Fete de Lacs brings festive energy to Centerville
BY TYLER QUATTRIN PRESS
The nominations are in, and voting is open for Press Publications’ annual Best of the Press Readers’ Choice contest.
Community members will vote for a wide variety of their favorites, including restaurants, doctors, schools, artists, services, events and much more.
This year’s contest features more than 150 categories, including 29 new or newly revised categories including: best art class, best beer selection at a liquor store, best bourbon selection, best spirits at a bar or liquor store, wine selection at a liquor store and bar, best assisted living, best chiropractor, best orthopedic clinic, best orthopedic doctor or surgeon, best physical therapy clinic, best senior care facility, best elementary school, best high school, best middle school, best teacher K to 5, best teacher 6 to 12, best wedding venue indoors, best wedding venue outdoors, best bank, best credit union, best hair stylist, best hair salon, best landscape company, best veterinary clinic - emergency, best veterinary clinic - general and best hardware store.
Rejuvenated: Hugo man rehabs knees to run marathons
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Brian Lahr had doctor’s orders to never run again when he was 24. Wrestling injuries had damaged both knees to the extent that he said he was noticeably bowlegged
Two decades later, the Hugo resident is not just jogging again but running marathons. This past April, Lahr was pounding the pavement at that Holy Grail for runners, the Boston Marathon. It was his fifth 26-miler in two years.
“I felt like I had an opportunity to inspire those who have been told they can’t do something in life and who, like me, believed that lie,” said Lahr, 44, a financial advisor.
Lahr’s first marathon was Grandma’s in Duluth in June 2023 where his time was 3:22:42. He has improved with each succeeding race: 3:07:55 at Kiawah
Island, South Carolina, in December 2023; 2:55:27 at Grandma’s in June 2024; 2:54:06 in Indianapolis in November 2024; and, having qualified to run Boston, he knocked off almost four more minutes with 2:51:34.
The Boston experience was exhilarating, said Lahr, who placed 288th of 2,259 men in the 40-44 group and 2,510th of 28,809 overall.
“Everyone running that race has a story and their own struggles they had to battle along the way. It was incredible hearing everyone’s stories. I pictured the endless sea of people as one giant family, running through life together. At the finish, runners who were total strangers were high-fiving, fist-bumping, and congratulating each other.”
SEE MARATHON RUNNER, PAGE 7
CONTRIBUTED
A jubilant Brian Lahr at the Boston Marathon finish line.
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The contest helps recognize exceptional businesses, Press Publications General Manager Patty Steele said. Winning a badge adds credibility to a business for someone making a buying decision.
“There’s nothing better for a business than to be able to get those kinds of votes, because that tells you as a business, you are doing something right,” she said, “Because you don’t just get the (winner/finalist) badge. You have to earn the badge from your patrons or customers.”
The contest, which started in 2021, is gaining popularity each year. Last year,
participation surged, with more than 25,000 votes and a 75% increase in nominations. This year, there were 10,000 more nominations.
Voting is available 24/7 on the Press Publications website at presspubs.com/ citizen/bestof. Each reader may vote up to one time per day.
Voting ends at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. Winners and finalists will be recognized in a special section the first week of October. Winners will also be posted online.
Tyler Quattrin is an intern for Press Publications. He can be reached at intern2@presspubs.com or 651-407-1200.
PINE TREE Apple Orchard
Thank you for a great strawberry season.
Closed until Mid-August for Apples
Fun Fall Jobs call after Aug. 15 for applications dates and apple harvest update
“Play Misty For Me” is an American classic movie, but our Misty is an adorable 2-and-a-half year old Labrador Retriever/ Shepherd mix. And if she could sing the song “Misty’,” made famous by Johnny Mathis, she would certainly start singing, “Look at me…” Misty is playful, likes to spend time outside and she likes to go for walks. She is social with other dogs and friendly to everyone she meets, but Misty does need a cat-free home. Misty weighs about 48 pounds, she is house trained and crate trained. She is gentle,
intelligent and eager to please. And, Misty is always ready for a car or truck ride.
During her downtime, Misty enjoys cuddling up on the couch with her people. Misty arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from Texas as part of the Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief Program. Misty is a fun, happy young lady and would be a wonderful addition to a loving family home or an active companion.
If you are interested in learning more about Misty or adopting her, fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue. org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
WEEKLY WAG
WHAT’S HAPPENING
CURRENT EVENTS
LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE
When: 10 a.m.- noon, Monday, July 14
Where: Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park, 7373 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: This program is geared toward children looking to learn how to ride a bike or improve their skills. Staff will be on hand to instruct and help kids get riding on their own. Helmets and bikes are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment. Register through the Anoka County Parks website.
Contact: www.anokacountyparks.com or 763-324-3300
MN JUNIOR B.A.S.S. NORTHEAST METRO OPEN #2
When: Friday, July 18
Where: White Bear Lake
Details: Tournament Details will be added by the Conference Commissioner closer to the event. Contact: jgilmer@mnbfn.org
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHREDDING EVENT
When: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24
Where: North Environmental Center, 6065 Headwayers Pkwy, Forest Lake
Details: Document shredding by Shred-Right. Limit 6 boxes, 30 lbs per box. Open to residents and businesses in Washington County; proof of residency required. Contact: washingtoncountymn.gov/3031/Shredding-Events
ONGOING EVENTS
FRIDAYS WITH FIREFIGHTERS
When: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, July 11
Where: 5323 140th St. N, Hugo
Details: Stop by the fire station to meet firefighters, go for fire truck ride, jump in the bounce house and much more.
Contact: 651-762-6362
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 17; first, third and fifth Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N.
Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
HUGO SENIOR CLUB
When: 1 p.m. July 21; every 3rd Monday of every other month.
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N.
