackles, a forced fumble and interception. That was their first win over the Cobbers since 2011. Rollinger, junior defensive back, notched 26 tackles and three pass breakups. Harris, junior linebacker, had 19 tackles and two pass breakups. The Oles experienced tragedy as teammate Matthew Lee was shot to death in September. He was an innocent bystander in an attempted robbery in St. Paul. Lee was Rollinger’s roomate.
Naomi Rediger recently made the women’s rowing team (Division 1) at the University of Iowa as a walk-on. Rediger is a 2025 graduate of White Bear Lake Area High School and a former White Bear Press newspaper carrier.
Melissa Doyle, local hockey ref, will work Olympic Games
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
age 12.
Melissa Doyle, former White Bear Lake, Hill-Murray and Gustavus Adolphus skater, will participate in the upcoming Winter Olympics, officiating the women’s hockey games.
An official for 18 years, at all levels, starting with White Bear Lake youth hockey, Doyle is one of 12 referees and 10 lines-per-
sons chosen for the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
“Being selected for the Olympics is a special honor and a dream come true.
The pool of female officials from around the world is very strong and deep,” stated Doyle, who grew up in White Bear Lake and still lives here.
“The group of selected officials work premiere leagues in their respective countries and about half have prior Olympic experience. All of the North Americans work the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and some have the hopes to work in the NHL.”
Doyle, 33, has been wearing the ref’s stripes since age 12 while also playing on championship teams.
“I started officiating hockey with my Dad and brother,” Doyle said. “It was something we could do together, and an
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Marin Peterson
White Bear Lake Soccer November 27, 2025
Marin Peterson, White Bear Lake soccer third-year center back, was named to the all-Suburban East team, capping a strong three-year career. The 5-foot-9 senior helped the Bears post a 12-4-2 record, 7-2-1 in conference this year, and reach section finals for the third straight year. She has played in state tournaments in soccer in 10th grade and basketball in 11th grade. “Marin has anchored our back line for the past three seasons, rarely leaving the field,” said John Dierkhising, co-coach. “This past season, Marin stepped up her offensive contributions by becoming a threat on offensive corners, scoring four goals. Her ability to win the ball with her head, both offensively and defensively, stands out.”
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com
opportunity to stay connected to, and give back to, the game.”
She has done youth hockey for 18 years, high school for ten years, Division 1 and 3 college for nine years, professional for eight years, and international for eight years. She’s working in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League. (“Yes, that means five different rulebooks to keep straight!”)
And now the Winter Olympics, Feb. 6-22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
“There is so much history and tradition surrounding the Olympic Games and they are only held every four years,” she reflected. “Everyone involved puts their best effort forward to represent their country on a world stage.”
Doyle was a member of White Bear Lake’s 2005 U12A state championship team and the 2006 U14A state runner-up. “From our U12A roster of 16 players, eight of us went on to play at the NCAA level,” she noted. That included Olympians Hannah Brandt (USA) and Marissa Brandt (Korea).
Doyle skated for Hill-Murray, made all-conference at forward three times, and was the school’s Athena winner (top senior girl athlete). Her college team was Gustavus Adolphus. She helped the Gusties reach Division III Final Four three times and made all-MIAC. She also played lacrosse for both the Pioneers and the Gusties.
Away from the rinks, Doyle works for a medical device company as a clinical research nurse. She majored in Biology and Nursing at Gustavus. Those were the only four years she was not an official.
“After graduation from college, I got back into officiating and expanded my schedule to include high school and college,” she said. “It was around this time that I reset my goals to include International hockey, with the ultimate goal being to skate at the Olympics.”
In 2018 she was licensed as an International Ice Hockey Federation referee and sent to Scotland to work her first IIHF tournament. For the IIHF, she has worked in South Korea, the Youth Olympics in Switzerland, Women’s World Championships in Utica, NY, and Czechia, and the Olympic Qualifiers in Japan.
After the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she was one of 100 officials world wide informed that they were being considered for the Milan Olympics. The process was “stressful and grueling at times,” but she learned a lot, developed great friendships, saw parts of the world and experienced new cultures. She has worked the NCAA Frozen Four, Hockey Day Minnesota, the USA vs Canada duels, youth and high school state championships, and the PWHL, including the first Minnesota Frost game before a sold-out Xcel Center crowd.
