Meaning of Memorial Day
One of history’s most solemn days, Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
In May 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Union veterans’ group known as the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a decree that May 30
should become a nationwide day of commemoration for the more than 620,000 soldiers killed in the Civil War, which had recently ended. On Decoration Day, as Logan dubbed it, Americans should lay flowers and decorate the graves of the war dead “whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” According to legend, Logan chose May 30 because it was a rare day that didn’t fall on the anniversary of a Civil War battle, though some histori-
ans believe the date was selected to ensure that flowers across the country would be in full bloom.
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May. The American flag should be hung at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff. And since 2000, when the U.S. Congress passed legislation, all Americans are encouraged to pause for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
Spanish immersion academy heads to Hugo
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — As White Bear Area Schools gears up to offer its Spanish Dual Immersion program at Otter Lake Elementary and Matoska International, a new provider is hoping to offer a “home” for children from birth to pre-K.
Agape Spanish Immersion Academy is moving into the Victor Gardens area in Hugo in the former New Horizon Academy/ KinderGardens Child Development Center, located at 14663 Mercantile Drive.
“There are no other Christian Spanish immersion schools that we know of (in the area), so we are super excited to be offering something that is not out there,” said Agape CEO Ashley Schaefer, PhD, who owns the business with two other partners.
Schaefer has over 14 years of experience in education. She taught a variety of grade levels (K-12) in special education for about nine years prior to moving into administration after she completed her doctorate in educational administration. She previously was a special education director and is currently an assistant principal at a middle school.
As a native Spanish speaker, Schaefer sees the value of bilingualism in creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her sons, ages 2 and 8, are bilingual.
“Seeing how much they have learned and how much they excel at school, I wanted to be able to give that back (to the community,)” she said.
Area legislators, commissioners provide updates over breakfast
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
As the end of the Minnesota legislative session approaches, state senators and representatives are providing updates on what community members can expect to see happen in the next couple of weeks.
The White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Breakfast is an annual event that brings together local and state lawmakers, business leaders and community members for session updates and open
conversation around current legislative issues affecting the northeast metro.
“It’s a great opportunity to hear directly from elected officials and connect with local leaders in a relaxed, community-focused setting,” explained chamber Executive Director Kari Moore.
Rep. Peter Fischer, Rep. Brion Curran and Sen. Heather Gustafson, along with Ramsey County commissioners Tara Jebens-Singh and Kelly Miller and Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron, attend-
ed the event at Tria last week.
Gustafson (District 36)
For the past year, one of Gustafson’s main priorities has been the creation of an Office of Inspector General, which she compared to an insurance policy on a house. “The reason why we think this is so important is we want to make sure that our taxpayer dollars are protected,” she said.
SEE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST, PAGE 10
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron (left) attends a legislative breakfast to share county updates .
Memorial Day Events
HUGO
Cemetery Tour
When: Monday, May 26
Where: Hugo American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N.
Details: For the 79th consecutive year, American Legion Post 620 will visit the following cemeteries to conduct Memorial Day Services. Join the tour at any point in time. Meet at the Hugo American Legion at 6:45 a.m. Walker Cemetery will be at 7:30 a.m.; return to Legion Clubroom for coffee at 8:30 a.m.; Gethsemane Methodist Cemetery at 9 a.m.; Incarnation Lutheran Cemetery at 9:25 a.m.; St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at 10 a.m.; Twitchell Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.; Lino Lakes Legion at 10:45 a.m.; St. Genevieve’s Catholic Cemetery at 11:25 a.m. The last cemetery on the tour will be St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery at 11:55 a.m.
Contact: 651-255-1432
50th annual Memorial Day Car Show
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 26
Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 Forest Blvd. N
Details: Annual Memorial Day Car Show presented by the North Star Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. Flag raising ceremony at noon. Dash plaques will be given to the first 250 cars, and 50 awards will be given out in addition to the Best in Show. Registration is required for cars; spectators are free.
Contact: www.northstarstudebakers.com or 612839-2490
WHITE BEAR LAKE
Memorial Day Parade
When: Form at 9 a.m.; parade at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26
Comrades Lost at Sea ceremony
When: 2 p.m. Monday, May 26
Where: On the lake at VFW Post 1782, 4496 Lake Ave S., White Bear Lake
Details: Ceremony to honor veterans who lost their lives at sea
Contact: 651-426-4944
LINO LAKES
Post 566 Memorial Day Ceremony, community dinner
When: 5 p.m. Monday, May 26
Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake
Drive
Details: Ceremony will start at 5 p.m. and a community dinner will follow.
