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Press Publications has helped deliver letters to Santa. Each year, Press Publications asks children to drop off their letters to Santa in the big red mailbox outside of the office in White Bear Lake, or to mail them in. Some of the desired items this year included Legos, Pokemon cards, stuffed animals and more. See pages 12 and 13 for more Santa letters. And be sure to read even more Santa letters online at presspubs.com.
Letters to Santa
Objections raised ahead of assessment hearing BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — An assessment hearing for the proposed 2026 street improvement project won’t take place until this spring, but several residents have already voiced their concerns and objection to the projected assessments. 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., 140th Street N., Fenway Boulevard North, Fenway Boulevard and Farnham Avenue N. (See “Council sets public hearing for street project,” The Citizen, Nov. 28, 2025.) In addition to two formal objections to the project the city received in writing, four residents along with a business owner and business representative shared their opinions on the project with the City Council during the recent public hearing. Jarard Torenvliet said he objects to the assessment because he felt the businesses were receiving value from the project but not the residents. “I would be fine paying a special assessment if I felt like my property was getting a benefit from the improvements that you are proposing. They are good improvements, I don’t contest the improvements, but as far as I’m concerned, if that road became worse for trucks to drive down, my life would get better,” he said. “I’m really challenged by the assessment because it really feels like it is making the life of the industrial park better, which is a general benefit to all of Hugo; it is not a special benefit to me or my neighbors.” Torenvliet added that he felt the condition of the roadway was fine and said it is actually better than some other streets in the neighborhood behind him. Tyler Lessard said when he moved to the area 15 years ago, traffic was low, but it has significantly increased as the companies in the industrial park have expanded. “I do have young kids, so improvements on that road would be more appealing to heavier traffic, and I don’t see the value to my house by increasing industrial traffic into the neighborhood that I live in,” Lessard said. “I don’t see the benefit for my property or any of the properties at all on that road to increase traffic.” SEE STREET PROJECT, PAGE 20
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2 THE CITIZEN
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
Hugo approves several applications from Kwik Trip for new store BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Residents on the north end of town will have another option for gas, car washes and snacks off of Highway 61 that may be a bit more convenient than the gas stations located along the I-35E corridor. Kwik Trip Inc. has requested a comprehensive plan amendment, zoning amendment, preliminary plat, conditional use permit and site plan for a gas station and convenience store with attached carwash on two parcels located northeast of the roundabout intersection with 159th Street North and Forest Boulevard North (Highway 61). “Most of the times when we go into communities like this one, the most common question is, ‘You already have one (store) in Hugo, why the need for two stores?’ We see the growth occurring in this part of town,” said Real Estate Development Manager Dean George, on behalf of Kwik Trip. “The existing store down on Frenchman, I don’t think it can handle all the growth in this community. With the new development that is occurring, it is going to be busy out there we think. It is going to look a lot like the existing store in town.” Associate Planner Max Gort explained that although Kwik Trip owns both parcels, the entirety of the development will be located on Parcel 2, the larger parcel to the west of the property. He added that the site plan shows a ghost plan of a commercial building at some point in the future, but that is not included in the current applications. The comprehensive plan amendment request is to change the land use designation for Parcel 1 in the 2040 Land Use Plan from Low Density Residential to Commercial. The zoning amendment request is to change the zoning of Parcel 1 from Planned Unit Development to General Business. The preliminary plat request is to adjust the property line shared by the two parcels. The conditional use permit request is to allow for the attached carwash, and to allow the convenience store to operate 24 hours. “One of the main reasons Kwik Trip is requesting a (comp plan) amendment and rezoning is to make it a little bit more consistent with everything north of 159th Street east of Highway 61. The land use and zoning in this area was drawn up before 159th Street was extended east of the roundabout,” Gort said. “The properties to the south are all zoned and guided for commercial development, but they are all fairly industrial uses. Truck traffic is fairly common in the area, so Kwik Trip being in this area won’t create much more impact to the local streets.” The overall site plan includes a 9,126-square-foot convenience store, 1,931-square-foot one-bay attached car wash, and fuel canopy with 10 fuel dispensers. The site plan shows two access points off of 159th Street.
The store is proposed to look very similar to the one off of Victor Hugo Boulevard.
The easterly access point is a full access with the driveway leading toward the fuel pumps and front entrance of the convenience store. The westerly access point is a right-in, right-out only access located behind the median of 159th Street. Gort explained that the westerly access point was initially proposed as a full access, but it is the city engineer’s recommendation that it be redesigned to only allow for right turns out and no access in. The city engineer would also like to see Kwik Trip’s grading plan tweaked slightly. “The city engineer believes the site could be lowered a bit. Right now, the plan is showing some sidewalks and driveways toward the edge of the property that are steeper than ideal,” Gort said. “Staff will work with the applicant on upgrading the grading plan for more conducive movement between the site and the road.” Gort noted that the proposal meets all the necessary requirements and recommended approval. Planning Commission Member Cindy Petty asked whether sidewalks were proposed as part of the project. Gort explained that there will be a trail on the north side of 159th Street that will link into the city’s trail network and also connect to the sidewalk leading up to the store. Petty also inquired about the reason for one car wash bay versus two. “The single-bay model is the standard that we put up all over the place and it usually accommodates most of the traffic that we see in most areas. We are comfortable putting up one bay almost everywhere unless we project excessively large car wash volumes, which we are not here,” George explained. Planning Commission Member Phil Klein wanted to make sure that Kwik Trip was planning to reuse some of its water for the car wash. George said that Kwik Trip primarily reuses water during the undercarriage flush by utilizing a reverse osmosis system. Klein also inquired about plans for installing electric car charging stations. “We are slowly starting to install them where it makes sense. We have a couple new charging stations in five communities in Minnesota and about six in Wisconsin,” he said, adding that electrical conduit for chargers could easily be added to an existing parking stall in the future.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Kwik Trip is proposing to build a new store on two parcels located northeast of the roundabout intersection with 159th Street North and Forest Boulevard North (Highway 61).
Planning Commission Chairperson Bronwen Kleissler asked for more information about what it meant to be open 24 hours. George explained that in addition to the pumps being open for use, the inside of the store would also be staffed with a minimum of two employees. “It is a request we make when we go all over the place, and the reason we do is not because we make a lot of money overnight or are delivering product overnight, it is just part of the cohesive brand,” he said. “Uniformity is important to us, and we like people to know if they are coming up on a Kwik Trip that it is going to be there for them 24 hours if they need it.” The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of all of the applications to the City Council, which the council approved. Although an exact timeline is not known at this point, Gort said construction is planned to begin sometime in 2026. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
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3
CURRENT EVENTS
New Year’s Eve Bear Drop
WINTER ACOUSTIC MUSIC WITH JOHN KERNS
When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. Details: High energy show geared to kids ages 2-5 gets them to dance, sing, follow instructions, learn about food, and party. Contact: rclreads.org
When: Wednesday, Dec. 31; bear will be lowered at 8 p.m. and midnight; Kids Bash from 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn and Rudy’s Redeye Grill Details: In New York City they drop a ball, in Flagstaff, AZ, they drop a pinecone, and in White Bear Lake - they will drop a white bear. In addition to the bear drop, there will be a dinner service with a special menu, the Rooftop will be open for cocktails, a hot chocolate bar will be in the hotel lobby and the New Year’s Eve Kids Bash will include an Italian buffet, dessert bar, party favors, DJ music, dancing, sparklers and prizes. Call Rudy’s Redeye Grill for tickets. Contact: Bill Foussard at 651-271-5985 or bill@ whitebearcountryinn.com
SERENE SNOWSHOW HIKE
When: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes Details: Explore off-trail on snowshoes. Ages 13+; registration online. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
CHASE AND OVATION’S NEW YEAR’S EVE TRIBUTE TO PRINCE When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Prince tribute concert. Ticket information online. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org
CONTRIBUTED
OBITUARY
CRIBBAGE
Eugene “Gene” P. Houle
When: Monday, Jan. 5 and ever 1st & 4th Monday of each month. Where: Rice Lake Centre in Hugo, 6900 137th Street N. Details: All senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding areas are invited to join for an afternoon of Cribbage. Coffee and refreshments will be served. Contact: Alice at 651-429-4413
November 3, 1942 ~ December 10, 2025 Loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 10, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Paul & Eva; son, Steven; siblings, Marquerite Seifert, Wallace, Rayoume, Daniel, LeRoy. Survived by wife of 57 years, Kathleen; daughter, LeAnn (William) Michael; son, Ryan; grandchildren, Jestine (Justin), Adam, Whitney (James), James (Megan), Joshua (Abigail), Nathan, Steven; great-grandchildren, Jaylin, Josephine, Penny, Stevie; sister, Joyce Marier; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Gene cherished spending time with his family specifically his grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking and was always very active in his community. He will be missed by many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Saturday, January 17th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at the Church of Saint Genevieve’s Parish Center, Centerville. Interment, Saint Genevieve Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the family.
