Press Publications asked local couples a few questions about their love story.
Dennis and Kathy Erno
Q: How long have you been married?
A: “57 years. We met in college. University of Wisconsin River Falls. We were exchanging classes. She was coming from a class, and I was going to a class. And we met on the stairs, and I wanted to meet her because I was attracted to her, so I asked her if she had a sister that went here, which was my opening line. So I asked her out. Our first date was at a Sadie Hawkins dance, which was supposed to be girls-ask-boys. That's how our relationship started.”
Q: What was your first impression of him?
A: “Handsome. A little forward, a little suspicious because I was a little younger.”
Q: What’s the secret to that many years of marriage?
A: “Just to know each other very well and don't give up. Discuss if you have a conflict and try to come up with a compromise or whatever.”
“We have shared values. We’re both, I’d say, moderate progressives, and we have the same moral and religious and social values.”
“And we love each other.”
Joshua Duckett and Kelly Jacobson
Q: How did you meet?
A: “It'll be three years [of dating] on Valentine's Day exactly. We met online and I asked her out. She declined.”
“At first because my friend also didn't have someone, so we wanted to have a girls Valentine's Day.”
“So I convinced her to still have that girl's Valentines and come out.”
“And it ended up being a really amazing night. We moved in with each other I want to say like a year later and we've been really, really happy.”
Q: What's the secret to happiness in a relationship?
A: “We have so much fun. I feel like we allow ourselves to be like the young and funny side and I think the really honest side.”
Q: What do you guys do for your Valentine's Day anniversary?
A: “Sometimes we go back to the first place that we met. Nico's Tacos. But we mix it up depending on weather.” “Nothing too crazy.”
Centerville salon owner reflects on 25 years of business
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
CENTERVILLE — When Gina Paar began to build her home in Centerville in 2001, she knew she wanted to have a salon in her home. Two months after her son, Dylan, was born, she opened Gina Paar Salon.
This year, she will celebrate 25 years in business.
During her time as a hairstylist, Paar has gathered around 100 clients. Some, she said, have been with her since the very beginning. Before owning her own business, Paar rented a chair for five years at Shear Illusions in St. Paul.
When Paar was around 13, she gave her first haircut.
“It seemed really easy and looked pretty good when I was done,” she said. “You start to wonder, ‘What do I want to do?’ and it was kind of on my radar.”
Paar’s sister began attending cosmetology school in high school through PSEO, and Paar became very interested in the program as well. When she was a junior at Roseville Area High School, Paar had the opportunity to enroll in cosmetology school and decided to take it.
She began to attend school that summer and continued to take classes until the summer after her senior year. Six months later, in 1991, she received her licenses and took the state board. Her first job was at Rita Ambourn as Ambourn’s assistant, where she worked for three years.
Winterfest features mix of new events, familiar favorites
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
Winterfest will return to the Quad community with a mix of new events and familiar favorites. The winter celebration will kick off on Feb.13 and run through Saturday, Feb. 21, offering a variety of activities for area residents and opportunities to support local businesses.
“We are four cities, but one community. The Centennial Area Chamber
wanted to create an event that would bring the entire community together. We want to celebrate what there is to love about our community, help people enjoy winter and support local businesses during what can be a slow time of year,” said chamber President and CEO Michelle Koch.
In its second year, the event is hosted by the Centennial Area Chamber along with local businesses and civic organizations. This year, there will be seven special and signature events.
“We are four cities, but one community. The Centennial Area Chamber wanted to create an event that would bring the entire community together.”
Michelle Koch
Chamber
President and CEO
The medallion hunt is scheduled to begin on Monday, Feb. 16. The first clue
can be found on the chamber’s social media page (www.facebook.com/CentennialAreaChamber). Clues will be provided daily until the medallion is located.
New events added to this year’s weeklong calendar include a bingo night on Friday, Feb. 13 at Renstrom Dental Studio, a community campfire and a coloring contest. Each event will be supported by a local business.