“I also would like to encourage others to get involved in officiating,” Doyle said. “I serve as a co-director of Female Officiating Development for Minnesota Hockey. We are always looking for good candidates to get into officiating.”
Bruce Strand
JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Josh O’Shea high-fived defensive coach Mike Diggins Jr. after making a big play against Hopkins.
Melissa Doyle has worn referee’s stripes since
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Melissa Doyle follows the action in a USA vs. Canada showdown.
CLASSIFIEDS
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
White Bear Lake Opening soon in Birch Lake Square!
We’re seeking a Certified Salon Manager who loves developing people, leading a team, and creating smiles for kids and families.
Join a fun, family-friendly salon environment built on positivity and growth. sharkeyscuts.jdk2@gmail.com
Call/Text 651-334-9173
sharkeyscutsforkidswhitebearlake.com
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
White Bear Lake
Now hiring stylists who want to have fun while doing what they love!
Flexible schedules, great tips, positive culture, and a familyfocused team that makes every day rewarding.
Join us as we open soon in Birch Lake Square!
sharkeyscuts.jdk2@gmail.com
Call/Text 651-334-9173
sharkeyscutsforkidswhitebearlake.com
limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 855/562-4309
SAFE STEP NORTH Amer icas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and se rvice. Now featuring our FR EE shower
• The Hugo Knightriders Snowmobile Club has a new president. Chris Voligny will take over after John Udstuen resigned from that position after 33 years. He previously served as vice president for 17 years.
“We’ve never really had an official trail coordinator, we’ve all just marked our trails and done our thing. As the city has been growing, I felt there was a need to really pay focus to the safety of our trails … To really have a position that focuses on that,” Udstuen explained.
Nick Forchette has been named the trail coordinator. Udstuen says Forchette will shadow him for the next couple of years. This winter, the club plans to host a snowmobile drag race on Egg Lake as well as two vintage shows, one at Blacksmith Lounge and another at Sal’s Angus Grill. Udstuen said the club is teaming up with American Legion Post 620 for a “American Legion Shootout” event Saturday, Feb. 28, which will include snowmobile drag races, beer garden,
food, raffles and more. Stay tuned for more details.
“We want to attract more of the community, the non-snowmobilers, so they get a different vision of what snowmobiling is,” Udstuen said. The last time the club hosted a Beatercross event four years ago, 92 people raced and over 400 spectators attended.
As it does each year, the City Council approved an application from the Hugo club and the Rice Creek Trail Association for the locations of this year’s trails, which are the same as last year.
• A public hearing for the Bald Eagle Industrial Park street improvement project is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15. (See full story on pages 1 & 5.)
• The City Council has requested a hearing at a Metropolitan Council committee and State Office of Administrative Hearings to dispute its Systems Statement. (See full story on page 2.)
• Some members of the City Council were expected to attend the Metropolitan Council Committee of the Whole meeting Nov. 19 in Woodbury. The focus of the meeting was on the value and future of water in the region. City Administrator Bryan Bear was one of the scheduled panelists.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at City Hall.
• The City Council has approved a resolution that supports the city of Lino Lakes’ grant application for funds from the Minnesota State Transportation Fund’s Local Improvement Program. The city of Lino Lakes is proposing to construct the extension of Otter Lake Road between County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 14 and Elmcrest Avenue in 2026. This project is identified in the city of Hugo’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Washington County’s 2040 Transportation Plan.
Shannon Granholm
HUGO BITS AND PIECES
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
• It’s November and time for cities to certify delinquent utility, garbage, special assessment bills and other charges over to the county for collection on the next round of property taxes. Municipalities are required to hold a public hearing before this is done, and the Centerville City Council held a public hearing on the unpaid bills at its Nov. 13 regular meeting before turning them over to Anoka County. Delinquent sewer and water charges amounted to $23,199 this year, and delinquent garbage charges amounted to $8,630.