Contact: 651-783-0055
COLUMBUS
Memorial Day Weekend Race Night
When: Noon Sunday, May 25; first race at 6 p.m.
Where: Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Columbus
Details: Join for a night of live racing, remembering and honoring those who have served. Special visit from Herps Alive, an interactive and educational experience where you can get up close with snakes, lizards and more.
Contact: 651-925-4600
STILLWATER
Stillwater Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony
When: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Monday, May 26
Where: Veterans Memorial of Stillwater, 138 Pine St. W.
Feel free to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. There will be limited seating available.
Contact: 651-439-4350
LAKE ELMO
Military & first responder luncheon
When: Noon, Sunday, May 18
Where: Rockpoint Church, 5825 Kelvin Ave. N
Details: Military members, first responders and their families are invited to a free appreciation lunch. Those who wish to attend should RSVP online ASAP.
Contact: www.rockpoint.church/military-ministry
MARINE ON ST CROIX
Crappie Fest
When: 8 to 11 a.m. fish; 11 a.m. to noon lunch and prizes; noon to 4 p.m. music.
Where: Veterans Campground, 11300 180th St. N
Details: Join the Freedom Fishing Foundation, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network and the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake for a day of camaraderie and fish tales. Fishing spots are full, but families are still invited to attend and spend time together and enjoy music by The Fish Head Band, based out of Duluth. For more information, visit Freedomfishingfoundation. com.
Contact: Dorothy Radermacher, 651-295-9093 or treasurer@freedomfishingfoundation.com
Where: Meet at White Bear Lake City Hall. Details: The parade will continue to Union Cemetery for the Memorial Day ceremony. Contact: 651-429-5770
Details: Honor the St. Croix Valley area casualties of war. The ceremony will include music by the Croix Chordsmen and Stillwater Area High School band. A flag raising and flyover by the T-6 Thunder Flight Team is planned for noon.
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF WASHINGTON DISTRICT COURT, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 82-PR-25-1827 NOTICE OF AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, FORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
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6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
In Re: Estate of Thomas Patrick Ryan a/k/a Thomas P. Ryan a/k/a Thomas Ryan, Decedent.
It is Ordered and Notice is given that on May 20, 2025 at 9:15 a.m., a hearing will be held in this Court VIA REMOTE TECHNOLOGY (ZOOM) on a petition for the adjudication of intestacy and determination of Decedent’s heirs, and for the appointment of Barry Allen Ryan whose address is 53816 Dupuis Rd., Sandstone, MN 55072, as personal representative of the Decedent’s estate in an Unsupervised Administration.
Any objections to the petition must be raised at the hearing or filed with the Court prior to the hearing. If the petition is proper and no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with the full power to administer the Decedent’s estate, including the power to collect all assets; to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes, and expenses; to sell real and personal property; and to do all necessary acts for the Decedent’s estate.
Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred.
BY THE COURT: Patrick Flanagan, Judge Teresa Underwood, Court Administrator
Date: April 3, 2025
ATTORNEY FOR BARRY RYAN Amy R. Mason Esq. (#0347760)
CUMMINS & BOONSTROO LAW OFFICE 2251 Tower Drive West, Suite 100
Stillwater, MN 55081 amason@cblawoffices.com (651)
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.
City of Hugo considers bond request from nonprofit in Andover
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — The city has been approached by Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, the city’s bond counsel, to act as a conduit bond issuer for Legacy Christian Academy.
Finance Director Anna Wobse explained that conduit bonds are revenue bonds issued by a governmental agency (issuer) on behalf of the borrower. Typically, the borrower is a private nonprofit entity, and the bonds may be issued for projects such as hospitals, housing developments and charter schools.
The city of Hugo has previously acted as a conduit bond issuer for Noble Academy and Minnesota Autism Center.
State and federal laws allow local government units to enter arrangements to issue bonds and loan the proceeds to nonprofit corporations to finance or refinance capital expenditures. The proceeds of the note would be loaned to Legacy Christian Academy to finance the acquisition of an educational facility in Andover. The estimated principal amount of the note is $6 million.