FAMILY DANCE PARTY
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 Where: St.Joseph Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Details: Fundraiser for the Lino Lakers 4-H Club and Anoka County Camp Salie includes dancing, carnival games, door prizes, and refreshment sales. Tickets sold at the door. Contact: Lino Lakers Facebook page
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OPINION
4 THE CITIZEN
www.presspubs.com
DECEMBER 25, 2025
What does the season of giving mean?
I
n a recent article I wrote about local Salvation Army bell ringers that ran in our papers, I met with multiple volunteers from Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights and Lindstrom to talk about their experiences as a bell ringer. One of the questions I asked them was “What motivates you to continue to bell ring every campaign?” Their response was simple.
Almost all of them said they continue to bell ring every campaign they enjoy giving back to Madeline’s because the community. They liked the idea that every dollar they raised goes Mail back into the community, whether Madeline Dolby that is helping a family pay their utility bill or their groceries. One of the volunteers mentioned that he thinks the idea of giving has been commercialized, especially during the holiday season. After our interview, the comment sat with me, and it made me think about what “giving” means in today’s world of social media. It seems that everything is for social media these days. From the ages of 12 to 16, I used to watch “What I got for Christmas” videos on YouTube. Some people got similar gifts to what I got: A few new sweaters, a new pair of shoes and jewelry. One year my sister and I got Justin Bieber concert tickets, which was extremely special. Others got extravagant things, like a designer handbag or a designer piece of jewelry that cost as much as all my presents combined. At around 16, I stopped watching those videos. One influencer had gotten a pair of designer shoes for Christmas, instead of being excited and grateful she got the shoes, she said, “This isn’t exactly the color I wanted, but it’s whatever.” Soon, the hauls became flooded with designer boxes and bags. I couldn’t relate to them anymore. My family couldn’t afford to buy me that many gifts. It was no longer relatable. And it made me feel bad about myself. Sometimes those same people come across my social media, and they still are the same way. No matter how much they have, it never seems to be enough. During Christmas time, I always see commercials on TV that say, “Give back this holiday season” and they’ll go on to show someone gifting a brand-new Kitchen Aid mixer, or Beats headphones, or the newest iPhone to a loved one or friend. But what if giving back looks different for me? One way I love to give back is through acts of service. Once or twice a week I cook dinner for my parents because they deserve to relax after coming home from work just like me. I even do all the clean up afterwards so they can get their nightly walk in. During the fall, I brought a bunch of cookies over to my neighbors across the street because the wife is always bringing us baked goods throughout the year. I found out that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness mean the most to the people in our lives. My mom always says she doesn’t care about receiving a ton of presents on Christmas, it isn’t about that. She says she is just excited to have us all under one roof, hanging out and watching “Christmas with the Cranks.” I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. And I encourage you to give back in a new way, because you never know the impact you can have on those around you.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Quad Community Press.
Distributed and mailed bi-weekly in: P.O. Box 393 Hugo, MN 55038 www.ReadTheCitizen.com
Hugo • Centerville • Lino Lakes
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A
The wild world of moss
t night I sometimes find myself staring up at the stars, wondering what life is like on other planets. But if you pay attention, you can find the most alien forms of life living right here on Earth, and sometimes in your own backyard. For me, I recently discovered the wild world of moss and the alien forms that it comes in. Moss is part of the Bryophyte family, which is a group of non-flowering, Gardener’s non-vascular Grapevine plants. They do not have true Timothy roots like other plants but Newcomb instead have rhizoids that allow them to attach to their growing medium. They also do not produce seeds but instead reproduce via spores. Because they don’t have a vascular system like normal plants, water and nutrients are passed through the plant from cell to cell through os-
mosis. This is part of what gives them their ability to absorb large amounts of liquid. Some types of moss can collect as much as 20 times their weight in water. The life cycle of moss is very different from the life cycle of flowering plants we are most familiar with. In flowering plants, a seed grows into the plant that will make flowers with stamen and pistils that will get fertilized to make seeds which then make more plants. Moss, on the other hand, starts with a spore that creates a protonema which is a green mat-like structure that attaches itself to things like rocks, trees, or other suitable surfaces. From the ends of these protonema the stems and leaves of moss grow and create the majority of the moss plant you see but stems and leaves are different from what you would expect on a normal plant. They are actually the reproductive parts of the moss. These are differentiated between male and female, and you could almost think of these as the stamen and pistils of a flower, but that is the majority of moss plants. When they are fertilized, they create
zygotes or baby moss inside the female moss plant. While attached to the mother plant it will grow and turn into a sporophyte that at maturity will release spores into the air to go and become moss elsewhere, starting the cycle over again. This cycle has worked well for moss for over 470 million years and has allowed it to evolve into over 15,000 species globally. Without true roots it can grow on almost any wet sturdy surface. This is one of the reasons that early moss and other bryophytes were some of the first plants to start gathering water and organic matter to areas so that later plants could develop. Moss is a reservoir of water and nutrients, which is why we still use moss today as a growing medium for our more common plants. So, the next time you come across some moss, tip your gardening hat to it and thank it for making it possible for all the other plants we have today. Timothy Newcomb is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension
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DECEMBER 25, 2025 www.readthecitizen.com
THE CITIZEN
Walking in our shoes: The Word made flesh When we talk about someone “walking in our shoes,” we are often referring to someone who understands us. They can see things from our point of view. They can empathize with us and appreciate our perspectives. Pastor’s The Christmas Ponderings season is often filled with memTim ories. Some of the Heinecke memories may be positive and fill us with fuzzy feel-
ings. Some of the memories may be negative and leave us feeling empty inside. Regardless of what all comes to mind this season, life is better when someone knows what we are going through. The Christmas season is better when we have someone in our life who can “walk in our shoes.” Thankfully, this is what Christmas is all about! A famous Bible reading for Christmas Day is John 1, which includes these words: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) Our God loves us enough to “walk in our shoes” and become one of us.
5
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Bringing hope and joy Not so long ago, when we were all youngsters trying to understand an adult world, we wondered, as all youngsters do, if there really is a Santa Claus. I believe there is a Santa Claus, he not a person, but an idea. The idea is that Santa Claus and Christmas are about helping others and giving selflessly and bringing hope and joy into the lives of others expecting nothing in return. There are over 60 volunteers in the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network (YRN) that “adopted” a military family this Christmas. These volunteers were provided a “wish list” from the family and then went out and bought some presents, wrapped them and delivered them to Hugo City Hall for pickup by the military family. These volunteers were the Hugo YRN Santa Program of 2025, and they really are Santa Claus this Christmas. They will bring hope to the hearts and smiles to the faces of hundreds of children of military families.