Details: Monthly meeting includes planning for future activities, followed by afternoon of games. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
BIRD HIKE
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 12; second Saturday of the month
Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo
Details: Take part in a guided bird hike at Washington County Parks. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced birder, these hikes are a great way to get outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature and learn to identify the birds that call the St. Croix valley home. Remember to dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact: parks@co.washington.mn.us
BALD EAGLE WATERSKI SHOWS
When: 7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Trailside Park, 7145 Main St., Centerville
Details: Volunteer waterskier team performs weekly throughout the summer, and travels throughout Minnesota to perform weekend shows.
Contact: baldeaglewaterski@gmail.com or 320-4384121
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays through July 31
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with over 200 food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants.
June 19: Manitou Days
June 26: History Night
Contact: marketfestwbl.com
CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays through end of August
Where: North Centerville Road, near Centerville Elementary School parking lot, 1721 Westview St.
Centerville
Details: Shop among local artisans, listen to live music and grad a bite to eat from a food vendor.
Contact: Centervillemn.com
Concert at Lion’s Park
When: 6 p.m. Friday, July 11
Where: Lions Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N, Hugo
Details: Local kindie-rocker Aric Bieganek of the Royal Order of Chords and Keys (R.O.C.K) will lead you through a fun program of song and dance featuring original songs and rock and roll takes on classic children’s music. Geared toward families with children ages 0 to 5. The concert will feature dance parties and sing-a-longs complete with egg shakers, scarves, parachutes and bubbles.
Contact: WashCoLib.org/Events
New to the newsroom
I’ m Tyler Quattrin, and I’m excited to be one of two interns at Press Publications this summer. I recently finished my first year of college at the University of Maryland, where I’m studying journalism with a minor in public policy. While I enjoyed my first year attending school away from home, I’m happy to spend my summer back in the community where I grew up.
Quattrin’s Corner
Tyler Quattrin
My family and I have lived in North Oaks since 2012, and I graduated from Mounds View High School in 2024. My years in high school were defined by my time with the Mounds View Swim and Dive Team and my role as editor of the student newspaper “The Viewer.”
I knew I had a passion for journalism even before joining the high school paper. Growing up, I was a curious kid and always had a fascination with consuming news. Ever since realizing I could pursue news gathering and telling stories as a career, it’s been my passion, even though I’m still narrowing down exactly what kind of journalist I want to be. While it’s an uncertain time for the news industry, I’m optimistic that quality and innovative reporting will always play an essential role in society, especially on the local level. Since discovering my passion, it’s only grown with each new experience. Over the past year, I got involved with student journalism in college right away by anchoring a student radio news show, WMUC News, and reporting on the crime beat. I also freelanced feature stories for “The Diamondback,” one of Maryland’s independent student newspapers, where I’ll be joining as a staff writer in the fall.
As a journalist, I enjoy covering just about anything, but I’m especially drawn to feature writing. I love meeting interesting people and having the opportunity to tell their stories. I’m also interested in political reporting and aspire to cover national politics one day. In addition, I have a strong passion for photojournalism. I’m looking forward to gaining more experience in all of these areas during my internship.
This summer, you can also find me behind the cash registers at the Cub Foods in White Bear Township, where I’ll be working for my third summer. If you come through my line and recognize me from this column, please say so! I’m also looking forward to getting back into swimming, spending time outdoors and catching up with friends this summer.
I’m beyond excited to have the opportunity to cover this community for Press Publications, and by doing so, gain experience that will help me grow as a journalist. Even though I just started, I can already tell this newsroom is full of people who love this community and care about providing it with meaningful stories.
See you around! And in the meantime, please feel free to reach out at intern2@presspubs.com.
Tyler is a news intern at Press Publications.
IRoad construction season
hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July weekend with your friends and family and celebrated the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Freedom … Keep it going. Since we are in the heat of road construction season, today’s article is about roads. I represent Anoka County District 3, which includes the Quad area, (Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington and Lino Lakes) as well as Columbus and Linwood.
Movers & Shakers
Jeff Reinert
Sunset Ave: Initial plans for Sunset Ave from Apollo Dr to Main St have been designed and reviewed by the public at a recent transportation open house. The current design includes two roundabouts, one at Lilac St and one at 121st St. It also includes a median that just about every person I spoke to at the open house Does Not Want. I have been working with our transportation engineers to change the design and include some left turn lanes instead of having the intrusive median. I am told a new design will be ready for review in about a month.
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35E interchange project: As you can see, the 35E / County J interchange project has begun. Phase one of the project is underway and will take two years. This phase includes completion of a full four-way access to 35E from Co J, with two roundabouts on the new bridge and one roundabout at Co J and Centerville Rd. Phase two will be completed in 2027 and includes a roundabout at Centerville Rd / Ash St. Centerville Road crosswalk: The crosswalk on Centerville Rd just south of Hunters Trail and north of Dupre Rd will be getting an improvement. We are working with the City of Centerville to add a rapid flashing beacon to enhance safety. The cost will be shared between the City and the County, and if approved by the City Council, will be constructed next summer in 2026.
Lake Drive watermain and sanitary sewer extension north of Bills Superette and 81st St.: The work necessitating the closure of Lake Dr is complete. The project work within the Pine Haven development is still underway. The entire project will be completed by the end of the year. Anoka County does not usually close roads during road construction projects but a request for closure came from the City of Lino Lakes to speed up completion and resulted in saving Lino Lakes
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taxpayers about $400k. Lake Drive and 77th St: Work is underway with construction scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The project includes the realignment of the west approach on 77th St to match up with Market Place Dr and will include a signal system modifications and pedestrian facility ADA enhancements. There are no plans to close Lake Dr at any time during this project. Lovell Road: Complete reconstruction is what is needed for this road but due to a few existing conditions including drainage issues and the need for pedestrian enhancements, full reconstruction will be expensive. The City of Lexington cost share will be approximately $3.4M. If reconstruction is agreed to, the project will be completed in 2028. If the cost is not achievable for the City, we will revise our plan and construct a pavement preservation project in 2026. If anyone has any questions or comments about any of these projects or anything else, throw me a quick text at 612-741-9491, or email me at Jeff.Reinert@AnokaCountyMN.gov.