SEE WINTERFEST, PAGE 2
WINTERFEST: ‘As president of the chamber, I view Winterfest as our gift to the community’
FROM PAGE 1
The campfire will take place at The Rookery alongside the candlelight walk from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. After taking a walk down the trail behind The Rookery, attendees can warm up by the fire and have a s’more or two. According to Koch, the candlelight walk will feature 500 lanterns decorated by local elementary school students.
Last year, Koch said the candlelight walk setup was a lot of work and it happened to be on one of the few days the community got snow.
“Driving was terrible, and I wondered if anyone would show up,” she recalled. “At the starting time, people were immediately there to head out on the walk. There were families with young kids, older couples and everything in between. It was absolutely magical in the snow, and we’re excited to make this year’s walk even better with the community campfire.”
Kids in the community up to 17 years old can participate in the coloring contest, which runs from Friday, Feb. 13 to Thursday, Feb. 19. The contest is broken up into age groups. Winning entries will have their work enlarged and displayed at Image and Printing graphics and receive their large print. Also new this year is a weeklong activity called Love Local, which encourages residents to shop at area businesses.
“The Drink Tour and Love Local both encourage residents to get out and explore their own community and support the local businesses that are so important,” Koch explained.
Those who participate in both activities will receive punch cards. When you complete your punch card, Koch said you will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.
Along with the drink tour, the Winterfest Puzzle Competition at Centennial Middle School will also make its return. It will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. Closing out the celebration, the annual Centerville Lions Fishing Contest will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, out on Centerville Lake.
“As the president of the chamber, I view Winter fest as our gift to the community,” Koch said. For more information about the celebration, visit centennialareachamber.com.
Quad Community Press Editor Madeline Dol by can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@ presspubs.com.
features lanterns created by local students.
• 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 — Good Neighbor Family Bingo Night, Lino Lakes Conference Center located at Renstrom Dental Studio
more than 1,400 submissions from the public. The list was narrowed to 10 finalists, including Kirill the Chill, Slick Seven, 67, Life of a Snowgirl, Plowasaurus Rex, Chuck the Plow Truck, Blizzard of Oz, K Pop Blizzard Hunter, Duck Duck Orange Truck and Claire D. Way.
More than 2,600 people voted to
help name two of the plows. Duck Duck Orange Truck was the top vote-getter at 873 votes; Blizzard of Oz came in second with 795 votes. Blizzard of Oz can be mostly seen in the northern half of the county, whereas Duck Duck Orange Truck will be in the southern part of the county.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
This year’s candle walk will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. The trail can be found behind The Rookery Center in Lino Lakes and
The Swanson family found last year’s medallion. The medallion hunt will kick off on Monday, Feb. 16. Daily clues will be uploaded to the Centennial Area Chamber’s social media.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
ONGOING EVENTS
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 and Feb. 19; and the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.
Details: Games begin at 12:45 p.m. Refreshments and coffee served. All senior citizens from the area invited. Contact: 651-592-0369 or barbconnolly1958@yahoo.com
CRIBBAGE
When: 12:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23; and the 1st and 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo
Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served. Contact: 651-429-4413
CURRENT EVENTS
BEAR'LY OPEN
When: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: White Bear Lake County Park at Ramsey Beach
Details: Golf-on-ice fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Players use golf clubs, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, or anything else that can propel a tennis ball through an 18-hole course. Games, entertainment food, beverages and activities along the way. Registration required. Contact: bearlyopen.org
HORSESHOES ON ICE
When: Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: White Bear Lake VFW, 4496 Lake Ave. S.
Details: Two person teams can participate in the annual fundraiser. Call to register in advance. Contact: 651-426-4944
CENTERVILLE TIDBITS
THE OLDER THE BETTER VINTAGE SLED SHOW
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: Blacksmith Lounge and Broaster, 17205 Forest Boulevard N., Hugo
Details: See old sleds and support the Stillwater Snowmobile Club. Free admission for spectators. Food, drinks and raffle tickets available for purchase.