Christmas is about celebrating Jesus becoming human to come and save us. Even if it seems like nobody else understands what we are going through, God is there for us. Jesus understands and He is with you at Christmastime and every season of the year. If you are looking for a church home to celebrate with this Christmas, we invite you to join us! On Christmas morning we will have a service at 9 a.m. For more information, check us out online at www.newlifehugo.org. Tim Heinecke is the pastor of New Life Church Lutheran in Hugo.
Chuck Haas Yellow Ribbon Network Chair
COUNTY BRIEFS County Board approves 5-year capital improvement plan
Commissioners approved a capital improvement plan (CIP), which will oversee projects throughout the county through 2030. The 2026-2030 CIP includes just more than $493.8 million in community investment — including a proposed $40 million bond sale in 2027 — across 105 projects or programs. The CIP outlines plans to maintain current infrastructure and includes projects for new roadways, buildings and park facilities to address a growing county population and service demands. The five-year plan calls for 69% of the funds to be spent on roads and bridges, 27% on public facilities, and 4% on parks and land. The CIP also plans for the maintenance of 296 miles of county highway, along with separated trails, intersections, signs, culverts and roundabouts. The county maintains 4,800 acres of parkland, with 75 miles of trails and five beaches. The five-year CIP includes more than $17.6 million in investments through 16 plans and projects in the county’s parks. Those include: • Hardwood Creek Regional Trail extension • Big Marine Park Reserve improvements • Lake Elmo Park Reserve facility improvements • Lake Elmo Park Reserve single-track trail
• Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park lighted trails The five-year CIP includes $132.2 million in planned investments for 21 public facilities projects and programs in the county. Plans include funding for: • Public Works South Shop maintenance facility construction • R.H. Stafford Library improvements • Park Grove Library remodel project • Central and South Yard Waste sites • Countywide facility improvements The five-year CIP includes $343.8 million in planned investments for 68 road and bridge projects and programs across the county. These projects and programs include: • County Highway 50 corridor studies and intersection improvements in Forest Lake. • County Highway 27 corridor expansion project from Interstate 694 to County Highway 12 in Mahtomedi. • Highway 36/Lake Elmo Avenue (County Highway 17) interchange project in Lake Elmo.
• County Highway 16 corridor safety and pavement preservation projects in Woodbury. • County Road 19A to 100th Street Realignment Project in Cottage Grove.
Board extends contracts for homeless prevention services in 2026 Commissioners also approved two contract amendments with organizations to provide homeless prevention services in 2026. The board extended the term of the county’s contract with Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties and Solid Ground through Dec. 31, 2026, and added $100,000 to provide the services through the updated term. The funding comes from the State of Minnesota’s Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA). Washington County distributes LAHA funds to community partner agencies engaged in homelessness prevention work under the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program.
PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF HUGO
SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2025-545 ADOPTING THE 2026 CITY OF HUGO FEE SCHEDULE NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. The City of Hugo City Council does ordain the following: Section 1. Findings. Pursuant to Minnesota Law, the City of Hugo City Code, and upon a review of a study conducted by City staff, a fee schedule for City services and licensing is hereby adopted for the following: 2026 FEE SCHEDULE Businesses Licenses Non-Business Licenses & Permits Building Permits Building Related Demolition Related Development Fees Local Government Unit (LGU) Fees Planning and Zoning Related Publications Public Works Related Roadway Reconstruction/Rehab Utility Related Rentals Miscellaneous Charges Section 2. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be effective on January 1, 2026. This is a summary of the adopted ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall; a full listing of the city’s fees is available on the City Website. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hugo this 15th day of December, 2025.
Tom Weidt, Mayor ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on December 25, 2025.
CITY OF HUGO
ORDINANCE 2025-546 AN ORDINANCE WITHIN THE CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA AMENDING CHAPTER 90 (ZONING ORDINANCE) OF THE CITY CODE TO CLASSIFY CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED NORTH OF 159TH STREET NORTH AND EAST OF FOREST BOULEVARD NORTH THE CITY OF HUGO ORDAINS: Section 1. Amendment of the City Code. Chapter 90 of the City Code of the City of Hugo, Minnesota, is hereby amended by changing the classification on the City of Hugo Zoning Map to General Business (C-2) with respect to the property legally described as follows: OUTLOT B, The Shores of Oneka Lake, Washington County, Minnesota. Section 2. Effective Date. This amendment shall take effect upon its passage. ADOPTED BY THE HUGO CITY COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 15, 2025 Tom Weidt, Mayor ATTEST: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on December 25, 2025.
SUNSET LAKE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
NOTICE OF AERATION An aerator is in operation on Sunset Lake in Washington County, located at 12686 Ingersoll Avenue North, Hugo, MN. Published two times in The Citizen on December 11 and 25, 2025. Service Service times times are are subject subject to to change change during during the the coronavirus coronavirus crisis. crisis. Contact Contact your your local local church church or or check check church church web web sites sites for Find for service service time time and and online online service service information. information. Find the the church church that that fits fits your your needs needs
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sunday Join us Sunday: Join us on onWorship Sunday:
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736543 736543 760824 760824 inin
Lutheran Lutheran Church Church
Pastor Pastor Gregory Gregory S. S. Musolf Musolf LCMS LCMS 807 807 Hwy. Hwy. 97 97 SE, SE, Forest Forest Lake, Lake, MN MN messiahlutheranmn.com messiahlutheranmn.com •• 651-464-6842 651-464-6842 Worship -- 9:00 AM SS/Bible 10:30 Find the thatStudy fits-- your needs Worship 9:00church AM SS/Bible Study 10:30 AM AM
th and 55th and Bloom Bloom Ave, Ave, White White Bear Bear Lake Lake •• 651-429-3381 651-429-3381 •• www.fpcwbl.org www.fpcwbl.org
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762058 762058 836164 762054 762054
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Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
761757 761757
Celebrate Mass with us!
6 THE CITIZEN
COPS&COURTS www.readthecitizen.com
DECEMBER 25, 2025
HUGO POLICE REPORTS The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• Residents in the 16000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 11:17 a.m. Nov. 8 reported a couple engaged in a TikTok challenge in front of their house, during which they leaned a cell phone up to a vehicle’s tire and took pictures of themselves.