Jeff Reinert is Anoka County Commissioner for District 3, representing Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbus, Lexington, Lino Lakes, Linwood and East Blaine.
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• The culvert that carries Clearwater Creek under Brian Drive was found to be under-designed for heavier loads and was demoted to “restricted bridge” status. This means the bridge is deemed unsafe for heavier vehicles, such as fire trucks. Because the city cannot allow fire trucks to be permanently prohibited from crossing the bridge in emergencies, it started the process of replacing the culvert under the bridge.
In May, the council requested a proposal from Stantec to design a replacement culvert that would be eligible for state bridge funds. To be eligible for the funds, the Minnesota Department of Transportation must approve a project’s completed plans. The council approved an engineering proposal from Stantec for $99,850, along with an additional $10,000 for a geotechnical exploration report. The cost of these services will be financed through the state’s street fund.
Stantec Engineer Kellie Schlegel said there will be $10 million available for projects in the state. Centerville will be on the waiting list, with no guarantee the city will receive some of that $10 million, she said. However, there is a high likelihood that more funds will be appropriated for 2026. For small communities, bridge funds, when available, can pay up to 100% of eligible costs to replace the structure, minus local contributions of $10,000 each for engineering and construction, Schlegel said. The city will not solicit bids for the project until the funds become available, which could be in 2026 or 2027, Schlegel said.
• The city has two municipal wells. Well No.1 is in McBride Memorial Park, and Well No. 2 is adjacent to City Hall. At a previous council work session, the council discussed the city’s capital improvement programs and requested that the rehabilitation of Well No. 1 be placed at high priority.
Because of the presence of sand, Well No. 1 has been designated an emergency well by the Minnesota Department of Health. That means the well can’t be used as a primary water source or during peak demand conditions unless Well No. 2 fails. If both well pumps fail, the city would need to rely solely on interconnects to meet water demand.
The council unanimously approved an engineering services proposal from Stantec in the amount of $24,666 to complete plans and specifications and to provide construction and startup
support for the proposed Well No. 1 improvements. Financing for this service will be drawn from the water fund.
• Due to its age and significant decline in reliability, the city has placed the upgrade of its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system at high priority status. SCADA is a type of central control system that uses technical devices, such as computers, to manage and monitor critical and time-sensitive infrastructure, such as a city’s sewer and water system. The existing system is not archiving data as it should; replacement parts are difficult to obtain, and the operating system cannot be upgraded.
The plan is to have Stantec evaluate what the city should consider in a replacement project. The total cost of the SCADA upgrade is expected to be approximately $100,000, split equally between the water and sewer funds. The $27,606 quote from Stantec would be approximately 20% of the entire project cost. However, the council had many questions. It unanimously tabled a request to approve the proposal for engineering services until staff is ready to bring the item back before the council.
• For two years, the city has been working toward buying and installing a Fiore tree in Cornerstone Park. The council unanimously authorized city staff to apply for a T-Mobile Hometown Grant and to accept the award if the application is successful. In September 2024, the council authorized the Parks and Recreation Committee to use up to $25,000 in park dedication fees for the tree. Staff said the grant is needed because the cost of the tree exceeds the allotted budget. If the grant is not awarded, staff will re-evaluate other options.
The Fiore tree is characterized as public art and reflects placemaking goals that the previous council established. There is widespread community support for the project. Supporters said the Fiore tree would be a wonderful placemaking initiative because it capitalizes on Cornerstone Park’s location. Approximately 11,000 cars per day drive by the park, which is highly visible to people entering the city. The Parks and Recreation Committee also has received support from the Economic Development Authority and several local organizations regarding this project.
• The city will receive design guidance in its planning endeavors from the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities team
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of the Minnesota Design Center at the University of Minnesota. Council members heard a presentation from Ursula Lane, research fellow with the center, about the program. Funded through the state legislature, the program helps small state communities to develop resilient infrastructure while strengthening their social environment and economic fabric. Team members work with individual communities to best meet their needs, Lane said.
• In a report, City Administrator Athanasia Lewis said the city is still accepting applications to fill an upcoming vacancy on the council. The person filling that vacancy will complete the term of Council Member Darrin Mosher, which ends in January 2027. Submit applications in person at City Hall or via email to Lewis at alewis@centervillemn.com.
• Lewis reminded the public that the 2025 Main Street Market will take place every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. from July 17 to Aug. 21. The location is 1721 Westview Street, next to the Centerville Elementary parking lot. To date, the city has 21 vendors participating throughout the market season.
• Music in the Park continues every Tuesday evening until Aug. 19 at Hidden Spring Park. The city has already had two concerts, and 80-100 people attended each event. Bring your lawn chair and/or blanket for comfort.
• The Fete des Lacs Parade will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. Roads on the parade route will close at 10:30 a.m. that morning and remain closed until the parade ends. Streets affected by road closures are Main Street, Dupre Road and Meadow Lane. City staff advises residents to plan accordingly.
• The Centerville City Council adjourned into a closed session pursuant to Minnesota statutes that permit a body to close a meeting to consider strategy for labor negotiations and to evaluate the performance or terms of employment for individuals subject to the public body’s authority. The purpose of this closed session was to discuss employment contract terms and related negotiations associated with hiring a new city administrator. The council then reopened the meeting to announce the general topics discussed in the closed session and to approve the employment contract with the city administrator.
Loretta Harding
Centerville welcomes new City Administrator
Athanasia Lewis
Athanasia Lewis will be Centerville’s next city administrator. The city conducted an extensive hiring process led by GMP, a firm that specializes in municipal searches. After interviewing three finalists, the city council unanimously voted to offer the position to Lewis.
“I am confident that we have selected the very best person to serve Centerville,” said Centerville Mayor Nancy Golden. “Athanasia rose to the top from a very talented pool of candidates and is well qualified for the role. She has deep knowledge of the city and has built positive relationships with residents, local business owners and local government officials over the last three years.”