Contact: Facebook: Stillwater Snowmobile Club
SNOWSHOE SHUFFLE
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Snowshoeing is an easy way to get outdoors and get some low impact exercise in the winter. Snowshoes also allow participants to get off trail and explore new areas. Equipment is provided. Registration information available online.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB
When: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10
Where: White Bear Lake County Park/ Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Lake Ave. Details: Hike along the lake and through downtown, approx 3 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com
A YEAR IN VIETNAM
When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St.
Details: Guest ppeaker Darryl LeMire, a helicopter mechanic, Vietnam Veteran, and lifelong White Bear Resident, shares his own experiences as aircraft support during the Vietnam War through photos and stories with a local perspective. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
LUNCH WITH A NATURALIST
When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 and the first Wednesday of the month
• City staff have a plan to increase the number of functioning wells around the city. The plan focuses on clearing the sand from Well No. 1 in Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park to reduce the amount of water Centerville needs to buy from the city of Lino Lakes. Public Works Director Charlie Lehn advised the City Council that the first phase of the Well No. 1 rehabilitation maintenance project went well in its first week. The well casing and well itself were reviewed, tested and inspected. Now, the pump and motor will be renewed, and sand will be removed from the aquifer at the well head. Finally, the well will undergo a procedure called airlifting and decompression, where more sand is removed to improve the quality of the water, so that very little sand will come from the well. “I’m happy to report that things are going as planned,” Lehn said. The base bid turned out to be less than the $58,000 approved by council. City staff recommended that council approve the alternate bid amount not to exceed $67,000. Council approved the recommendation unanimously (by a vote of 3-0; with Mayor Nancy Golden and Council Member David Kubat were absent, and Council Member Linda Broussard-Vickers attended on Zoom).
• Three sewer covers on Pleasant Lane need repairs to prevent infiltration and inflow into the system, now that the 2025 road project and asphalt reconstruction on Pleasant Lane has been completed. The city received three bids that included costs for mobilization, materials, labor and delivery of services. The lowest bid to rehabilitate the sewer covers at three locations on Pleasant Lane near Center Street was $11,785 from Summit Infrastructure. Money will be drawn from the city budget and from the sewer fund.
• City staff are getting ready to work on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan and requested that council authorize the preparation and issuance of a request for proposal to hire a consultant to assist in the effort.
• The city has ambitious plans for downtown. Council heard a presentation from planners Bolton & Menk on the Downtown Master Plan Project. City Planner Nathan Fuerst, AICP, said the city is working with Bolten and Menk on a downtown envisioning process to address longstanding land use questions. The project scope is to reimage downtown to reflect goals of the current council and residents, Fuerst said. Planning staff are working in conjunction with
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Bring a lunch and learn about a local natural or cultural history topic from a naturalist, and walk the trails. Free.
Contact: anokacountyparks.com
GALENTINE'S DAY
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Ladies night out event with shopping and dining specials at participating downtown businesses. Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com
ANNUAL BEAR LEGACY BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER
When: 8-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13
Where: WBLAHS Student Union
Details: Annual fundraiser for the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is includes fee breakfast and a lineup of guest speakers. Registration is required and donations are encouraged.
Contact: wblaef.org
WINTERFEST
When: Feb.13 through Feb. 21.
Where: Multiple locations throughout Quad community
Details: The event, now in its second year, is hosted by the Centennial Area Chamber along with local businesses and civic organizations. Highlights include a Drink Tour, Love Local Tour,
the University of Minnesota staff to maximize community impacts, and they provided an overview of the project to council.
• The city has filled a vacancy on its Planning and Zoning Commission; council approved the recommendation from the commission to appoint Rebecca Oldenburg-Downing. Oldenburg-Downing has lived in the city for one year and said she loves the city for its safety and beauty.
• State Senator Heather Gustafson made her annual visit to council chambers to update the city on legislative activities important to Centerville at the State Capitol and to answer council questions. During the short, three-month session, the Legislature is working on a clean water bill and making bipartisan efforts to improve school funding that will also provide property tax relief. Gustafson acknowledged that property taxes are up, and that she is working on property tax relief for those whose property taxes have gone up by 10% or more. Also in the works is a one-time public safety funding bill that doesn’t tax Minnesotans, possibly financed through a social media tax. Prompted by Junior Council Member Garrett
Coloring Contest, Medallion Hunt and more.