• For several years, residents at 6996 Brian Drive have been working with the city to resolve drainage issues caused by a small private pond in their backyard. In August 2024, former City Administrator/ Engineer Mark Statz proposed a cost/share option through the city’s backyard drainage program to help the homeowner finance drainage work. The cost/share option was considered viable with the understanding that the neighbors would all sign special assessment waivers. Since not all the neighbors were willing to do this, council requested that city staff seek additional options for helping the homeowner. After City Engineer Kellie Schlegel surveyed and evaluated the property, council revisited this issue in September. Staff was directed to obtain quotes to install a 12-inch storm pipe between 1922 and 1932 Eagle Trail to allow drainage into the existing catch basin, which would lower the water level of the pond to an elevation of 902.0 feet from its current level of 903.5 feet. The city received interest from three contractors, and two viable quotes. However, costs went up, and one of the contractors withdrew their bid. After a lengthy discussion at the Nov. 13 meeting about where to go next, council committed to the use of up to $39,600 from Storm Water Utility funds to resolve the drainage issues at 6996 Brian Drive. This commitment is dependent on matching funds of $14,000 to be obtained by special assessment waivers. “In hindsight, I would have looked at (this issue) differently than I do now. But I feel we need to honor what was done (by the previous administration),” said Mayor Nancy Golden. Since the Brian Drive drainage project was proposed in 2024, the city has a new public works director, a new city administrator, a new city engineer, a new mayor and three new council members.
• After a discussion, council directed staff to pay 100% of the Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave premiums for its employees. At present, those premiums are $8,897 for the year. Although the city was authorized to share the premium costs equally with the employees, the city chose to cover 100% of the premiums. However, that could change in the future. The
WEEKLY WAG
Beau is a sweet, handsome, friendly and loving young boy who enjoys nothing more than being with his people. Beau is 8 months old and weighs almost 60 pounds. He is a Newfoundland/golden retriever mix. Beau’s foster says he has a golden retriever demeanor and personality in a Newfoundland body. In other words, he is going to be a very friendly big boy.
city will have another discussion on this issue, which will evolve as time goes on, Golden said. “Today, with the information we have, the right thing to do is to pay $100%,” she said.
• A few weeks ago, the city sent out requests for proposal to professional firms to conduct a staffing study and received three proposals. After interviewing all three, city staff recommended contracting with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC of Tampa, Florida, based on their flexibility and willingness to tailor their approach to meet the city’s specific needs. For $13,050, MGT will complete a classification, compensation and pay equity study. This study will address current equity and give the city a firm foundation for future staffing, said Council Member Anita Rios.
• It seems that every Centerville city council meeting has an item on the agenda dealing with setbacks, variances, lot lines or rights-of-way. Future decisions are expected to be more clear and more consistent, after council conducted the first reading to pass an Ordinance, Second Series – Amending Chapter 156 Language. City Planner Nathan Fuerst of Bolton & Menk presented details of new zoning amendments, resulting from variance requests regarding accessory structures. Over the past few months, the Planning and Zoning Commission has discussed revisions to the language that will:
- Clarify and distinguish between “Lot Line”, “Yard” and “Setback” areas by modifying or adding certain definitions.
- Provide a new definition for “Lakeshore Lots” and specify design standards for accessory structure placement on such lots.
- Provide a new definition for “Swimming Pools” and codify precedent for placement only in rear yards.
- Clarify placement of decorative fencing in front yard areas consistent with revised definitions.
- Specify appropriate placement of accessory structures for residential uses.
After council studies the proposed changes, a second reading will be held to move the changes forward.
• Every year establishments in the city that sell tobacco and intoxicating beverages must renew their licenses. And every year, the city checks the business compliance history and reissues the licenses, provided any compliance violations have been cleared through retraining, dismissal or fines. The following businesses renewed their liquor and tobacco licenses:
- Tobacco – Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC
- Tobacco and 3.2 alcohol – Kwik Trip, #1182
- Tobacco, Off-sale liquor license and Low Potency Cannabis Retail –Centerville Liquor Barrel
- On Sale and Sunday Liquor
Beau is social with other dogs, and he loves to play with his four-legged friends. His foster says Beau could run and play for hours outside if he could. He also currently lives with both cats and dogs and he is good with both. Beau is house-trained and he is working on kennel training, although he is not a fan. He is playful and affectionate, and he loves to meet new people. Beau
Licenses – Southern Rail
- On Sale, Off Sale and Sunday Liquor Licenses – Kelly’s Korner
These five businesses have completed the appropriate application, paid fees and passed their annual background checks with the Centennial Lakes Police Department (CLPD). Centerville Liquor Barrel has applied for a Low Potency Cannabis Retail License. They have been selling the product for some time, and licensing through the state and city are now requirements with the new cannabis law.