deputies were alerted to a speeding vehicle on their radar and conducted a traffic stop. After deputies conducted computer research on the driver, they learned the youth had a lengthy record of lead foot driving in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Not to be left out, deputies added another citation to this driver’s citation trophy room. • Residents in the 9000 block of 170th Street N. at 1:57 p.m. Nov. 23 reported a person who they’d previously thrown out of their house for returning to the house. Deputies stood by the complainant while the complainant told the suspect he was trespassed. Deputies then produced the trespass notice and served the subject before escorting him off the property. • Deputies issued the first overnight parking violation citation of the season at 2:35 a.m. Nov. 26 to a vehicle parked in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. following the first plowable snowfall of 2025-26. The second parking citation was issued at 2:51 a.m. Nov. 26 in the 5000 block of 138th Street N. and the third at 3:02 a.m. Nov. 26 in the 5000 block of 135th Street N. The overnight winter parking ban was instituted to allow city plows to clear the streets of snow. • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 5000 block of Upper 146th Street N. on a report of a planter box in Lions Park smoldering at 8:07 p.m. Nov. 9. Concerned citizens had observed smoke coming from the planter box near a park building and poured several bottles of water on it. Out of abundance of caution, the Hugo Fire Department was called out to ensure the fire was completely out. This was the second instance of a suspicious fire at this location recently. On Nov. 6 a large planter was burnt, and arson was suspected. • Residents in the 15000 block of Emerald Drive N. reported their house egged and toilet-papered overnight Nov. 9-10, as part of an ongoing harassment issue. • A motorist parked in the 14000 block of Fenway Avenue N. received a citation under the windshield wipers at midnight Nov. 11 for displaying vehicle registration that expired in July 2024. • Suspicious males seen on video at a business in the 14000 block of Mercantile Drive overnight Nov. 11-12 at turned out to be the cleaners, who were at the wrong address. • A large number of suspicious vehicles were reported near 180th Street N. and Elmcrest Avenue N. at 9:31 p.m. Nov. 12 with their lights off as part of a massive drug deal going down. Nobody was arrested, except for the spectacular view of the aurora borealis brought on by the earth’s atmosphere being hit with solar wind.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated a traffic stop for speeding at 11:45 p.m. Nov. 8 in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. and cited the motorist for speeding and failing to stop at a red light. • Deputies were called out at 2:33 a.m. and again at 3:35 a.m. Nov. 16 to check the area for juveniles out and about ringing doorbells in the 14000 block of Finale Avenue N. before leaving the area. Extra patrol was requested after a suspicious male was reported for knocking on a door in the 4000 block of Fable Hill Parkway N. at 2:18 a.m. Nov. 17. • A severely damaged park bench was reported at 5:47 a.m. Nov. 16 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. • Deputies on patrol on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road N. at 5:28 p.m. Nov. 16 observed a juvenile on an electric bike failing to wait for traffic at the crosswalk and nearly getting creamed by a full-sized truck. Deputies stopped and spoke with the juvenile before arranging to mail a citation for multiple violations to the juvenile’s home. • At 10:09 p.m. Nov. 16 deputies were dispatched out to the 4000 block of 132nd Way N. to assist in a medical emergency. On arrival, deputies waited with the patient until paramedics arrived on scene. At 10:21 p.m., the ambulance still had not arrived because it had hit a deer en route. The ambulance was damaged and the deer did not survive. Happily, the patient with the emergency fared well. • Two more motorists reported hitting deer in incidents that did not go well for the deer. The first was at 7:56 a.m. Nov. 17 on 170th Street N. and Henna Avenue N.; the second at 5:51 p.m. Nov. 17 on 170th Street N. at Forest Blvd. N. • An Amazon package was reported stolen at 1:56 p.m. Nov. 17 from a front porch in the 7000 block of 180th Street N. • Motorist No. 1 was cited at 11:39 p.m. Nov. 17 on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Heritage Parkway N. for failure to provide insurance information after being pulled over for traveling on a public roadway with no headlights on. Driver No. 2 was cited for multiple violations at 6:26 p.m. Nov. 18 on 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. Motorist No. 3 was cited at 6:29 p.m. Nov. 18 in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road for displaying tabs that expired in February 2025 and no proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for the tardy tabs. • After a found iPhone was turned in at 1:17 p.m. AN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 12/21/2025 Nov. 19 in the 16000 block of Empress Avenue, deputies recognized the screen saver photo as that of their neighbor and turned over the phone to the youth’s mom. At 6:28 p.m. Nov. 22 deputies responded to a found property report, but didn’t recognize any of their neighbors on the driver’s license that had been turned in. • A mom in the 14000 block of 14000 of Forest Blvd. N. at 1:56 p.m. Nov. 20 reported that her son was not the employee who sold cigarettes to minors, even though he was fired anyway. • An individual of undisclosed identity was arrested at 11:03 a.m. Nov. 21 in the 15000 block of Emerald Drive N. for violating a domestic abuse no-contact order.
why the complainant could see the dark vehicles in a dark corner but not the brilliant lights covering the sky. • A motorist of undisclosed identity was arrested at 11:16 a.m. Nov. 13 in the 5000 block of 147th Street N. for unmentioned offenses, following a traffic stop. Another unidentified motorist was arrested at 10:46 a.m. Nov. 14 for unknown offenses following a traffic stop at Victor Path N. and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. • A caller phoned in from an unknown location at 3:13 p.m. Nov. 13 to report multiple chainsaws lost from a trailer and asked whether anyone had turned them in. No one had. It is unclear whether the chainsaws were stolen or whether the complainant just couldn’t find them. • A juvenile was reported missing at 7:56 p.m. Nov. 13 from the 15000 block of French Drive N. after turning off his cell phone so that the parents could not see his location. • Fraud involving a construction company in the 12000 block of Everton Avenue was reported at 1:47 p.m. Nov. 13. • Assault was reported at 3:28 a.m. Nov. 15 from the 4000 block of 126th Street N., after the victim said she was elbowed at a bonfire in town. • An eastbound motorist was cited for speeding 70 mph in a 50 mph zone at 7:46 a.m. Nov. 15 on 122nd Street N. and July Avenue N. by west-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked the vehicle on radar. • In the Case of the Daring Deer, a deer was reported acting strangely at 9:19 p.m. Nov. 26 in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N. by walking up to people. The no-fear deer wouldn’t move away even when yelled at. Deputies dispatched the deer with two rounds of their 9mm firearm and notified their supervisor. • Deputies on patrol at 1:08 a.m. Nov. 27 found a male stumbling around in lanes of Highway 61 just south of 140th Street N. and gave him a ride home after identifying him. • Deputies were dispatched out on a theft report from the 13000 block of Geneva Avenue N. at 8:03 a.m. Nov. 28. • A motorist on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. was cited at 11:55 a.m. Nov. 28 for using a cell phone while driving.
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• During the all-day snowfall on Nov. 29, a motorist on 125th Street N. and Goodview Avenue N. phoned in at 1:52 p.m. to confirm to deputies on rolling patrol The owners of the vehicles had gone to that the road conditions were terrible. advised the Hugo Public Works Departa dark area in town and turned out their Deputies ment to make sure they knew the road conditions bad. headlights to better see the Northern • Awere son in the 15000 block of Europa Avenue N. at Lights. Deputies commended the sus4:38 p.m. Nov. 29 reported his parents for taking his car keys. picious vehicle owners for viewing the MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the we Harding MDAN ads to run ONELoretta TIME, the we Northern Lights in person instead of on Metro Facebook. It remains a mystery as to
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DECEMBER 25, 2025 www.readthecitizen.com
THE CITIZEN
7
Centerville sees an 8% increase to 2026 budget Centerville will receive no outside help to keep next year’s budget increases low, so council members stepped in to give taxpayers shouldering the burden a modest break. For the past several years, the city has received no Local Government Aid, and it won’t this year either, said Finance Director Bruce DeJong during the city’s truth in taxation presentation. In addition, the city will pay into the fiscal disparities program but won’t receive any of the shared funds this year. The fiscal disparities program is a
property tax base sharing program for the seven-county metro area that calls for a portion of growth in commercial, industrial and public utility property value to go into a tax base sharing pool. Hugo will receive $1.1 million from this program for 2026, but Centerville will receive nothing. In fact, Centerville’s participation in the program will raise the amount of taxes paid by local residents by $275,691 for 2026. After being reminded that the city could not increase the preliminary 2026 budget and levy as certified to Anoka County this past fall, but could lower the budget, council voted 4-1 (Mayor Nancy Golden opposed) to lower the
Celebrations Happy 3rd Birthday Royce!