The city of Andover cannot act as the conduit bond issuer because it has already issued bonds for another borrower that exceed the city’s permitted yearly allotted amount of $10 million.
“It is not uncommon to ask another city that has bank-qualification capacity available and a nexus to the borrow-
er and the project being financed to act as the issuer, with the consent of the host city,” explained Catherine Courtney, of Taft Law, in a letter drafted to the city. “In this case, Hugo has a nexus based on its geographic proximity to Andover and the fact that some of its residents are students at the school. Therefore, Hugo residents currently receive and may in the future receive a benefit from the project.”
City Administrator Bryan Bear explained that if the city of Hugo were to be approached again to issue bonds for another nonprofit entity, it would still have some capacity left over, or it could attempt to find another city to utilize its borrowing capacity.
So, what’s in it for the city of Hugo?
The city would receive an administrative fee of 0.5 or 1% of the principal note. Wobse noted it would not impact the city’s credit rating, and the city would not be responsible for any costs.
Aaron Youngdahl, of Northland Securities, described conduit bonds as a “pass-through” and said in the end, the bonds save organizations upwards of 2% in annual interest costs.
The council has authorized a public hearing for the issuance of the bonds. The date will be set once a bank is selected for the bond issue.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
HUGO BITS & PIECES
• The Lions are busy adding the finishing touches to this year’s plans for Good Neighbor Days, scheduled for June 6-8. Look for more information about the annual event in the May 29 issue.
• Miquel Souffrant has accepted a job offer elsewhere and submitted his resignation from the Public Works Department.
• In addition to the vacancy in the Public Works Department, the city is also in search of a new building inspector in the Community Development Department.
• Terry and Carol-Lynn Spawn have donated $100 to the fire department in memory of Harley Ogata.
• New Life Church Lutheran once again plans to host an outdoor service on Sunday, June 8, and its Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 26.
CALENDAR BRIEF
Master Gardeners host annual plant sale
Mark your calendars for the annual Plant Sale and Garden Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, inside Building A at the Washington County Fairgrounds, located at Highway 5 and Manning Avenue in Lake Elmo. Home gardeners can buy a wide selection of plants, including varieties featured in readymade garden exhibits, and get their gardening questions answered at a free diagnostic clinic. Bring a wagon or cart
• The moratorium on the development of new solar farms is now over. The revised ordinance was adopted last month, and the moratorium is no longer necessary.
• The City Council is scheduled to take an updated council photo at 6 p.m. Monday, May 19.
• There are currently vacancies on the city’s Historical Commission, Economic Development Authority and Planning Commission. As of last week, the city had 10 applications for those vacancies. The council has scheduled interviews for 6 p.m. Monday, June 30.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, at City Hall.
for shopping; cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.
The plant sale, hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer program, will feature quality annuals and perennials, Minnesota Seed Trial winners, native and prairie plants, monarch and pollinator plants, grasses, shade plants, both heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, herbs, vegetables and more. Master Gardener volunteers will be ready to offer expert advice on plant selection, whether for novice gardeners
looking to fill a few pots on the patio or for seasoned growers hoping to attract more butterflies and hummingbirds to their gardens.
The Garden Expo features education by specially trained tree care advisers, planting for pollinators and other gardening topics. Sale proceeds will be used to support Washington County Master Gardener educational activities. For more information about the UMN Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer Program, visit: washingtoncountymg.org.
Shannon Granholm
Efficiency: Air source heat pumps can heat a home at efficiencies of well over 400 percent in cool weather. For comparison, conventional heating systems that run on gas, oil, or propane have efficiencies between 80- 99 percent. In a cold climate, the average efficiency for an entire winter is typically in the 200-250 percent range. That means over a winter, you get between two and almost three times the amount of heat for your house than what you buy at the meter. That translates to dollars saved!
Cooling efficiencies are much higher, too. Cold-climate heat pumps with variable speed capacity typically cool at twice the efficiency of common AC units.
Affordable Technology - Efficiency and Heating Costs
Heat Pumps Are Clean Energy - and Getting Cleaner: If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, heat pumps are the cleanest option available because of their extreme efficiency. Unlike burning oil or gas, which will always produce carbon emissions, electricity from the grid that powers heat pumps tends to get greener every year. In the chart at right, average equivalent carbon emissions from the heat pump (for the northern US) are significantly lower than any other fuel.5 Moreover, in many areas you can choose “green” energy options from your electric company that may be partly or completely generated by renewable energy or other green technologies.