• The infrastructure for the Fiore tree in Cornerstone Park has been provided by generous people around town, after council recognized a donation for the Helical Pier for the Fiore tree and its installation. Mr. and Mrs. Ron Olson provided both to ensure the stabilization of the tree. The Helical Pier is valued at $1,500, and the installation work cost $1,000. The Centerville Lions also donated $1,000 toward the purchase of the Fiore tree, which is ready to be installed.
• Members of the community have a great opportunity to spread holiday cheer or to donate food, money, gift cards and toys during this year’s annual Christmas in the Park at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park, scheduled for Dec. 13 from 3-6 p.m. There will be food and refreshments available and kids can have their pictures taken with Santa and his elves.
• The Forest Lake YMCA has requested a donation from the city, as in years past, but has doubled their request to $1,000 this year. The Parks and Recreation Committee has pledged to donate $250 to the YMCA, as they did last year. Council also donated $250 last year and will again match the Parks and Recreation Committee donation this year for a total city donation of $500. Half the donation amount will come from the Parks and Recreation Fund, and the other half from the city’s General Fund.
• The property owners at 7037 LaMotte Drive will be building their four-foot ornamental, steel fence within their side and rear yards within the city’s right-of-way and drainage and utility easement, after council approved an encroachment agreement.
• City Administrator Athanasia Lewis noted that the CLPD recently welcomed two new officers, Police Officer Noah Pineault and Community Service Officer Emilee Felton.
• Crafters, artisans, food truck vendors and others interested in participating in this summer’s 2026 Main Street Market can sign up now on the city’s web site at www. facebook.com/CentervilleMainStreetMarket/.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at City Hall, 1880 Main St. Loretta Harding
knows his basic commands and would do well with some formal training. Beau arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as an owner surrender. If you are interested in learning more about Beau or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
COLLISION: Auto body careers come full circle at 916 Career and Tech Center
FROM PAGE 1
“Then they don’t go to a trade school right after high school without knowing what they are getting into … Really having them hone in and experience what that industry is like to allow them to make a better decision of what happens after high school.”
The 916 Career and Tech Center is a part of an intermediate school district, Northeast Metro 916, that serves nearly 5,000 students through programming that includes career and technical education, special education services, area learning centers and care and treatment. Member districts include White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Stillwater, Forest Lake, Mounds View and Centennial.
Burton, a graduate of the program himself, has worked at 916 for six years. The Blaine resident attended trade school and went into the auto body industry for about five years before going back to school to get a marketing degree. He worked in that industry until the economy crashed in 2008. “I started teaching, just thinking I’d do it for a couple months … and I wound up here,” he explained. He eventually went back to grad school for a degree in education and took over the program from his former instructor after he retired.
He recently discovered WrenchWay, an online community dedicated to promoting and improving careers in the automotive and diesel industry. WrenchWay recently joined forces with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the ASE Education Foundation to promote “School Assist,” which connects vehicle service employers and schools in finding classroom resources and creating the workforce pipeline of the future of the industry.
Jessica Weaver, who is just about to start her fourth year of teaching auto body collision technology at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC), has used the platform to find internship sites for students and guest speakers for her classroom. She says she hopped on WrenchWay to see if one of her requests had been filled and stumbled
upon Burton’s request for a female perspective in the industry. “I thought ‘I can do that’,” Weaver said.
Burton says he wanted to provide another perspective because he is seeing more female students interested in the industry. “Every year, it seems like I get another one on top of what I had the year prior,” he said. “They have really taken a liking to auto body and welding ... They are really able to hone in on the fine details of auto body, painting and welding. Some of my best welders have been females.”
There are currently 66 students enrolled in the program Burton oversees. Of those, five of them are female. “Five years ago, I had zero females,” Burton recalled.
Weaver went to DCTC in 2006 and graduated from the auto body program in 2008. She spent several years in the industry. A couple of years before her former instructor was set to retire, he convinced her to substitute for his class with the hopes that she would like it enough to be his replacement.
“This has been something I’ve worked for for 15 years. Now that I’m here, I love it,” she said.