2026 budget and levy slightly. Council members Linda Broussard Vickers and David Kubat worked to move money around in other funds to reduce the levy by $45,000, or 1%. Because of this small break given to its residents, the median value home of $364,950 (valued at $362,600 in 2025) received a $21 reduction in its city tax increase. That home will now pay $130 more in 2026 instead of $151 more, as originally planned. In 2025 that home paid $1,406 and in 2026 will pay $1,536 in city property taxes. This modest reduction notwithstanding, the city budget for 2026 adopted by the Centerville City Council increased by 8% to some $3.5 million. The total debt levy is $228,810, and the total canceled levy $22,690.85. The major drivers of the 8% budget increase are the result of the following increases in expenditures for 2026 that total $166,297: • $109,459 Police contract per adopted CLPD budget • $22,000 Planning & Zoning addi-
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8 THE CITIZEN
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
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FINANCIAL PLANNING
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
THE CITIZEN
9
Age-based financial goals to promote long-term security
These figures are based on retiring at age 67 and are intended to ensure such individuals can maintain their preretirement lifestyles. Individuals who want to retire before or after that age are urged to work with a financial advisor to meet their goals. • Age 30: Fidelity recommends individuals have at least 1x their salary saved by age 30.
These figures are just a benchmark and are not intended to take the place of professional financial advice. Though these goals can serve as motivation to save, individuals should know that savings goals can exceed these recommendations as well.
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Each individual is different, and those who aspire to retire early will need to save more at a younger age than those who plan to retire at age 70 or later. In an effort to help individuals ensure they save enough to enjoy their golden years, the financial experts at Fidelity have designed an age-based system that can serve as a guideline for professionals who want to stay on track as they save for retirement.
• Age 35: This approach calls for individuals to have 2x their salary saved by age 35. • Age 40: If retiring at 67 is the goal, having 3x your salary saved by age 40 can help make that a reality. • Age 45: 4x your salary should be saved by age 45 to retire comfortably at age 67. • Age 50: Fidelity recommends individuals have 6x their salary saved by age 50. • Age 55: 7x your salary is the suggested savings benchmark to reach by age 55. • Age 60: Individuals who aspire to retire at 67 are urged to save 8x their salary by the time they reach age 60. • Age 67: When the day comes to retire at 67, Fidelity recommends individuals have 10x their salary saved.
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The importance of saving for retirement is emphasized from the moment young adults enter the professional arena. Whether it’s parents urging their grown children to save or financial firms advertising their retirement planning services or employers sponsoring retirement investment vehicles, professionals need not look far to be reminded of the significance of saving for the day when they call it a career. Despite the ubiquity of the message emphasizing the importance of saving for retirement, millions of people are behind in their retirement savings. A 2023 survey by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan found that 44% of the 2,000 Canadian employees surveyed have not set aside any money for retirement in the past year, while 32% acknowledged they had not set aside any money for retirement. The situation is similar in the United States, where a 2023 CNBC Your Money survey found that 56% of Americans feel they are not on track to retire comfortably. Such figures can serve as a lesson for all professionals, but especially young adults who recently entered or are about to enter the professional arena.
10 THE CITIZEN
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
Honoring Our Heroes
Francis J. Wald
Donald F. Nelson
Kathy Hay
SPC Hunter Hallstrom
Terry DuRei
National Guard
Army Staff Sgt E6 Fort Jackson
Army WWII
Joseph D. King Army US, South Korea, Afghanistan
Clement Stine Army Rand TEC 4 WWII
Navy
Army Corporal
Army National Guard Fire Support
Air Force Security Squad
Daniel Ivan Nelson
Cmdr. Abigail White Navy
Army Private 1st Class
Muriel Stine
MSgt. Paul V. Jacobson
Navy Machinist Mate WWII
Kenneth Joachim
Wayne White
Army 34th Red Bulls WWII
Army Communication Specialist Vietnam
Sgt. Al Vogel
Marines Corporal E-4v
Marines Vietnam
Lester Nelson
Army Private 1st Class
William Burrows
Wayne Dirksen
William Hart
Army Radio Teletype Operator
Navy CPO Midway Island
Army Air Corps Flight Officer WWII
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DECEMBER 25, 2025 www.readthecitizen.com
THE CITIZEN
11
Honoring Our Heroes
Milton Anderson II
Sgt. Brian Patrick Fulton
SP4 Stationed in Mannheim, Germany and Toul, France
USMC Operation Iraqi Freedom
Cpl. Donald F. Nelson
Irvin J. Christensen
Norman I. Christensen
Rory D. Christensen
Roy D. Christensen Jr.
Sgt. Matthew Peterson
Ron Radermacher
Wesley Rude
Roy D. Christensen Sr.
Alex Park
Oscar Enroth
Rose Bayuk
Earl B Wismer
Navy E2
Navy Commander
Elmer Pedersen Army
Army Korea
Marines USS Iwo Jima
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12 THE CITIZEN
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
Letters to Santa Hi Santa how is Rudolph doing? And this Chistmas I was wondering if I could have a stuffy that looks like my cat beny. Olivia Wishlist Pokemon Cards Mega Evolution Don’t Wake Daddy Crystol Dragons Pols Pop Tarts Nerf Gun Blasting Hammer Gumball machine Mego cyborg Hond Shufflecart This to Santa From Rory Dear Santa, I was pretty good this year, so I was hoping to get some of these things – • Football themed blackout curtains • Cube fidget • Hunger games book set • Xbox series S + controller • Madden 25 • College football 25 • Gatorade water bottle Please and thank you From: Silas Arola Dear Santa, I was goodish this year. I would like for Christmas 1. American girl doll please 2. Gel Pens 3. Skit it 4. Squishmallow grey French Bulldog 5. Coco the Tumbling Panda 6. Furby Minis 7. Hershey candy pack I have a question for you do you have any kids? Love Sylvie Arola Please and thankyou I love Christmas and Santa
Dear Santa I just wanted to send something to you From Harrison G. For: Jakobi Dear Santa one thing I want for Christmas is a electric dirt bike. Please thank you to Sant ROMAN’S CHRISTMAS LIST 1. FOUR-HEADED SE MONSTER THAT CAN DRIVE ON WATER CAN FLY 2. ANY MINECRAFT T SHIRT SIZE 6/7 3. SHADOW T SHIRT SIZE 6/7 4. TRANSFORMERS EXCEPT OPTIMUS/PRIME Stegasaurus one and T-Rex motorcycle 5. Make this the best Christmas ever! Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! Some things I want is the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid PartyPooper book, hyper allergenic Christmas earrings, 2025 Christmas barbie, soft silk pajamas and a cross necklace. From,Cora
Dear Santa, This is what I want for Christmas a barbie, Sunny Side up Series books, hypoallergenic earrings, Josmo barbie girls slippers cream color or any other cut cofy slippers, and a cross necklace. Well I could go on forever, but anyway have a great Christmas and have fun with Mrs. Claus. Sorry a couple more things barbie crutches, barbie dream house (not frozen) 12 colors nail art pen, blue marble gymnastics leotard, gymnastics sports card. Have a great Christmas. From, Alex
good boy. This is what I would like from you for Christmas. 1. Remote control monster truck, green & red 2. Target Semi truck w/packages & forklift Thank you – Merry Christmas Carter Purdhomme Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like Heated Blanket Remote control Car Camera Bluey stuff From Amie Hsu (age 4) Dear Santa, I’m trying my best to be good. What I really want for Christmas is the Lego Minecraft Turtle Beach House and the Windmill Farm. Also the Warden Encounter. I would like anything Pokemon and anything Sonic. I will give you some cookies and milk and put some carrots for your reindeer. Thank you Bronson Swenson, 7