Contact: centennialareachamber.com.
WHITE BEAR LAKE WINTER MARKET
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union (west entrance), 5040 Bald Eagle Ave.
Details: Indoor farmers market with local vendors and makers. Food trucks on site until 2 p.m.
Contact: forksinthedirt.com
SCHOOL BRIEF
Construction advances at Liberty Classical Academy
Construction of Liberty Classical Academy’s new high school in Hugo continues at a rapid pace to meet a substantially complete deadline of Aug. 1. The project is led by Gunderson Construction.
Precast concrete walls have been installed, transforming the site from its foundation phase to a clearly defined structure. Among the most visible additions is a 12-foot-high Liberty Lion logo embedded on the west exterior wall. Walls for the gymnasium and stage are complete, along with the corridor connecting the gym to the classroom wing.
Placement of structural steel beams and roofing is scheduled to begin in early February. Gunderson representatives said interior construction is expected to move quickly once the building is fully enclosed, keeping the project on track for an early August move-in. Site grading completed in the fall is expected to be followed by grass and landscaping installation in the spring. The new high school, located at 10158 122nd Avenue N., is scheduled to open for the upcoming academic year.
Schneider, Gustafson said that a bill limiting zoning control for municipalities will come up again to address affordable housing. Regarding the paid leave bill, microbusinesses are excluded from this obligation, along with some small businesses through prior agreement, she said. Small businesses can apply for a grant to be given help for a short period. Employees also contribute to this benefit, Gustafson said. As to the fraud problem, the Senate is working on a package to address this issue, and the House will soon do so.
• In her report, City Administrator Athanasia Lewis said the Public Works Department was working with recent fluctuating temperatures to make ice at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park.
• The Centerville Lions Ice Fishing Contest will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, on Centerville Lake. Ticket sales start at 9 a.m. The fishing contest is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the final weigh-in will be held at 2 p.m.
The council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at City Hall, 1880 Main St.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Loretta Harding
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
And that’s a wrap
Iblinked, and just like that, my skating season was over. It always amazes me how fast the five months go.
For several years now, I’ve been a member of the Northern Fusion Leather & Laces adult synchronized skating team. We typically practice once a week at Polar Ice Arena in North St. Paul or the Vadnais Heights Sports Center. This year, team members ranged in age from 23 to 58, and skaters hailed from all over the metro, including White Bear Lake, Hugo, Shoreview, Lino Lakes and Blaine.
Shannon’s Shenanigans
Shannon Granholm
Our first competition was the Maplewood Synchro Classic at 3M Arena at Mariucci in December. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any teams to compete against in our division, but it was great practice for our biggest competition of the year, the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships, Jan. 22-Jan. 24 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.
We competed against six other teams, including Allegro from Michigan, Arctic Edge Unity from Michigan, Austintatious Stars from Texas, Lake Effect Flurries from Michigan, KC Momentum from Missouri and the Texas Chilly Peppers. We just missed 2nd place by .08 of a point, but we made the podium and came home with bronze medals.
Even though our season just ended, I find myself already missing my teammates and the ice. I’m so grateful I get to still do what I love with amazing people by my side. I’ve developed such great friendships with the other skaters along the way that I absolutely cherish. Some of us have children who were born days apart.
I’m not sure what I’ll be doing every Wednesday night now, but I’m looking forward to our upcoming team dinner in February and edge class in March.
Wendy Jo Shaffer
Every once in a while as a journalist, you cover a story that hits too close to home. That’s how I felt last year after it happened and again this year while talking to people who knew Wendy Jo Shaffer (Wigstrom).
I remember this time last year sitting at the airport waiting to board a plane with my skating team when I heard the news that American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter in Washington, DC. The news spread very quickly across the skating community, as 28 members of the U.S figure skating community were aboard the plane. I remember returning to White Bear Lake to learn about Wendy.