Lewis served as interim city administrator since mid-February. Previously, she served as Centerville’s assistant city administrator for three years, assistant city administrator for Collierville, Tennessee and town administrator for Atoka, Tennessee. Lewis is also an active member of the Minnesota City/County Management Association (MCMA) and International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
“I’m honored to serve as the City Administrator for the City of Centerville,” said Lewis. “This community has a strong foundation built on collaboration, service and civic pride. I look forward to working closely with the Mayor, City Council, staff and residents to continue delivering high-quality services, strengthen organizational efficiency and support Centerville’s growth while preserving the small-town character that makes it such a special place to live.”
The council will host a welcome reception for Lewis at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Centerville City Hall prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting. City hall is located at 1880 Main St.
Madeline Dolby
COUNTY BRIEF
Experience summer forging in Anoka County Parks
Midsummer is a prime time for finding fruits and other wild edibles in Minnesota. The Wargo Nature Center will host an introductory session to summer foraging from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 26. The session will be led by Maria Wesserle from Four Season Foraging.
Gain the knowledge to accurately identify and prepare different wild edible species for consumption. Also learn about legal and ethical foraging practices. Registration is required. Visit anokacountyparks. com to register. Wargo Nature Center is located at 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
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
COPS&COURTS
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:
• Deputies were dispatched to the 5000 block of 130th Way N. at 12:17 a.m. May 18 after a report of juveniles playing ding-dong-ditch and possibly being destructive. On arrival at the location, deputies saw the kids running away and knew the activity wasn’t just a figment of the complainant’s imagination. Although deputies received reports of miscreants at 12:46 a.m. from the 14000 block of Irish Avenue N., 1:07 a.m. from the 6000 block of 145th Alcove N., and 1:37 a.m. from the 6000 block of 147th Street N., the rampaging juveniles proved most elusive.
• A resident at an unknown location at 7:36 a.m. May 23 reported that the juveniles had been hanging out near his home overnight and had knocked on the rear patio door.
• After deputies took a report at 8:46 a.m. May 18 from the 12000 block of Ethan Avenue N. about a covered, free-floating boat loose on the lake, they arrived on scene to find there was a person on the boat. Watercraft assistance was summoned for a possible rescue.
• An erratic driver was pulled over and arrested at 4:12 p.m. May 18 in the 7000 block of 165th Street N. for driving after cancellation. During the stop, deputies discovered the driver’s status.
• East-facing deputies on stationary patrol, who clocked a vehicle on radar, cited a Minnesota motorist at 10:41 a.m. May 19 on westbound Heritage Parkway N. for speeding 38 mph in a 30-mph zone and failing to produce a valid driver’s license. At 3:53 p.m. May 21, deputies cited a motorist at 170th Street N. and Jeffrey Avenue N. for speeding 69 mph in a posted 55-mph zone. East-facing deputies on stationary patrol clocked a vehicle on radar at 44 mph at 8:21 a.m. on May 23 at eastbound Oneka Lake Boulevard N. and Geneva Avenue N.; they cited the motorist for speeding 35 mph in a posted 30-mph zone. A motorist was cited at 11:35 p.m. May 23 on Forest Boulevard N. and 145th Street N. for speeding 49 mph in a posted 35-mph zone.
• In the Case of the Grazing Goose, a wild goose was reported being a nuisance and wandering the streets near Elmcrest Avenue N. and 150th Street N. at 12:16 p.m. May 21. Due to heavy traffic and nearby children, the goose was left to fend for itself.
• A driver was arrested on multiple warrants after flagging down deputies at 8:03 a.m. May 22 following a single-vehicle crash that ended with the vehicle off the roadway in the 6000 block of 170th Street N.
• Extra patrol was requested after a resident in the 12000 block of Falcon Court N. at 12:14 p.m. May 22 reported finding his flag and flagpole on the ground outside his garage. Because the flag and pole also fell down a year ago, the complainant wondered whether juvenile mischief was the cause or whether the wind had blown them down.
• A motorist was arrested and charged with multiple offenses following a traffic stop on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road at 7:20 p.m. May 22. It started when the driver was pulled over for having a faulty brake light. When deputies identified the driver, they found he was driving with a revoked license and had a warrant out for his arrest. As deputies took the driver into custody, they found drugs in the driver’s pocket.
• A construction crew in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Boulevard was told to knock it off at 6:02 a.m. May 23, after deputies received complaints of construction noise before valid construction hours could begin at 7 a.m. The construction crew agreed to halt work and maybe drink some coffee until the official starting time.
• A resident in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. at 1:04 p.m. May 23 reported a phishing email, purportedly from PayPal, that contained a $907.02 invoice for firearm and ammunition purchases. When deputies checked the email address, they noticed it contained many jumbled, nonsensical letters and numbers, which indicated it was fraudulent. Deputies advised the complainant that, when an email address looks more like a secret password and nothing like the name of the party supposedly reaching out to her, it is likely fake. They said the email was not from PayPal, but was rather an attempt to get her to pay the invoice. Deputies also advised the complainant to delete the email and, in the future, to be suspicious of any invoices arriving when she hasn’t bought anything.
• A purse was reported lost at 1:36 p.m. May 23 in the 14000 block of Evergreen Avenue N., after the complainant thought she had misplaced it while at her daughter’s house. Because the purse contained every possible kind of important medical, identification and financial card, deputies advised her to waste no time in informing the institutions involved to cancel the current cards and issue new ones. She was also advised to notify the Social Security Administration. The complainant added that her house keys and car keys were in the purse as well. As her phone did not appear to be on the list of missing items, it looks like she still may have had recourse.
• Deputies dispatched to the 5000 block of 148th Street N. at 11:19 p.m. May 24 on a complaint of leaf-blower noise after hours found the lawn care worker in the dark hard at it, blowing leaves he must have been barely able to see. After deputies advised the worker of the city noise ordinance, he complied and left.
• Deputies took a burglary report at 2:15 p.m. May 25 from the 5000 block of 170th Street N. A doorbell video showed three suspects removing items from the property. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the suspected thieves were allowed to be on the property to remove their own personal items.