Efficiency: Air source heat pumps can heat a home at efficiencies of well over 400 percent in cool weather. For comparison, conventional heating systems that run on gas, oil, or propane have efficiencies between 8097 percent. Burning fossil fuels for heating can
reach 100 percent, because some heat will always go up the chimney, along with moisture and other combustion byproducts. That leaves you paying for a lot more “heating potential” than what you actually get in your house. But when the heat pump efficiency is calculated, the useful heat delivered is much larger than the energy you buy at the meter. In a cold climate, the average efficiency for an entire winter is typically in the 200-250 percent range. That means over a winter, you get between two and almost three times the amount of heat for your house than what you buy at the meter. That
A lot of older heat pump models had low heat output and relied on costly electric backup heat. Frequent installation problems led to excessive use of electric heat. Most cold climate heat pumps have high heat output and don’t even have electric backup heaters.
Cooling efficiencies are much higher, too. Cold-climate heat pumps with variable speed capacity typically cool at twice the efficiency of common window ACs.
Remember too that unless you are currently heating with electric baseboards or other electric heaters (such as radiant panels), your electric bill will likely go up in the winter, possibly quite a bit. The heat pump uses electricity to operate; but of course, your fuel bills will also go down. If you start with a full tank of oil or propane, it may take a month or two before you start seeing the heating cost savings that balance out those higher electric bills.
Heating costs: If your existing heat is low-cost natural gas, you may pay somewhat less to heat your house than with an air-source heat pump. If electric rates are lower, and gas rates are higher, that can easily flip. At a range of expected electric and fuel costs as shown in the chart (bottom-right), the heat pump beats any other fuel for heating cost. The degree of savings depends on your fuel and electric prices, so a range is shown for comparison.4
Heat Pumps Are Clean Energy - and Getting Cleaner
If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, heat pumps are the cleanest option available because of their extreme efficiency. Unlike burning oil or gas, which will always produce carbon emissions, electricity from the grid that powers heat pumps tends to get greener every year. In the chart at right, average equivalent carbon emissions from the heat pump (for the northern US) are significantly lower than any other fuel.5 Moreover, in many areas you can choose “green” energy options from your electric company that may be partly or completely generated by renewable energy or other green technologies.
For those who want the ultimate clean energy heating and cooling system, solar electric (photovoltaic or “PV”) may allow you to generate 100 percent of the electricity needed to operate your heat pump, renewably. If you have a suitable location with solar access, net-zero or close to net-zero annual emissions is possible for many homes equipped with these technologies.
ASHP Myth #2: Heat pumps are expensive
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Talking financial fitness with U of M
Extension Educator Dung Mao answers questions about making financial goals and building a habit of saving.
Q: How can I make saving money a habit?
A: Consistency is key, no matter how much you save. Start by saving as little as a dollar each week. It may not seem like a lot, but being able to save that dollar shows you can save. Your goal could grow to $10 or $100 each month in the future.
Another way is to put away a percentage of your paycheck. Try saving 1% and see how you feel. If it doesn’t hurt too much, save 2% the next month, then 3% and so on. Saving might be tough at first — giving up your morning coffee to save some money could feel like a loss. It’s important to remember that saving for your needs and future emergencies is actually a win. It’s something to be proud of.
Q: How can investments be part of my saving strategy?
A: Investments can be a powerful tool — helping to potentially grow your money over time by putting it into different investment options, such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Growth is often seen in the
form of interest or dividends. This growth can help you reach your savings goals faster than just setting cash aside. That said, investments come with certain risks and losing money is possible. It’s important to understand these risks, be an informed investor and adjust your strategy based on your comfort level and saving goals.
Q: What is your advice for dealing with financial setbacks?
A: First, life happens and it is important to be kind to yourself when it does. It is common to have an illness, car problem, or
something else that knocks us off the path toward our financial goals. When setbacks happen, we tend to want to blame ourselves and run away or give up. Here is what to do instead: take a deep breath, know that this is temporary and remind yourself that you can succeed. Adjust your plan and do it again. You got this!
Q: How do emotions affect our relationship with money?