About twice a year, Weaver travels beyond the walls of DCTC to a recruiting event in hopes of showing a different perspective. She enjoys seeing students not only experience those “light bulb” moments but also instills in them that it is okay to make mistakes.
“It’s fun for me to find something that has nothing to do with auto body and relate it back and they go, ‘Oh, I get it’ because they have already been through that,” Weaver explained. “I love telling all my students, ‘I expect you to make mistakes. No mistake that you make will get you into huge trouble unless it’s dangerous,’ but we learn more from our mistakes than we do from getting it right the first time.”
For more information about the 916 Career and Tech Center, visit https://careertech.916schools.org/o/ careertech.
Managing
Center students attend
class taught by Dakota County Technical College Instructor Jessica Weaver.
andArts Culture
EMERGING ARTIST: KAIDEN SCHREINER
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
An actor performs, yet a hurdle that many actors must clear is learning how to adjust their performance depending on their audience.
Thirteen-year-old Kaiden Schreiner, of White Bear Lake has been performing in front of a camera since he was two months old, with modeling work, TV commercials for Target and Walgreens and a role in “American Crime Story” under his belt. This winter, though, marks the first time Kaiden has performed in front of a live audience.
CONTRIBUTED
As a cast member of Children’s Theatre Company’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Schreiner is on stage in front of a 700-seat auditorium.
Though “The Grinch” is Schreiner’s first theatrical role, his on-camera performances
‘FROZEN’
BY LOGAN GION
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Cast members of Children’s Performing Arts’ upcoming production of “Frozen JR.” had seen the 2013 Disney movie, about Elsa, a wayward princess with uncontrollable icy magic powers and her sister, Princess Anna, who must bring her home. The cast members did not know, however, how different the stage version would be.
Those differences made eighth-grader Brayden Walsh reexamine what he thought he knew about his character, Kristoff, an iceman who aids Princess Anna on her journey, eventually becoming her love interest. “When I was a kid, I
have helped prepare him. “You have to be really confident in front of a camera,” he explained. “You cannot be nervous, like, at all. They’ll think ‘You might not do a really good job at this.’” Schreiner also believes performing arts can help young people overcome social anxiety. “When you’re working with a team, you get to really know the people. If you have social anxiety you eventually start clicking with everybody, and you don’t have it anymore.”
Still, live theater has been a transition for Schreiner. “It’s a lot different,” Schreiner described. “For modeling, you’re only in front of a couple directors and maybe a
couple of people that help out with props. But in theater, there’s just a lot more people, a lot more going on.” Schreiner also pointed out that shooting a scene and staging a scene are different. “For modeling, you really just have to look at a camera and take a couple pictures or film a couple scenes—then you have to redo it over and over again. But then, if you’re in a play, there’s no redos.”
The one-and-done nature of live performance is why Schreiner believes people should see Children’s Theater Company production of “The Grinch.” “People, they’ll watch Christmas movies, but eventually, (the same version) gets boring. So come see live versions of things,” Schreiner exclaimed. “I just feel like it’s a lot cooler to see that instead of staring at a screen.”
Going forward, Schreiner plans to audition in more theater productions. “I might start doing my local theater,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong—I love Children’s Theatre, and I love doing plays here. I love coming to see them too!”
“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” runs now through Jan. 4, 2026. For tickets and more details, visit childrenstheatre.org.
HEATS UP AT CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS
thought his goal was to get with Anna, but that’s not really his goal … He’s kind of like Han Solo,” Walsh explained. “The only time you see you him really emotional or caring is when they’re getting chased by wolves or whatnot, and his sleigh—he really puts it all into him and his stuff.”
Of course, Kristoff makes an exception for his reindeer, Sven, whom tenth grader Layla Lee plays in this production. Her character occasionally speaks in the stage version, whereas Sven is non-verbal in the movie.
“Kristoff talked for me in the movie, but in the musical, he’s the only one who can understand me,” Lee explained. Interacting with other characters requires
Lee to rely on facial expressions and body language. Since performing for a live audience is different than performing for a camera, Lee has had to be more exaggerated in her movements. “I don’t think there’s a line of too much in theater,” she stated. “Having fun with a character brings a lot of joy to the audience.”