• Deputies were dispatched to a private residence in the 15000 block of Everton Avenue N. at 11:06 p.m. May 26 to investigate a suspicious vehicle that wasn’t supposed to be at the residence but was seen on a Ring doorbell camera. After deputies found nothing suspicious at the scene, they concluded that because Everton Avenue is a cul-de-sac, the mysterious vehicle may have used the driveway to U-turn its way out of a dead-end street.
• After deputies were dispatched to the scene of a residential fire in the 5000 block of 140th Street N. at 10:44 p.m. May 27, they were unable to see a fire or contact the complainants because their voice mailbox was full and no one was answering the phone. Regular mailbox maintenance by us all might be in order.
• Deputies issued a speeding citation at 9:18 a.m. May 29 in the 10000 block of 170th Street N.
• The owner of a legally parked pontoon and trailer in the 6000 block of 132nd Street N. escaped a mail citation for failure to display registration at 5:19 p.m. May 29 because the trailer had no windshield on which to slap a citation. After deputies consulted the license plate and phoned the registered owner, they were told the registration was in storage on board the boat. The owner was told to retrieve the registration and put it on the boat.
• A retail business in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Boulevard N. at 7:05 p.m. May 30 reported a ritual shoplifter, who had been taking items continually.
• Those elusive ding-dong-ditchers of Hugo were at it again, following a complaint at 11:06 p.m. May 30 in the 15000 block of Farnham Avenue N. Residents in the same
block at 4:49 p.m. May 31 reported seeing juveniles walking around at night and possibly pounding on doors.
• After taking statements from the dog owners involved, deputies responding to a dog vs. dog attack at 8:07 p.m. June 1 in the 15000 block of Forest Boulevard N. discovered that the attacking dog had been at large and issued a citation to its owner.
• A motorist received a written warning, instead of a citation, for several traffic violations at 9:54 p.m. June 1 on Falcon Circle N. and Oneka Parkway N., after deputies observed that the driver was not in a very good financial spot in his life, and they didn’t want to take part in a downward spiral for the motorist.
• After a motorist at 170th Street N. and Ingersoll Avenue N. received a written warning for speeding and an expired registration at 8:51 a.m. June 2, he advised deputies that he had just been struck by a hit-and-run arborist’s truck while he was slowly merging lanes. The motorist, who had retrieved the license plate number of the westbound tree cutter, gave it to deputies, who obtained the suspect vehicle’s insurance information. Deputies then gave the complainant the suspect’s information, along with a case number.
• The ding-dong-ditching juveniles apparently took the night off and delegated their duties to a bear for the evening, as the bear took over running through people’s yards on Goodview Avenue N. and Egg Lake Road at 10:01 p.m. June 2. No word about whether the bear pounded on the doors or merely growled.
• A motorist was cited for speeding at 6:33 p.m. June 3 on Frenchman Road and Forest Boulevard N.
• A vehicle parked in the 13000 block of Europa Court N. at 8:50 a.m. June 4 received a citation under the windshield wipers for parking on a public roadway while displaying expired registration. Another vehicle was cited at 6:53 p.m. June 4 in the 4000 block of 162nd Way for the same offense.
• A motorist on Forest Boulevard N. and 120th Street N. at 10:47 a.m. June 4 reported being tailgated by a male on a scooter, who appeared to be following her vehicle and trying to get it to stop.
• A motorist along Frenchman Road and Oneka Parkway at 9:05 p.m. June 4 was cited for speeding 52 mph in a 35-mph zone.
• After looking at their doorbell camera, residents in the 16000 block of Fairoaks Avenue at 12:22 a.m. June 5 reported a suspicious male ringing their doorbell and asking for help. Deputies contacted the complainants, studied the pictures of the individual, and uploaded them to their visual labs to be part of the report. Deputies now have pictures of the suspect, although their search of the immediate area yielded no male.
Loretta Harding
MARATHON RUNNER: Hugo man’s journey from injury to Boston glory
FROM PAGE 1
Getting a personal best on that hilly course, he added, was “the icing on the cake.”
Lahr’s only previous racing experience had been one season of JV cross country in high school. There was no second season as he had knee surgeries twice for wrestling injuries. He had another operation in his 30’s after jumping off the retaining wall in his backyard. “Pretending like I was 14,” he explained. Both knees had meniscus tears, resulting in the bowlegged look.
Wrestling for Cambridge-Isanti, he was ranked first at his weight class as a senior, but suffered an upset loss in the first round at state. “I wanted to quit and run 40 miles back home to Cambridge,” he recalled. But he shook it off and battled back to win several matches and place third.
At St. John’s University, Lahr qualified for nationals as a sophomore and lost to the defending champion by one point in the first round. However, his freshman and junior seasons ended with neck injuries, and he was done with wrestling.
“My most notable takeaway from wrestling was the mindset,” he said. “I realized it’s not about how many times you get knocked down. It’s about how many times you get back up.”
Told to give up running, he heeded that warning until three years ago, after he read “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins while going through a difficult time in his life. Goggins wrote about doctors sometimes being wrong about knee injuries. That got Lahr going.
“So, after not running more than half a mile on the roads since 2005, I decided in January 2022 to give it a try,” Lahr said. He ran five miles that day, seven the next day, took a break on day three, and a confi-
dence-boosting 12 miler on the fourth day.
“I felt alive! Being outside, feeling the wind in my face, and the pain of running — the good pain, the burn in my legs and my lungs — felt like therapy, like God gave me the gift.”
Next is the Chicago Marathon in October with his wife Marsha. At Grandma’s, Marsha camped at the finish line early to pick out a good spot and stood in bone-chilling rain for several hours. “Just so she could see me for ten seconds at the finish,” he said.
“I realized it’s not about how many times you get knocked down. It’s about how many times you get back up.”
Brian Lahr Hugo marathon runner
Lahr operates One Life Financial Group in Hugo. The Lahr’s have seven kids ranging from 10 to 18. Some of them ran the Goldy’s 5K with him the last two years. Hunter, 11, enjoys biking alongside him as he trains. Greta, ninth-grader, is a track team member at Mahtomedi. Ellie, seventh-grader, plans to start cross country this fall.