She was a wife, mother, friend and athlete. From everything I have read about her to every conversation I have had with people who knew her, one thing sticks out — her positive mindset. Everyone I talked to told me about Wendy’s ability to remain positive, even in tough times. One year after her tragic death, what lingers most is not just the shock of the loss, but the example Wendy leaves behind. In a world that can be unforgiving, Wendy chose positivity and friendship, choices that continue to ripple through the people who loved her and even those of us who only came to know her story afterward. Remembering Wendy isn’t just about honoring a life cut short; it’s about carrying forward the mindset she lived by.
Shannon Granholm is the managing editor at Press Publications.
Planning for the future begins with understanding our community
Many Centennial residents remember what our schools looked like years ago — classrooms filled with rows of desks, a chalkboard at the front of the room and a student population that largely mirrored the neighborhoods around each school. Those memories matter. They reflect a time when schools, families and the broader community were closely connected, and they remain part of the legacy that continues to shape Centennial today.
Recent data, however, remind us that while Centennial remains a stable community, it is not static.
Last fall, Centennial Public Schools completed a comprehensive demographic and enrollment study to better understand who lives in our district and how those trends are changing over time. The findings confirm that Centennial’s overall population growth is modest and manageable. Birth rates are relatively flat, and total student enrollment has remained steady for several years. This stability is a strength
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and reflects the desirability of our community.
Our student population is also changing. Schools today support a wider range of learning needs than they did decades ago, and the students they serve reflect a community that is more racially, culturally and economically diverse. Students receive supports that were far less common in the past, including special education services, English language instruction and mental health support. These trends are not unique to Centennial; they reflect broader changes across Minnesota and the nation.
Enrollment patterns matter as well. While elementary enrollment has remained fairly level, recent growth has been concentrated at the middle school level, where space is already tight. The district’s demographic study shows that while overall growth is modest, it is expected to continue gradually over the next decade. Known housing developments within district boundaries are projected to add students over time, with additional growth possible as housing turnover and enrollment patterns shift. These realities help explain why districts must plan for the future, not just the present.
Schools today are also asked to do more than they were a generation ago. Instruction increasingly emphasizes collaboration,
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problem-solving, and hands-on learning to prepare students for today’s workforce. Expectations around safety have evolved as well. School buildings must be secure while remaining accessible, flexible, and capable of supporting a wide range of student needs and community uses.
Understanding the make-up of our community is the foundation of responsible planning, particularly when facilities and infrastructure are designed to last for decades. Before any decisions are made about the future, it is essential to begin with accurate information and a shared understanding of current realities. Centennial Public Schools is committed to careful stewardship of public resources and transparency with the community we serve. That commitment starts with listening, studying the data, and ensuring residents have clear, factual information about how our schools and community continue to evolve. Strong schools and strong communities grow together. Taking the time to understand gradual change helps ensure we are prepared for the future while honoring the history and values that make Centennial a place people are proud to call home.
Dr. Jeff Holmberg is the superintendent of Centennial Schools.
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Movers & Shakers
Jeff Holmberg
Hello, School Board?
It is with growing frustration that I write, knowing these words may fall on deaf ears. The school board’s repeated unwillingness to truly listen to others has created an insular, self-governing climate — one that feels more like an echo chamber than a body meant to serve the community. The lack of genuine oversight has fostered an incestuous environment, tearing at the very fabric of what a governing board should be. We teach our students to value every voice, and to listen and respect differing opinions. Yet, the board’s actions contradict these lessons. Policy 209 calls for listening to all stakeholders—students, staff, parents and community members. In practice, however, the board seems to pick and choose which voices matter, silencing those that challenge their narrative.
This climate of self-preservation and selective hearing undermines trust and transparency. The school board must remember that true leadership is not about protecting power but about serving with accountability and humility. Until the board models the values it claims to teach, it will continue to erode the trust and unity it is meant to uphold.
Dianna Delaney Hugo
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Heartland, Novation credit unions plan merger
Heartland Credit Union and Novation Credit Union have announced plans to merge, pending member and regulatory approval.