A: It seems whenever people talk about money, it is usually in the form of numbers, charts, logic and material wealth. When we see that,
it is easy to forget that money is deeply emotional. I am willing to predict that most of us don’t work for money solely to accumulate piles of paper or to see the numbers in our bank accounts grow. We work for money because of what money can give us, such as the joy in knowing we can provide for ourselves and our families. Joy could also come from knowing we could purchase gifts or afford enriching experiences for our loved ones. On the other hand, money can also evoke anxiety and stress, especially the feeling we get when we are not able to meet our necessities.
Either way, recognize that money can directly affect our emotions and be mindful of that connection to help improve your overall mental health as well as how you make financial decisions.
Q: What resources are available to help me work on my financial well-being?
A: Extension offers many resources and guidance to help with your financial journey, including budgeting, debt management, retirement planning and more. Some people prefer to create a detailed plan, while others take a more relaxed approach. No matter your situation, Extension’s resources can help you meet your goals. Visit Extension’s Spending, saving, and retirement webpage to learn more: extension.umn.edu/personalfinances/spending-and-saving.
Dung Mao is an Extension Educator in the Department of Family, Health and Well-being, specializing in financial literacy and financial capability. He is based out of the regional office in Andover and welcomes any thoughts and comments you may have around money at maox0025@umn.edu.
Dung Mao
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST: Heather Gustafson, Fran Miron
FROM PAGE 1
“For every dollar we spend, those are precious dollars that we are having to make tough choices on, and we want to make sure that all of those dollars are going exactly where they’re supposed to go and that they are not being taken from us, or that they’re not being misused.” She added, “It’s an insurance policy on our tax dollars to make sure that they are going where they are supposed to go and to make sure that bad actors don’t get ahold of the dollars that we are putting forward to these programs.”
Another priority for the former Centennial High School teacher is teacher pensions.
“My hope is to continue to work bipartisan with the House as well to make sure that we get done the things we promised we would get done,” she said.
Miron (Washington County District 1)
Miron said workforce development continues to be a priority for the county, which now has partnerships with Forest Lake Area Schools and Stillwater Public Schools.
“A lot of our Career Pathway programming relies on business owners to provide that opportunity to our kids,” Miron explained. “There’s been a lot of changes required in both federal and state law to allow these young kids to work in the workplace and operate equipment with training. So often the laws restrict that type of thing and make it very difficult for these kids to get into the area where they want to work.”
The county continues to monitor costs shifting to the county level.
Miron said the county understands the “predicament” the state is in regarding federal funding, but if that is shifted onto the county, it has the potential to greatly impact the county’s levy.
“Cost shifts could range anywhere from 3 to 5% at the state level, and you couple that with increasing wages, benefits and associated costs to inflation, at the county level we are potentially looking at a 7% increase,” Miron said. “I can tell you that within Washington County, that’s because we’ve managed our money well. You are going to see more significant increases in other counties, and I’m talking about potentially double-digit
Miron says workforce development, as well as parks and trails continue to be a priority.
increases in other counties’ levies.”
An ongoing priority for the county is investment in its trails and parks system. Rep. Patti Anderson (District 33A) has authored a bill to fill a onemile gap in the Hardwood Creek Trail that would connect Washington County to Ramsey County’s Bruce Vento Trail, and Anoka County’s Chain of Lakes Trail.
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The county also has plans for the Central Gateway Trail and the Glacial Hills Regional Trail. “We will continue to work on those things as funding is available,” Miron said.
Editor’s note: See the full story online at presspubs.com
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 and 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.
E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Brush Removal, and all kinds of equipment work. We also specialize in Landscape Renovations and creating Curb Appeal. We were born and raised in White Bear Lake and continue operating our business there. Working in the area, ensures great customer service for our community.
Letourneau Landscaping are proud members of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. We are licensed and insured. We have won landscape awards in the White Bear Lake and North Oaks News Magazines.
You can contact us at (651) 426-0410
You can also see all our services on our website at letourneaulandscaping.com
You can simply go to Services & Estimates page on our website, and enter your contact information, or call us at 651-426-0410 www.letourneaulandscaping.com
Cougars win 3 of 5 in busy week, hold lead
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial’s first place softball team had a twogame losing streak last week but went 3-2 over six days and still leads the Northwest Suburban Conference. The Cougars are 13-4 overall and 11-1 in the conference.