Asked what resuming his athletic career in his 40’s has done for him, he assessed: “The pain and the grind of running on the challenging workouts makes me feel grateful for the pain that my Lord Jesus went through for us. The pleasures and pains of running are therapy; they help me appreciate what I have and to process any pain or struggles that I might be working through in life.”
County Fair’s Senior Event features 2 legends
The music of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash will be featured at this year’s annual Senior Event at the Washington County Fair. The event will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, at the fairgrounds in the Main Stage Tent (across from Building D).
Joe Sir, from New Richmond, and his Rockabilly Rebels Band will perform at 1 p.m. Free
refreshments will be served ahead of the entertainment. Arrive soon after noon for best seating. There will be reduced senior admission into the fair that day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parking and admission to the senior event are free. Fifty door prizes, each consisting of four certificates for pints of any available flavors of Culver’s Frozen Custard, will be given. Contact event co-chair, Margot Rheinberger, with questions at 612-406-2604.
Joe Sir
Schedule of Events
Tuesday - July 15th
6:00 p.m. Opening ceremony
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Capital City Wind Ensemble at Hidden Spring Park
Wednesday - July 16th
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Safety night at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park
Thursday - July 17th
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Mainstreet Market Food trucks and more
7:00 p.m. Bald Eagle Waterski Show at Trailside Park, Centerville Lake
Friday - July 18th
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Food trucks, Junior bags, Bingo
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Kids Dance DJ Beer Garden Fireworks at dusk at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park
Saturday - July 19th
7:30 a.m. 5K/8K Run
8:30 a.m. Kids "FUN" Run
11:00 a.m. Parade
- Kid Fest following Parade - Car Show following Parade
- Food trucks - Beer Garden
1:00 p.m. Bags tournament
4:00-6:00 p.m. Bingo
6:00-9:00 p.m. DJ - all ages welcome
Sunday - July 20th
11:00 a.m. - Canoe races at Trailside Park, Centerville Lake
Fete des Lacs honors veterans, the stars and stripes
BY TYLER QUATTRIN NEWS INTERN
Centerville will shine red, white and blue as it hosts the 34th annual Fete des Lacs July 15-20, with the theme “America the Beautiful.”
The five-day event, hosted by the city of Centerville and the Centerville Lions Club, will feature festival favorites, including the Kids Dance DJ on Friday and the parade and car show on Saturday, along with many other activities.
The “America the Beautiful” theme aims to “bring us all together as one country,” Centerville Lions President Mel Lawlis said. “There’s so much divide right now. I think it’s just ‘America the Beautiful’, be proud of our country.”
To match the theme, the parade will not feature one individual as its grand marshal this year. Instead, “all veter-
ans” will be recognized.
The festival is free for everyone to attend, except for a fee to participate in Bingo and the bag tournaments.
New additions to this year’s event include an additional night of Bingo, a Lions Club food truck at the Mainstreet Market and a junior bags tournament for ages 12 to 17.
DJ Skoolz will also make his Fete des Lacs debut Saturday night with an all-ages set.
French for “Festival of Lakes,” Fete des Lacs was started to celebrate the city’s French-Canadian heritage.
Planning for the annual tradition begins nearly a year in advance and ramps up in January, Lawlis said. After a stretch of less-than-ideal weather this summer, organizers are hoping for sunshine during this year’s celebration.
DJ Skoolz to make Fete debut
BY TYLER QUATTRIN NEWS INTERN
DJ Skoolz, a familiar face from local school dances, will bring an open-format, all-ages set to Fete des Lacs at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19.
In addition to DJing, he will co-host the 11 a.m. parade alongside former Centerville Mayor D. Love.
Behind the turntables, DJ Skoolz is Tom Schoolmeesters: a family man, materials manager at a printing company, president of the Centennial Youth Hockey program and former 14-year Lino Lakes resident now living in Columbus.
As a DJ, Schoolmeesters enjoys doing it all, and that’s the approach he’s bringing to Fete des Lacs. Engaging large, mixed-age crowds is both his biggest challenge and one of the most rewarding parts of his work, he said.
“There's nothing better than live music with instruments. However, that doesn't relate very well to a park full of all kinds of people, and it's very tough to entertain a big crowd like that,” he said.
“The most entertaining part of my career now is that I can take that kind of crowd and just adapt
to what they are doing, what they want to hear, and let them request some songs that they want to hear, and go from there.”
Schoolmeesters has been a musician since starting percussion in the third grade. His DJ career began when he worked as a doorman and security guard at different establishments.
“A day that a DJ didn't come in, I was in there messing around with the equipment and thought, being a musician, ‘I think I could figure out how to learn how to do this stuff,’” he said.
After investing in his own turntables, he did just that, and realized he was better than other aspiring DJs, he said.
Now, nearly three decades later, Schoolmeesters is marking his
27th year behind the turntables.
During his time DJing in nightclubs, he was contacted by schools looking for DJs for dances. He realized that he was a good fit and signed on.
He’s DJ’d for St. Croix Preparatory Academy, Anoka High School, Spring Lake Park High School and always does Centennial High School’s dances.
He has also performed at weddings, elementary school fundraisers and other community events, such as Blue Heron Days.
Schoolmeesters and his wife, Kellie, have two sons, both following in his percussionist footsteps.
Their oldest son, Nate, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and played percussion there after Centennial High School’s music program. Their youngest son, 11-year-old Tanner, will begin middle school band this fall, also as a percussionist.
Schoolmeesters said performing in the community is his way of giving back.
“Music’s just my life,” Schoolmeester said. “So, I just love being able to share the talent and skill with everyone else.”
2025 annual Fete des Lacs Logo Contest winners named
The city received 103 entries from Centennial Middle School students and X entries from Centerville Elementary School for the 2025 Fete des Lacs logo contest.