That joy is the reason eighthgrader Avalyn Kelly, who plays Princess Anna, believes people should see this production. “It’s just a really, really fun show,” she said. She also thinks those who attend will be surprised and delighted by the differences from the movie. “There’s different orders of things, and, of course, everyone plays the characters
differently,” stated Kelly. “They added some songs, took some from other songs—it’s a lot different than the movie.”
Sixth grader Henry Knutson, this production’s Olaf, a sentient snowman whom Elsa creates, also believes the differences make this show a must-see. “You could listen to a song in here, or maybe a bit of a scene that you never thought of,” Knutson said. “So a one-chance opportunity, or you’ve got to wait until, like, I don’t know, Broadway.”
Children’s Performing Arts’ production of “Frozen JR.” runs Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 at LILA Upper School, 19850 Fenway Ave., Forest Lake. For tickets and further details, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR WINTER THEATER CLASSES
All classes take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn. org/classes-workshops
SATURDAY MORNING DROP-IN
Grades: K-2
Dates: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Dec. 13, Jan. 24 and Feb. 21
Details: Classes focus on creative play and fostering imagination. Each week, students will read books, play games, do crafts and create characters.
PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS
Grades: 6-12
Dates: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 13, Jan. 24 and Feb. 21
Details: Students will come together for socializing and pizza, then break into groups to work on scenes assigned to them. At the end of the night, all students will get to perform for each other.
DECEMBER EVENTS
‘ANNIE’
Location: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Dates: Now through Dec. 14
Details: Little orphan Annie is given the chance of a lifetime when she’s invited to spend Christmas at the mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks in 1930s New York. Full of iconic songs, Annie is a joyful holiday tradition the whole family will love. Tickets and availability can be found at lakeshoreplayers.org.
FESTIVAL OF TREES
Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Dates: 10 a.m-3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays now until Dec. 20
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
White Bear Lake Area High School’s new Performing Arts Center (PAC) has state-of-the-art technological capabilities, allowing students to put on incredible shows. But it also allows the school to host incredible traveling shows.
Case in point, Lakeshore Players will be presenting Lightwire Theater’s “A Very Electric Christmas” on the PAC stage next month. An “America’s Got Talent” standout, Lightwire Theater has performed across the globe for over a decade, receiving praise from CBS Sunday Morning, TV Guide and
BroadwayWorld. They have chosen White Bear Lake as their next tour stop.
“We were looking or an opportunity to be able to present something and to collaborate with the new White Bear Performing Arts Center,” said Lakeshore Players’ Managing Director Megan Pence, motioning out her office window
to the PAC two blocks away. “We’re so close.”
Pence added that the Hanifl stage is currently hosting “Annie,” while White Bear’s PAC would otherwise sit empty between the fall musical and winter one-act. Additionally, Pence explained that the bigger venue now lets White Bear attract traveling tours who
can only afford a brief stop. It also provides a closer alternative for northeast metro residents than seeing a show in downtown Minneapolis.
“You totally can. You can absolutely do that, but we have we have great facilities here so let's take advantage of them,” Pence said before adding, “Also, there’s usually free parking.”
Pence believe Lightwire Theater’s “A Very Electric Christmas” will appeal to families looking for a holiday attraction that puts a different spin on tradition. The show takes place mostly in the dark, with electroluminescent wiring outlining enormous puppets. The Lightwire puppeteers will
then tell the story of Max, a bird blown off course to the North Pole. Max’s magical journey will feature music from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and the Nutcracker Suite.
“It’s going to be a really nice outing for a family,” Pence said. “It’s going to be a really fun show and will open us up to other opportunities of collaborating together in the future.”
Lakeshore Players presents Lightwire Theater’s “A Very Electric Christmas” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the White Bear Lake Area Performing Arts Center, 5040 Division St. For tickets and further details, visit lakeshoreplayers.org.
Details: See who in the area has the best tree decorating skills at the Festival of Trees. On Dec. 6 and 13, we’ll be offering cocoa, fun holiday treats and activities—even a possible sighting of Santa himself.
PJS WITH SANTA
Location: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F, Vadnais Heights
Dates: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Details: Games, treats and photos with Santa. Parents must accompany children throughout the event. Wear pajamas if you like; cameras are encouraged. Optional donations—unopened toys, non-perishable food items or money—will be collected for the Vadnais Heights Lions Toy/ Food Drive.
Kaiden Schreiner
GLEN STUBBE PHOTOGRAPHY