The Cougars beat Armstrong 11-2 Monday with Kendal Saffert going five innings (two runs, six strikeouts). Their 1-2-3 hitters swung hot bats: Peyton Corbin 3-for-4 (double, two runs, RBI), Kendall Cochran 2-for-4 (triple, two RBI’s) and Addison Border 2-for-4 (two RBI’s).
Andover handed Centennial its lone conference loss 3-1 behind pitcher Alex Kostecka on Tuesday. The Cougars had four errors leading to three unearned runs. Riley O’Connell allowed just four hits and struck out nine. Corbin was
First Zephyr ace
Cami Chilson, Mahtomedi freshman golfer, landed a hole-in-one during a junior varsity meet against Two Rivers. “First in program history,” said Matt Huss, longtime Zephyrs coach. Chilson got her ace on the 165-yard No. 6 hole on the Oak Glen Executive Course in Stillwater, on the way to a 47 for the round.
Addison Border chased an STMA baserunner in a hot-box play before throwing her out.
2-for-4 with an RBI. St. Michael-Albertville (11-4) beat Centennial 14-2, in five innings, on nine hits and five errors. Kendra Behrens fired a four-hitter and struck out seven. Saffert and Abby Wallraft pitched for the Cougars. Maddy Abernathy had two hits and an RBI.
O’Connell tossed a
three-hitter with 11 strikeouts as the Cougars beat Anoka 6-0. Border was 3-for-3. Border, Sofia Anderson and Grace Nickel had RBI hits.
Kendall Cochran walked twice, stole three bases and scored two runs.
A two-run home run by Border (her fourth of the season) helped O’ Connell and the Cougars
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Peyton Corbin
Centennial Softball
May 15, 2025
Peyton Corbin excels in the batter’s box, on the base paths and in center field for the Centennial softball team. “She is an absolute lock-down outfielder with great range,” Coach Rick Thomas said. “Offensively she is a tough out and brings speed on the bases.” Corbin is hitting .345 with 15 runs, 16 stolen bases and nine runs-batted-in for the NWSC leaders. Also, a wrestler, she made all-conference this winter and placed fourth in the section at 124 pounds. She has committed to St. Cloud State.
4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110
651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com
win 3-2 over Rogers (13-4) there Saturday. Each team had only three hits. O’Connell (8-3) spun the three-hitter with three walks and five strikeouts.
Bears baseball nabs 3 wins
White Bear Lake baseball is 11-3 after three wins last week. In the Suburban East Conference (SEC), the top three are Mounds View 11-2, Cretin-Derham Hall 11-3 and the Bears 10-3.
The Bears beat Roseville 11-2 behind Blake Eckerle, who pitched five innings (one hit, seven strikeouts, two unearned runs) and went 2-for-3 (double, RBI, three runs). Kevin Zollinger had four RBI’s on a two-run single, bases-loaded walk and sacrifice fly. Owen Farrington was 2-for-3 (two RBI’s).
The Bears edged Woodbury 9-7, scoring two in the seventh without a hit, helped by four walks. Tyler Allshouse was 2-for-
3 (double, two walks, two RBI’s, two runs), Eckerle 2-for-3 (two runs) and Jace Lombardi had two RBI’s (single and ground out). Pitching were Jackson Kolb, Matt Anderson and Miles Oklobzija (four innings, two runs) who got the win.
The Bears drubbed Forest Lake 13-1. Pitching three innings each were Jace Lombardi (no runs) and Owen Mortimer (one run). Zollinger was 3-for-4 (double, RBI, two runs), Anderson 3-for-5 (double, two runs), Farrington 2-for-4 (two RBI’s) and Allshouse 2-for-5 (two RBI’s, two runs). Eckerle hit a two-run double.
Bruce Strand
Zephyrs nipped by H-M in duel of unbeatens
Mahtomedi lacrosse was 9-0 after beating St. Paul/Two Rivers 12-2 at home, then battled Hill-Murray (H-M) in a clash of unbeaten teams for the Metro East lead on Friday. Hill-Murray prevailed 9-8 in overtime at home. Mahtomedi is 8-1 overall and 4-1 in conference. Hill-Murray is 9-0 and 4-0.