The contest committee chose a first and second-place winner from each school as well as honorable mentions. Mayor Nancy Golden presented the winning students with a letter of congratulations, an
award certificate and a check.
Centerville Elementary School fourth grader Emma Scanlon won first place and received a $100 check for her accomplishment; Fifth grader Rose Vang won second place, fetching a $50 check; and fifth grader Leon Keefe won honorable mention fetching her a $25 check.
Centennial Middle School sixth grader Hannah
Ziobro received first place; Eight grader Alexandria Mckelvey won second place; and Isaac Christensen, eighth grade, received honorable mention.
The first two place winners will have their logos placed on Fete des Lacs flyers and 5K/8K T-shirts.
Just a friendly reminder of the Main Street road closure on parade day from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The street closure is in blue. Purple is the staging area for the parade floats. The orange marks are no entry/exit points and are where street barricades will be placed.
20th Avenue (in green) will remain open for use. Please plan accordingly during this time frame.
For weather information, event updates and/or cancellations, follow Fete des Lacs on Facebook.
Madeline Dolby
Students at Centerville Elementary and Centennial Middle School were eligible to participate in the contest.
1. This beautiful sunset was captured in Hugo on July 7. Gina Duncanson, contributed
TOWN Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to citizennews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
2. This group of students from Oneka Elementary’s Extended School Year program stopped by the Press Publications office while visiting
Vivian and Lexi, from Centerville, spent a summer afternoon selling lemonade. — Contributed
4. The Centerville Lions Club served burgers for troops at the American Legion Post 620 in Hugo. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network to
The Lions were joined by Lino Lakes Ambassadors Emily Black and Amelia Patterson. —Contributed
5. Quad area residents and Centennial Lakes Police Department Officer Benjamin Stepan join up for Bike with a Cop. — Centennial Lakes Police Department, contributed
6. Photographer LeAnn Michael captured this photo of a blue heron in Lino Lakes. — LeAnn Michael, contributed
•
• Recently remodeled assisted living apartments, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care • Transitional Care Unit
White Bear Lake. — Shannon Granholm, Press Publications
3.
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PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Centennial Lakes Police Department Officer celebrates 25 years of service
Centennial Lakes Police Department Officer Benjamin (BJ) Stepan celebrated 25 years of service with the police department last month. Officer Stepan began his career with the department as an emergency medical technician. Over the years, he has partnered closely with local fire departments to ensure officers receive up-to-date, annual training in emergency medical response.
Second tragedy in White Bear Lake within a week
A Twin Cities area man, 64, whose identity has not been released, died while participating in the swimming portion of the Manitou Days Triathlon.
According to Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), the man was unresponsive as he was pulled from the water off of Ramsey County Beach at 9:02 a.m. Sunday, June 29. The cause of death has not been determined pending an autopsy.
According to RCSO, White Bear Lake Fire Department and eyewitnesses at the scene, a lifeguard associated with the event observed the man not moving in the water. She immediately flagged down a water patrol boat and responders reached the man quickly. White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson said the man was in cardiac arrest. Deputies
and medics attempted CPR at the scene and on the way to the hospital but were unsuccessful.
“A fantastic job by that young lady,” said RCSO Patrol Commander Ryan Hankee about the lifeguard’s quick action.
This is the second death in White Bear Lake in a week. Beverly Rodriguez, a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, drowned off the Dellwood shoreline on June 22.
Crews battle fire caused by fireworks
Just before midnight on July 3, the Hugo Fire Department (HFD) responded to a report of a house fire in the 15500 block of Europa Ave. N. in Hugo.
Upon arrival, crews found a fire on the front porch of home, and it was spreading into the home through a window that was broken due to the fire. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews overhauled the home looking for hot spots.
The cause of the fire was investigated and determined to be accidental. Fireworks were used earlier in the evening and led to the fire. Everyone in the home safely evacuated and there were no injuries were reported. According to Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr., the home is currently inhabitable due to the damage.
“As a reminder if you use fireworks, please shoot them off in a safe location and dispose of them in a fireproof container far away from any structures,” Compton noted.
In addition to HFD, the Forest Lake, Centennial, Lino Lakes and White Bear Lake fire departments also assisted on the call along with M Health Fairview Ambulance and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
CONTRIBUTED
Officer Benjamin Stepan.
NORTH METRO FIRE BUFF CONTRIBUTED
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire caused by fireworks in the 15500 block of Europa Ave. in Hugo.
HUGO FIRE CONTRIBUTED
Hugo Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. says the home “is uninhabitable” due to extensive damage.
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Joseph Bernard “Joe” Marshall
86, of Hugo, Minnesota, passed away on January 27, 2025. Joe was born on September 29, 1938, in Northern Wisconsin.
Carolyn Jane (Stephens) Marshall
84, of Hugo, Minnesota, passed away on June 14, 2025. Carolyn was born on March 14, 1941, in La Grange, Missouri. Joe and Carolyn met while serving in the Army and were married for 64 years. Joe and Carolyn are survived by their daughter Mary Jo Marshall, sons Andrew Marshall and Matthew (Julie) Marshall, and nine grandchildren. Joe was a successful attorney, known for his advocacy in personal injury law and law enforcement training and rights. Carolyn was a proud member of The Daughters of the American Revolution, homemaker and volunteer for schools, church, and community. Joe and Carolyn requested a small family memorial and will be buried at Dover Cemetery, just outside of La Grange, Missouri.
BRIEFS CONTINUED
61.
Hugo fire responds to car fire
The Hugo Fire department was called to a car fire at the intersection of Highway 61 and 152nd St N. the afternoon of July 7. Upon arrival fire crews found a SUV fully engulfed in flames with the occupants out. There were some minor traffic interruptions due to the heavy black smoke crossing Highway 61. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire. After investigating the fire and talking to the occupant, it was determined that there was an electrical fire in the rear of the SUV that spread quickly. No injuries were reported.