The proposed merger would unite two Minnesota-based credit unions and operate under the Novation Credit Union name, led by Novation President and CEO Mike Kronebusch. The combined organization would serve members across 11 Minnesota counties.
Both credit unions have long served employees, retirees and families of major Minnesota employers, including 3M, CHS Inc., Land O’Lakes Inc. and Solventum. Leaders said the merger would expand access to financial products, increase branch convenience and strengthen personalized service. Boards of directors from both organizations have approved the proposed merger. Heartland President and CEO Kathy Harrington said the partnership reflects shared values and a member-first focus. If approved, the merger is expected to take effect in summer 2026. More information is available at heartlandcu.com and novation.org.
Lyngblomsten in Lino Lakes hosts online program
Lyngblomsten in Lino Lakes has created an online program, WOOP for Dementia Caregivers, in which participants attend three sessions and learn an evidence-based strategy called WOOP (wish, outcome obstacle, and pain). Each group will offer community and support for caregivers as they learn about WOOP. The first group will meet from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on select Wednesdays beginning on March 18. The other two meetings will be on Wednesday, March 25 and April 1. Registration for group one is required by Monday, March 16.
The second group will meet from 4-5 p.m. on selected Tuesdays beginning April 14. The other two sessions will take place on Wednesday, April 21 and 28. Registration is required by Wednesday, April 8.
To register, contact Lisa Brown at 651-632-5320 or caregiving@lynblomsten.org or complete the online form at www.Lyngblomsten.org/WOOP. Information sessions will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 11, or 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.
Dorothea Anna Zaiger
Age 92 of Hugo, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026. Preceded in death by husbands, James Dougherty, Carl Zaiger; parents, Paul & Anna Schmidt. She is survived by many dear friends. Dorothea’s life will be celebrated with a service at 11 AM Saturday, April 25th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at New Life Lutheran Church, Hugo. Interment at Union Cemetery, White Bear Lake. www.RobertsFamilyFH.com 651-464-4422
SALON ANNIVERSARY: Clients ‘more than family’
FROM PAGE 1
“Being in that environment was so beneficial, because it was such a busy salon and so well known. We were constantly getting new people coming in. I still have clients to this day from there,” Paar said. “You create these really deep, meaningful relationships.”
“The highs and the lows … I’ve gone through a lot of that with them. I feel that’s impacted my life the most,” she added. “These people care so much about me; they want to lift me up.”
Many of Paar’s clients followed her when she moved to Centerville. When she first opened her salon, Paar said she was working part time to raise her kids. As Dylan and her daughter, Lauren, grew up, she began to pick up more hours.
“It allowed me to be at all of their events, and that was really import-
POLITICAL BRIEFS
ant to me,” Paar said. Both her kids played hockey and lacrosse, which kept the family busy. Paar explained she would work up until the last minute, fly over to the arena, watch the game and go back home to work again.
“It (owning her own salon) allowed me to have that flexibility and be there for my kids and not miss out on all that stuff,” she added.
Paar said she’s always been a big proponent of continuing education. She added she enjoys going to shows and classes because it keeps her mind going.
Last year, Paar made the decision to put her business on Google. Paar said it has worked out really well, and she has gained new clients based on her online presence. Recently, Gina Paar Salon was named one of the 2025 top hair salons in
Craig Johnson announces candidacy for House District 36A
Craig Johnson, of Lino Lakes, has announced that he is running for the Minnesota House of Representatives for House District 36A, which includes North Oaks, White Bear Township, Centerville, Circle Pines and Lino Lakes.
Centerville by Google.
For the past 14 years, Paar has put on an annual breast cancer fundraiser to support breast cancer research. For the last six years, the beneficiary has been the Minnesota Breast Cancer Coalition. Through these fundraising efforts, Paar said she has donated more than $20,000 to the organization, which supports local initiatives and provides education and assistance to those fighting breast cancer.
“I feel really lucky and blessed that I have the clients I have. They’ve stuck with me,” Paar said. “It just makes me feel so loved.”