“Great game overall, two very good teams,” said Zephyr coach Mike Narrow.“While both teams had chances in overtime, Hill was able to capitalize. I
hope we see them in the playoffs.” Connor Gray’s goal for Mahtomedi with 10 seconds left sent the game into overtime. H-M’s goalie Grant Hennen stopped 15 of 22 Zephyr shots. Against St. Paul/Two Rivers, Sam Knapp and Ned Whitney each netted four goals and each made two assists. Oskar Magnusson had three goals and Evan Marty one.
Cougar girls 3rd in true-team section
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
The Centennial girls track and field team placed third in the Section 5AAA true-team meet Tuesday in Forest Lake. The top three teams among nine were Blaine with 983.5, Forest Lake 824.5 and Centennial 819.5.
Top scorer for the Cougars was Lauren Klein, who won the 800 in 2:15.54, took second in the 400 with 58.66 and anchored a second-place
relay team. Reginae Tandoh placed second in the 200 dash (25.79) and fourth in the 100 (12.39). Kylie Nelson was second in the 1600 (5:03.82) and third in the 3200 (11:18.55). Hailey Peterson was third in high jump (4-10) and seventh in triple jump (33-6). Madeline Wood was fourth in the 300 hurdles (49.15) and sixth in 100 hurdles (16.48). Amelia Sutch was fourth in triple jump (351), Deborah Timothy fifth in discus (103-8) and sixth
in shot put (32-11 3/4), Miranda Sawvel fifth in the 800 (2:26.81) and Emily Stokkeland seventh in shot put (32-6). The 4x400 team was second (4:08.67) with Natalie Launder, Sawvel, Nelson and Klein. The 4x200 team was third (1:48.85) with Tandoh, Kathryn Woelfel, Madison Schuneman and Sutch. The 4x800 team was third (10:15.92) with Anna Swanson, Madison Chrusciel, Emma Delf and Sawvel.
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Ned Whitney (9) celebrated a goal during a 12-2 win over St. Paul/Two Rivers with Oskar Magnusson (1) and Sam Knapp (3).
Home ‘uninhabitable’ after fire
HUGO — At approximately 2:30 a.m. Sunday, May 11 the Hugo Fire Department (HFD) was dispatched to a reported house fire in a multifamily building in the Water’s Edge neighborhood. Upon arrival crews found a deck with heavy fire conditions. Crews were able to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent units.
There were no injuries, and everyone evacuated safely from the residence. Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. said the home is “uninhabitable.” Crews were on scene for approximately three hours.
HFD was assisted by Forest Lake Fire, White Bear Lake Fire, Lino Lakes Fire, Centennial Fire District, M Health Fairview and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Community Impact Unit responds to Hugo
On the evening of May 2, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Community Impact Unit, along with Hugo deputies, conducted directed patrols near Oneka Elementary School in response to a concerned citizen who alerted the WCSO to traffic-related issues in the area.
Over a two-hour period, 22 cars were stopped for traffic violations. Drivers were
stopped and cited for speeding, no proof of insurance, window tint, driving after revocation, hands-free/ cell phone violations and failure to stop at a stop sign.
Hugo Fire responds to motorcycle crash
Hugo Fire, along with M Health Fairview Ambulance, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and State Patrol, responded to a motorcycle accident with injuries at
Highway 61 and 140th Street around 8:30 p.m. May 4.
Upon arrival, an adult male victim was laying in the intersection with several injuries.
The male was stabilized at the scene and transported to Regions Hospital. Both Highway 61 and 140th Street were partially closed for approximately two hours while the accident scene was worked, including crash reconstruction by the State Patrol.
At this time, the condition of the patient is unknown, and the details of the accident are under investigation.
8 people facing charges for charitable gambling funds theft
Eight people are facing felony charges after a Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol and Gambling Enforce-
ment investigation found they allegedly stole nearly $198,000 in charitable gambling funds meant for youth sports, veterans groups and other community programs. The suspects targeted pull-tab charitable gambling funds from bars and restaurants in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota area, including VFW Post 4210 in Forest Lake.
During the investigation, investigators learned that St. Paul resident Arron Scott King Sr. led the co-defendants in the racketeering scheme based out of his home. The suspects broke into safes that contained cash from pull-tab sales meant to fund charitable activities. King communicated the burglary targets to his accomplices; from there, the suspects would obtain information on the target businesses, use tools to break into buildings and access pulltab booths and safes.
HUGO FIRE | CONTRIBUTED
Fire crews were on scene for approximately 3 hours for a house fire in the Water’s Edge community in Hugo.