Revenues and Expenditures for General Operations (Governmental Funds) City of Hugo, Minnesota Summary Financial Report
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of financial information concerning the City of Hugo to interested citizens. The complete financial statements may be examined at City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North and on the city's website. Questions about this report should be directed to Bryan J. Bear, City Administrator at (651) 762-6320. CITY OF HUGO, MINNESOTA SUMMARY FINANCIAL REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of financial information concerning the City of Hugo to interested citizens. The complete financial statements may be examined at City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North and on the city’s website. Questions about this report should be directed to Bryan J. Bear, City Administrator at (651) 762-6320.
Junior college All-American for national runner-up
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Seth Nelson, of Mahtomedi, earned junior college baseball All-American recognition after helping Century College in White Bear Lake place runner-up in the nation this season. The sophomore second baseman was named to the NJCAA Division III All-American first team and got the Gold Glove award. He will continue his college career at Concordia-St. Paul.
Nelson batted .387 with 15 home runs, 18 doubles and 64 RBI’s in 57 games for the Wood Ducks. At second base, he had just four errors and took
part in 12 double plays.
Century had a 46-11 record, won the Region 13 tournament in St. Cloud and reached the finals at NJCAA Division III nationals in Auburn, New York. They won three of five games, losing twice to champion Rowan College of New Jersey. NJCAA Division III is for non-scholarship teams.
Nelson also had a strong freshman season in 2024, batting.384 with 10 homers, 46 runs and 50 RBI’s in 49 games. The Wood Ducks were 36-17.
At Mahtomedi, Nelson played for two state tournament teams that placed second and fifth. This summer, he is playing for the North St. Paul Snowmen.
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SPORTS BRIEF
Centennial girls receive all-state title
Junior Alex Larson, seniors Nora Helvig and Mia Jarombek were named to the Minnesota Vikings All-State Team this season for flag football.
The Cougars finished with a 7-1 record in their inaugural season. Their lone loss came from Mahtomedi. The roster consisted of 33 girls between the junior varsity and varsity teams, coming from a variety of different athletics backgrounds like soccer and hockey.
CENTURY COLLEGE | CONTRIBUTED
Seth Nelson swung a big bat for Century College, including 25 home runs in two seasons.
PHOTOS BY JON NAMYST | CONTRIBUTED
Alexis Larson, Nora Helvig and Mia Jarombeck were named to the Minnesota Vikings AllState team for flag football.
Eat Local
The following students were named to the Dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in Fall 2024:
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Iowa State University: Ty Decker, Lily Johnson, Tommy Rohlinger, John Schaefer, and Benjamin Smith, all of Mahtomedi; Ernest Mattson, Ian Mulheron, and Claire Schneider, all of Vadnais Heights; William Bruentrup, Katelyn Harrington, Fisher Hoy, Karen Miller, and Sydney Plumb, all of White Bear Lake.
Luther College: Jack Morrison of White Bear Lake; Hannah Coy of Mahtomedi.
Marquette University: Julia Bjork and Maggie McCarty, both of Mahtomedi.
Minnesota State University-Mankato: Kristen Geib of Dellwood; Emmerson Buckley, Kayla Eberle, Natalie Eisenhuth, Nina Gillet, and Jocelyn Hazel, all of Mahtomedi; Delaney Gunderson of Vadnais Heights; Lilah Amon, Amy Ansley, Travis Domschot, Kelvin Hill, Joe Hulla, Jeremy Kolb, Olivia Landgren, Mason Messerschmidt, Sydney Mullin, Ally Peterson, Jane Posten, Anna Quaas, Tyler Schoeberl, Anna Sommerhause, Reed Tischler, Mials Woodberry, Olivia Harvieux, and Isaac Thiessen, all of White Bear Lake.
North Dakota State University: Quinn Whitehead of Mahtomedi; Sully Gunderson and Kevin Jones, both of Vadnais Heights.
Saint Mary’s University: Kendall Rolling of Dellwood; Grace Feyereisen of White Bear Lake.
University of Arkansas: Jocelyn Schneider of Mahtomedi.
University of Iowa: Alexa McKusick, Nicole Olson, Megan Van Ostrand, Josephine Sunder, and Emilia Wenzel, all of White Bear Lake.
University of Minnesota-Duluth: Anna Amberg of Dellwood; William Arlandson, William Brummel, Mackenna Buckley, Sydney Gadbois, Samantha Saenger, Cole Swanson, Wyatt Tarnowski, and Nicole Wuori, all of Mahtomedi; Matthew Dresen, Micaela Hovick,
Lauren McCulloch, and Ava Walhof, all of Vadnais Heights; David Dawa, Phoebe Diez, Kyra Hoffman, Grayson Hughes, Erin Hunter, Julia Lamwers, Andrew Laska, Patrick Levins, Rachel Lopez, Grace Maki, and Madeline Verkerke, all of White Bear Lake; Katelyn Birkeland of Willernie.
University of Mississippi: Hailey Wolgamot of Mahtomedi.
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Skylar Gillow Clowser of Dellwood; John Diffley, Will Garry, Mary McCormick, Lauren Mitchell, Riley Schwietz, and Katherine Swanson, all of Mahtomedi; Luke Blaska, Olivia Gentile, and Hannah Vander Heiden, all of Vadnais Heights; Valeria Diaz Moreno, Kaia McKeown, and William Simpson, all of White Bear Lake.
The following students graduated from a college or university in Fall 2024:
Baldwin Wallace University: Jenna Eitel of Dellwood, Bachelor of Science, neuroscience.
LeTourneau University: Aaron Sorley of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, summa cum laude.
Marquette University: Logan Swanson of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, interdisciplinary cognitive science.
Montana State University: Grace Christenson and Chase Fortman, both of White Bear Lake.
North Dakota State University: Derek Lopez of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, management; Isabelle Petronack of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering; Tyler Vanderhyde of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering.
Northern Illinois University: Isabelle Zak of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, computer science-software development.
Wartburg College: Brandon Goetz of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Arts, sociology and psychology, summa cum laude; Wyatt Miller of Mahtomedi, Bachelor of Arts, exercise science, magna cum laude.