Dear Santa, I am 2 ½ and learning a lot this year, trying my best to be a good boy. I would love some little surprises and something fun to play with. I get excited about everything, so whatever you bring will make me happy. I will leave you yummy cookies and a carrot for the reindeer, can’t wait to see your magic! Thank you, Lennox GRAHAM’S CHRISTMAS LIST 2025
• Bakugans • Watch – heart rate, activity, tracks footsteps, games, maybe camera • Pokemon Cards – Vmax • Goalie Gloves for Soccer • Spy Kit • Sweatshirt • Magic Treehouse Books • Pokemon Binder • Sunglasses • Ski Helmet • Ski Gloves • Rock Tumbler (turns rocks in gemstones) • Gold Detector (if you don’t have it, do metal detector) • Red Hair dye • Just Stuff
Dear Santa, I want a Mario racetrack, a Barbie airplane and a bag of chips. Love, June - Age 5 Dear Santa I am 6 ½. This is what I would like for christmis. 1. New barby doll 2 .New barbiy Jeep I have been rilly Good Love Payton Prudhomme Dear Santa, I am 4 ½ years old. I’ve been a
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DECEMBER 25, 2025 www.readthecitizen.com
THE CITIZEN
13
Letters to Santa
Dear Santa, I have been good this year, I hope you will give me the marvel titan hero series fantastic 4 first steps galactic figure, lego jurrasic world t-Rex, cool galaxy basketball design or red and black design, London lego sky line, lego harry potter hogwartz castle, lego – The crafting table, lego paris-city of love, lego great wall of china, A LOT of mine coins, Minecraft diamond level alex action figure, subnautica for Nintendo switch, chocolate from different countrys and lego technic solar system. Thank you Love, Wally Newton
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Dear Santa, I’ve been mostly a good girl this
Dear, Santa for Christmas I would like Exploading Kittins, (a game) DJ set, Squishmellows, scrunchies. Thank you! from Zoey Hsu (age 9) • Unicorn Backpack • Took Kit (a kit that has tools) • Pink Goalie Gloves • Pink Hair Dye • Pink Pants • Pink Rings • Pink Elsa Watch • Unicorn Earmuffs • Pink Snowpants • Pink Winter eMittens • Elsa winter boot’s • Elsa Winter Hat
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Dear, Santa 1. Pets alive (mom turtle) 2. Lego set 3. Mini animals (miniverse) 4. My mini baby 5. ????????? 6. ATM Bank (Give $ Bake) By Vivienne Gustaveson. Thank you. I <3 you. Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like: • A snow globe with a picture of me in it • A gel gun • A Harry Potter Lego set • An American Girl that looks like me • Rainbow candy cains • Volleyball elbow and knee pads To: Santa Love: Harlie Johnson Gel Gun Slime Basketball Michael Jordan shoes Shaving Harry 3 Ninjas
IT’S ALL YEAR LONG
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Dear Santa, For Christmas I would like: • A snow globe with a picture of me in it • A gel gun • A Harry Potter Lego set • An American Girl that looks like me • Rainbow candy cains • Volleyball elbow and knee pads To: Santa Love: Harlie Johnson
year. For Christmas, I would like a couple of things from the following list: Pretend hair salon Cleaning kit Microphone holder Guitar Baby Bottle My own kid desk with a mouse Christmas decorations for my Barbie house. Girl dolly shoes. Dolly Baby Food Natatlie (age 5)
Merry Christmas
IT’S NOT JUST
Christmas
Dear Santa Ive been most le good boy I wont a Dark gyarados, mew two, mega mew two x, mega mew two x, Lego set number 21266, Lego set number 21267, megu mew two x. Mega gyarados, mega slow bro, Mega pidgeot, Mega Bee Dril, Mega venusaur, Mega Scizor, Mew ex, ZekRom, Xerneas, War Tortle, Tapu Bulu, Blastolse. Frist edishin Mew two, Frist edishin Ma Champ Articuno Umbreon NidoKing Mega Charizardx Eian (age 7)
847792
3. Logs of mr. beast lab swarms season 3 4. Crunch labs most wanted 5. Walki talkie robots 6. Ultimate foosbots stadium battle seet 7. Mr. beast lab S3 Hive pack 8. Marble circuit or marble circuit deluxe 9. How I surrived the game 10. Air hit drum kit 11. Hexagon lights From JT
844017
Dear Santa, Here are a few things I want for cristmass: A phone A new Ipad A new hoverboard A zero gravity lazer racer Crunch labs Hack pack Carnivorious plant terrium kit Electric scooter Perplexus 3d maze game 5 squishmallows Vikings football helmet Lego technic cars Money Lego technic ford bronco Madden 26 ps5 Mr. beast labs hive pack Mr. beast labs Lego fortnite battle bus Tee turtle sponge bob reversible plush Football teeny mate lockers Go cart Tiny dirt bike Robux Lego happy plants Sincerely, Scotty Dear Santa Here are some things I’d like for Christmas 1. Iphone 17 pro max 2. Vr head set
14 THE CITIZEN
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
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THE CITIZEN
15
HUGO BITS AND PIECES
CONTRIBUTED
Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. swears in Bob Bieniek, who was promoted to lieutenant in October. Bieniek previously served as lieutenant (2011-2014) and captain (2014-2021) before having to step away from the department due to his job. Over the next year, Compton says Bieniek is leading the department’s effort in a new project, the Community Risk Reduction Program. • $183,952 will be certified to Washington County to be included on property tax rolls for delinquent utility bills. • The council has adopted the fee schedule for 2026. Changes include: - An increase in the hourly rates was made for public works charges to reflect updated employee wages, insurance costs and equipment costs. - The fees for various sized water meters and utility hardware have been updated to reflect manufacturer’s prices.
- The fee for neighborhood park shelter reservation permits will be discontinued. Since the implementation of online facility reservations in 2022, no neighborhood park shelter reservation permits have been issued. The picnic shelter at the Peder Pedersen Pavilion will continue to be rentable, but all other park shelters are available for public use on a first-come, first-served basis. • For 2026, some changes will be made to city salaries and reimbursement levels. The council approved adjusting the city’s salary matrix by 4.44% and granting step increases to those employees who had not yet reached their pay grade maximums as approved in the 2026 budget earlier this month. Ten of the city’s 27 full-time employees will receive step increases. The net aggregate dollar increase is $154,708 and the overall budget for employee wages will increase by 5.4%. • Six refuse haulers have been approved to do business in the city; they include: Gene’s Disposal, Maroney’s Sanitation Inc., Ace Solid Waste Management, Walters Recycling and Refuse, Republic Services, and Waste Management. • Several businesses have received their annual liquor and tobacco licenses as well as low-potency hemp edibles registration, including: Blacksmith Lounge, Wild Wings of Oneka, On the Rocks Wine/Spirits, Blue Heron Grill, Kwik Trip, Sal’s Angus Grill, Oneka Ridge Golf Course, Hugo American Legion Post 620, Festival Foods, Mot-
taz’s Bottle Shop, MGM Wine & Spirits of Hugo, Amian American & Asian Bistro, Red Savoy’s, Speedway and Hugo Tobacco. • White Bear Lake Ducks Unlimited has applied for a lawful gambling exempt permit to hold raffles at its event on Sunday, Jan. 18 at Sal’s Angus Grill. The permit will be issued by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board now that it has been approved by council. The Church of St. Genevieve Men’s Club also applied for a lawful gambling exempt permit to hold a raffle at an event on Friday, March 27. • The city continues to pay its bills for the 2025 street project. Most recently, the council authorized pay request No. 4 for $89,620 to Northwest Asphalt Inc. for work certified through Nov. 30. The project is complete and only minor restoration items remain, which will be checked in the spring. The council authorized the final pay request in the amount of $133,631 to Dresel Contracting for the Dellwood Ridge and 125th Street 2024 road project. • The council has scheduled its annual goal setting session for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26. The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at City Hall. Shannon Granholm
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Free Items
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Help Wanted Chisago County is seeking a highly skilled Senior Infrastructure Engineer to provide advanced cyber security related services for our interconnected E-911 and CJIS networks. $38.07 - $50.13/hr DOQ. Apply online at www.chisagocountymn.gov. Open until filled.