For more information about Gina Paar Salon, visit www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=61576681110328.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
Johnson is a twice-elected member of the Centennial School Board and a licensed insurance agent. He has held leadership roles within local and state civic organizations, served on advisory boards and commissions and volunteered for community and nonprofit initiatives.
“I’m running for the Minnesota House because our communities deserve a strong voice in St. Paul, one that understands the real-world impact of state decisions on families, schools, and local taxpayers,” Johnson said. “People in our district are doing everything right, yet they’re being squeezed by rising costs, higher property taxes, and policies that shift financial burdens downward instead of taking responsibility at the state level.”
To learn more about Johnson’s campaign, visit craigjohnsonformn.com.
League of Women Voters hosts coffee
The White Bear Lake Area League of Women Voters will host a meeting at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 at the Dunn Brothers inside of Festival Foods in Hugo. Community members are invited to meet for coffee, camaraderie and prioritize community actions. For more information, contact Kim Samrock at kasamrock@yahoo.com.
NOTICE that the Rice Creek Watershed District (District) Board of Managers will hold a public hearing under Minnesota Statutes 103B.251 on the ordering of one or more of the following projects: City of Arden Hills – 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvements (1) ($87,291.50) and 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvements (2) ($30,552.50), City of Lino Lakes –Regenerative Air Sweeper and Enhanced Sweeping ($100,000), City of New Brighton – 2026 Storm Improvements ($100,000), City of Shoreview – Milton Street and Randy Ave ($100,000) and Shoreview – Target Pond Improvements ($81,772.50). The District may select all, some, or none of the applications for full or partial funding. The District’s total share of cost for selected projects will not exceed $400,000 and will be funded by the general tax levy on real property within the watershed. The public hearing will be held during the District’s regular Board of Managers meeting on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Mounds View City Council Chambers, 2401 County Hwy 10, Mounds View, MN. The public may monitor the meeting remotely using Zoom. Contact Emmet ehurley@ricecreek.org for instructions. Individuals wanting to address the Board must attend in person. Individuals may timely engage the District office to request reasonable accommodation. Phone: (763) 398-3070|Email: info@ricecreek.org If you have any questions, please contact Will Roach at wroach@ricecreek.org or (763) 398-3085. The grant requests can be viewed on the District website www.ricecreek.org grant section, or at the District office: 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449.
RCWD complies with Minnesota Open Meeting Law, Statutes chapter 13D. One or more Managers may attend remotely in accordance with Statutes section 13D.02. Published one time in The CItizen on February 5, 2026.
Press Publications takes home 3 Awards
Press Publications has received three awards from the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) as a part of the 20242025 Better Newspaper Contest (BNC).
Every year, dailies and non-dailies with circulations from 1,500 to over 10,000 enter the contest from all over the state. The contest is made up of several categories in the areas of advertising, stories, breaking news, investigative reporting, design, photography, sports and more.
The 2024-2025 contest had 4,100 entries. Winners were recently honored at the BNC Awards Gala during the annual MNA Convention & Trade Show at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park.
Managing Editor Shannon
Granholm received first place in the Human Interest Story category for her story, “Quadruple amputee part of Tillges family,” which ran in the White Bear Press. Granholm also received first place in the Social Issues Story category for her story, “Scam victim, detective share tips to protect others,” which ran in The Citizen. Judges commented, “The story grabs a reader’s interest with a compelling account from a scam victim whose bank account was drained. It also serves the public by outlining common types of scams and how to prevent them.”
The Citizen received third place in the General Excellence category. Judges said, “A lot of great graphic flourishes here on the pages. Great advertisement and news content variety, consis-
CONTRIBUTED
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm receives three awards from the 2024-2025 Better Newspaper Contest.
tent quality and style guide of appropriate content.”
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Fire destroys townhome in Hugo
At approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, the Hugo Fire Department responded to a structure fire at a townhome complex in Victor Gardens.
Upon arrival, crews found a heavily involved garage fire with fire extending to the second story. Firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to adjacent units.