150
Help Wanted
Chisago County is seeking a highly skilled Senior Infrastructure Engineer to provide advanced cyber security related services for our interconnected E-911 and CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Systems) networks. $38.07 to $50.13 DOQ. Apply online at
www.chisagocountymn.gov
Open until filled.
SUBSTITUTE CUSTODIAN Night Shift 2:00-10:30PM, M-F, during the school White Bear County year. Daytime hours in summer. Salary Inn NOW HIRING Range: $15.36 Laundry Attendant $17.20 with $0.065 for Sat. & Sun. Send differential for shifts resume to JSchoen@ starting after 12:00PM WhiteBear apply online at: www.applitrack.com/is CountryInn.com d876/onlineapp/ or call 651-272-3783
White Bear Country Inn is hiring a PT Front desk clerk. Send resume to Jschoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call 651*/272*3783 Kind Hearts Assited Living, LLC in WBL is hiring a Personal Caregiver. Mon-Fri, some wknds, 7a-3p and 3p-10p, Contact Adam: 763*/222*4838 or adamfele64@gmail.com
White Bear Country Inn is NOW HIRING a P/T Front Desk Clerk. Job duties: Checking guests in and out, answering the telephone, and other duties as assigned. Must be fun, friendly, and have great customer service skills. Shifts vary from 7am-3pm and 3pm-11pm. Must be flexible to work both. Send resumes to Jacqlyn at JSchoen@WhiteBearCountryInn.com or call
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Miscellaneous
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DON'T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/*852*5506 GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844*/220*9501 today! GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 855/*562*4309
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Want to Buy WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 844/*978*0683 We Buy Vinyl Records Lps, 45s, Stereo Equip We make house calls by appointment. White Bear Lake Records 4775 Banning Ave,WBL wblrecords.com 651/224-4947
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Rentals/ Commercial EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
Pet Services Since 1989
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Deadline for Classified Line and display ads Thursday 4pm | 651-407-1250 | classified@presspubs.com LIABILITY DISCLAIMER INDEMNIFICATION: The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
16 THE CITIZEN
DECEMBER 25, 2025
www.readthecitizen.com
APPLIANCE REPAIR
Meet Your Specialist
Bill Friedrichs, owner of Better Solutions, is a Full Service Contractor. He has lived in the local area since 1972. Bill has over 35 years experience in the remodeling business. Give him a call for all of your home improvement needs including carpentry, siding, windows, interior and exterior work.
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D I R E C T O R Y
DECEMBER 25, 2025 www.readthecitizen.com
CENTERVILLE BUDGET: Debt service levies decrease The $122,400 loss of nontax revenues combined with the $166,297 in increased expenses result in a tax levy increase of $288,697 needed to balance the budget. Property taxes contribute 91.75% of the city’s revenues. Licenses/fees contribute 3.6% and others less than 2.5%. As was noted earlier, LGA and fiscal disparities programs contribute nothing. The city’s largest expenses are public safety at 49.1%, running the government at 21.3% and public works at 16.2%. The good news for the city is that debt service levies have decreased every year, starting at $328,798 in 2022 and falling to $228,810 for 2026. The last year for the city to pay down its
Eat Local Red Luna Seasons
debt will be 2028, and in 2029 there will be no debt service levy, DeJong said. Following the truth in taxation presentation and hearing, the final 2026 budget will be adopted and certified to Anoka County by Dec. 30. Property taxes are due May 15, 2026, to complete this year’s financial cycle. Starting next year’s financial cycle will be the compilation of homes sold from October 2024 through September 2025, after which the assessor will set home values in January 2026. The Board of Equalization meeting will take place in May 2026 for residents to learn why their home values went up or down.
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Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached at news@presspubs.com.
Craft smoked meats, classic Memphis style BBQ & comfort food since 2012 552 Lincoln Drive, East Bethel
POLITICAL BRIEF League of Women Voters hosts meeting in Hugo The White Bear Lake Area League of Women Voters will host a meeting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the Dunn
Brothers inside of Festival Foods in Hugo. Community members are invited to meet for coffee, camaraderie and to prioritize community actions. For more information, contact Kim Samrock at kasamrock@yahoo.com.
Red Luna Taco Factory Authentic Mexican 5960 Hwy 61 North, White Bear Lake
NAMES IN THE NEWS Planning Commissioner for the city of Hugo, board member of Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf and treasurer of Hopkins Schoolhouse & Heritage Center, and volunteers for the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network.
(651) 350-7819 redlunaseasons.com 114 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi, MN 55115
If you’d like to experience our schools in person, mark your calendar for open house tours for incoming kindergarten families: FALL ‘26 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!
WHY BE A BEAR? • Student-centered instruction. We believe all students grow and learn in different ways and at different rates — that all can achieve.
• Expanded academic opportunities. Our students explore their interests, excel and design their futures.
• Empowered, supported learning. Students are agents and owners of their learning in an environment that is safe, supportive and challenging — with high expectations for student success. Our educators facilitate learning and challenge students — fostering curiosity and confidence.
• Transformative learning. Our flexible learning spaces and learning studios ignite opportunities for communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
Int’l Baccalaureate (IB) & Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion programs available!
FOLLOW WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA SCHOOLS
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Pizza, Burgers, Pastas, Hot Hoagies, Wraps, Soup & Salads
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• Inspiring, nurturing educators.
Design Your Future. Create Your Success.
Carbones Pizzeria & Pub
White Bear Lake Area Schools
• Tuesday, Jan. 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Birch Lake Elementary, Oneka Elementary, Otter Lake Elementary and Willow Lane Elementary • Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 4-6 p.m. at Matoska International • Thursday, Jan. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Lakeaires Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, North Star Elementary and Vadnais Heights Elementary Find complete information at
www.isd624.org/ kindergarten 847913
GO DISCOVER.
Hugo resident Cindy Petty, RN, BSN, has been elected to the executive board of the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Petty works at Keystone Place at LaValle Fields as the assistant director of health and wellness. Petty also serves as a
17
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FROM PAGE 7
THE CITIZEN
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
18 THE CITIZEN
www.readthecitizen.com
DECEMBER 25, 2025
Baumann pitched in Japan this year Mike Baumann, the Mahtomedi graduate who pitched for five different major league teams in 2024, played in Japan in the 2025 season for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. The right-handed middle reliever, now CONTRIBUTED 30, was sidelined with Mike Baumann of an injury for much of the Tokyo Yakult the season. He worked Swallows. 15 innings in 16 games with 19 strikeouts, an 0-2 record and 4.20 earned-run-average.
Originally signed by the Baltimore Orioles, his best season was in 2023 with a 10-1 record and 3.78 ERA. In 2024, he never found his groove as he bounced from the Orioles to the Mariners, Giants, Angels and Marlins, tying a record for most teams in a season. Baumann’s career big league statistics include a 15-6 record, 4.95 ERA, and 147 strikeouts in 167 innings. The 2014 Mahtomedi graduate, also a football lineman for the Zephyrs, played college baseball for Jacksonville, Florida. Bruce Strand
Cougar boys clip Andover, are 3-1 in conference Centennial is 3-1 in the Northwest Suburban after defeating Andover 6-3 last Tuesday, and 5-5 overall. The Cougars were led by Joey Hemr with the hat trick. The senior lefthander tallied the first, second and fourth goals as the Cougars took a 4-0 lead. Kaden Johnson and Nick Carls had the other goals, Flynn Sanburg notched
30 saves, and Nolan Border made two assists. Camden Langfeld, Brody Peterson and Jack Rykkell scored for Andover. Centennial’s points leaders (goals-assists-points) are Border (5-16-21), Hemr (15-4-10), Carls (8-10-18), Gavin Cunningham (6-6-12) and Isaak Adams (3-8-11). Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Nash Roed, show here in a previous game, had a goal and assist against Wayzata.
Bear icemen 3-3-1 after loss at Wayzata White Bear Lake’s rally fell short as the Bears lost to Wayzata 4-3 at Plymouth Ice Center. The Bears were 3-3-1 heading into a showdown with section arch rival Hill-Murray on Saturday. Nash Roed scored for the Bears in the first period, assisted by Liam Maloy and Tyler LaLonde. The Trojans (4-4-1) led 4-1 with goals by George Mattson and Tommy Colmenero in the first period, and Holton Davison and Kruz Sauer in the second period.
The Bears closed the gap in the third as Magnus Benz found the net at 11:25, assisted by Rian Marquardt, and LaLonde did the same at 12:40, assisted by Roed. Bears goalie Riley Helmberger saved 26 of 30 shots, and Trojan goalie Ryan Berlinger stopped 21 of 24. Top scorers for the Bears (goals-assists-points) are Roed (6-6-12), Maloy (4-8-12) and Marquardt (7-4-11). Bruce Strand
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Joey Hemr (5), who tallied three goals, advanced the puck with Eddy Dropps (6) trailing.
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Grace Prose, Mahtomedi point guard, is averaging 25 points after seven games, with a low of 21 and a high of 33. The 5-foot-8 junior scored 33 against Simley and 24 against Hastings in the last two games, leading the Zephyrs to their first two wins. She has sunk 29 three-pointers with 34 percent accuracy while hitting 83 percent on free shots. Prose averaged 12 points as a sophomore on a 20-8 team. Coach Nisha Fisher praised Prose’s floor leadership: “She is learning to be an extension of her coaches, and we couldn’t be more proud of her.”
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STREET PROJECT: Residents, businesses question benefits of proposed improvements FROM PAGE 1
Lessard said he agreed with Torenvliet that the condition of the road is “perfectly fine” and added that he wasn’t sure sidewalk improvements were necessary, since those often are not maintained in that area by the businesses over the winter. Mayor Tom Weidt responded, “Both of you brought up that this is some kind of effort to increase traffic on that road, and I don’t understand where that is coming from. This is an effort to repair a road that is in deteriorating condition, and we do that in an effort to keep our maintenance and upkeep costs reasonable. You do that at a certain time when the road is still savable, or we can let it continue to deteriorate and then have a full reconstruction (project) and it is much more expensive to do for not only the residents, but also the city … The same amount of truck traffic that goes there now is going to go there afterwards.” John Squires said he recently counted the vehicles coming into and out of the area from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. and counted 94 vehicles, many of those large trucks relating to the businesses. “With all of these trucks coming through, I think it is going to get worse and worse and we are going to be assessed all of the time for this road,” Squires said. Alex Altstatt, managing partner of three industrial properties, said employees were asking about the impact of the business having to invest over
$50,000 for the project. “I asked them, ‘Would you rather that be distributed between the employees or go to this project?’ and what do you think they said? You could say the same thing about our customers. Ninety-nine percent of them don’t care about this project.” Alstatt added that he questioned the need for the businesses to have to pay for the portion of the project that deals with sidewalks and trails. “What is an industrial park tenant going to gain from a bike path? Why should we be asked to participate in paying for that bike path?” City Engineer Mark Erichson explained that per the city’s assessment policy, benefiting property owners are only assessed for the roadway improvements, and that the costs for the trail improvements would be a cost share between the city and Washington County. “The trail is not a component that is factored into determining the assessment amounts. We have a set rate for improvements,” he noted. Mike Worrel said the road is “perfectly fine” and wasn’t in bad enough shape to warrant the proposed improvements. “I think it is the trucks that do damage to the road, and it keeps getting more and more. It starts at 5 a.m. and goes into the night. There are trucks on that road constantly.” Erichson explained that the roadways slated to be included in the project were constructed in the ’90s and, over the years, the public works
crews have invested significant time and resources to keep the roadway in decent shape. He added that the roadway, which is classified as a state aid roadway, was constructed to state aid design standards, which will once again be the case for this project. “We are not designing this like a residential roadway. It will be a heavier roadway section that can accommodate this truck traffic,” Erichson said. “We are looking at an extended roadway design. It is required to meet state aid design standards for truck traffic. It doesn’t impact the assessment whatsoever, but it will be a thicker section of roadway than you would see for a residential roadway that will allow it to reach that pavement life design.” Galen Carlson, owner of North County Auto Body, said although he wasn’t excited about the assessment costs, the project is necessary. “I’ve been assessed numerous times … it is a part of life, unfortunately, if you want good roads,” Carlson said. Carlson wanted to know if elevations of the roadway would change and inquired about the possibility of raising the elevation so his customers don’t scrape their freshly painted bumpers when leaving his business. Weidt said he thought the project was a good idea, but he understood that residents and business owners were not excited to pay the assessments. “We have an entire list of projects throughout the city. We look at the
roads and we assess their condition, and we try to project how long they will last and when we can put them on our priority list,” he explained. “This project wasn’t just picked out of the air as something to do this year. We do one road project every year, and this was the year that we projected would be the best bang for the city’s dollar, the taxpayer’s dollar, to do this project and get it updated and brought back up to standards that we want in the city so we don’t have to spend money maintaining it and patching it and have it deteriorate more and more.” He added, “It is part of our responsibility as a community to maintain the roads, and we all have to participate in that. It is a hard reality, and it is not easy. It puts a hardship on people — there is no doubt about it — but we try to be fair and responsible with the taxpayers’ money and do a project at the right time and do it as financially responsible as we can.” The council approved a resolution ordering the project and authorizing the preparation of plans and specifications for the project. The council will likely accept plans and authorize advertisement of bids in February, and is expected to award a contract in March. Construction, which will likely begin in May or June, is expected to take three months. Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
BUSINESS BRIEF The Dance Unit, currently located at 14643 Mercantile Drive in Victor Gardens South Village in Hugo, has plans to expand into a new building. KLG Holding LLC is requesting approval of a site plan for a 9,088-squarefoot commercial building on the property located at 13845 Forest Boulevard North next to TGK Automotive. A conditional use permit was previously approved for a day care on the property, but the project was never constructed. The business, which opened its doors in Hugo in 2020, is owned by Lauren and Kyle Gross of Stillwater. Kyle explained the business currently has three classrooms and 260 students. “We feel like we are busting at the
seams and are ready for this next step,” he said. “We have been in the process of trying to find a new space for two to three years at this point … This is our dream coming true.” Both the Planning Commission and the City Council approved the site plan, but there are a few elements of the project that will need to be refined with city staff prior to the issuance of a building permit, such as the color scheme and landscape plan. Associate Planner Max Gort said they are not sure on the exact timeline for the project but noted that the business has indicated that they would like to start construction sometime in 2026. Shannon Granholm
CONTRIBUTED
The Dance Unit in Hugo has plans to construct a new building next to TGK Automotive.
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The Dance Unit plans to expand