All occupants were
evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. One neighbor in an adjacent unit was treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation. The main fire occupancy is uninhabitable, and adjacent units have minor smoke damage.
The Hugo Fire Department was assisted by Forest Lake Fire, White Bear Lake Fire, Lino Lakes Fire, SBM Fire, M Health Fairview EMS and the Washington County Sheriff Office.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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A structure fire in the 4500 block of Victor Path in Hugo sent one person to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
COPS&COURTS
POLICE REPORTS
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following calls for service:
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a motorist for DWI at 9:28 p.m. Dec 28 on Forest Blvd. N. and 140th Street N. after observing the vehicle drive over a curb and proceed to drive over the speed limit. During the traffic stop, the driver showed signs of impairment and was made to partake in standardized field sobriety testing.
• Three unoccupied vehicles parked in the 4000 block of Victor Path N. received a parking ticket on their windshields after deputies on routine patrol for winter parking violations tagged the vehicles between 3:38 and 4:05 a.m. Dec. 29. The registered owner of one of the vehicles was also cited for displaying tabs that expired in February 2023. Due to winter snow plowing activities, vehicles are prohibited from being parked on any public street in town from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. every night from Nov. 1 through March 31.
• An alarm sounding from a business in the 14000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 5:10 a.m. Dec. 29 was determined to have been triggered by several snowplow trucks in the parking lot.
• Deputies on routine patrol on Victor Hugo Blvd. N. and Victor Path N. at 2:06 p.m. Dec. 30 conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle without a rear license plate light and with an object suspended from the rearview mirror before citing the driver.
• Deputies on overnight patrol happened upon an unoccupied vehicle that had been trashed and left in a park in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. at 4:35 a.m. Jan. 1. Deputies tried to phone the registered owner without success, and as the vehicle was parked legally, they continued their rolling patrol.
• A motorist was cited at 6:23 p.m. Jan. 2 in the 6000 block of 165th Street N. for failure to provide proof of insurance after being pulled over for expired registration and an inoperable taillight.
• The Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call at 8:40 p.m. Jan. 2 from an individual in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. who scolded deputies for doing nothing about an incident that occurred multiple years ago and which was deemed a civil issue at the time.
• A motorist on 140th Street N. and Forest Blvd. N. was cited at 6:49 p.m. Jan. 3 for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for failure to maintain the vehicle with functioning license plate lights.
• A speedy motorist was cited at 8:35 p.m. Jan. 3 on Forest Blvd. N. and 150th Street N. After she was identified, the driver told deputies she thought the speed limit was 45 mph but was quickly assured that it was actually 35 mph on that stretch of road.
• A report of a car full of children sleeping outside in the 4000 block of Elm Drive N. at 12:36 a.m. Jan. 4 turned out to be a planned activity supervised by their uncle, because the kids wanted to camp in the family Tesla for the night.
• Deputies on directed patrol for speeding in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. at 3:25 p.m. Jan. 4 conducted one traffic stop for equipment violation, for which the motorist received a verbal warning.
• A resident in the 5000 block of Farnham Drive N. at 7:45 a.m. Jan. 5 reported his neighbor for filming him and saying rude things to him while he let his dog out as part of an ongoing issue lately. Deputies attempting to mediate spoke to the offending neighbor who, in turn, said that the complainant was trespassing by letting his dog into his yard. In addition, the complainant said rude things to him. Deputies advised the neighbor to call the city attorney the next time
the complainant trespassed, but not to say rude things to him.
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies on patrol on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 6:36 p.m. Jan. 5 cited a motorist for unsafe driving behavior after he almost hit the squad car while trying to make a U-turn from an outer lane at that intersection.
• A smoky fire reported in the 13000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 1:01 a.m. Jan. 6 was caused by a dryer vent.
• Deputies’ adventures continued at 2:40 a.m. Jan. 6 while they were on routine patrol and observed a vehicle parked in a lot on Irish Avenue N. and 140th Street N. and tried to back up to talk with the driver. During this maneuver, the squad went into a ditch. The area had been receiving freezing rain throughout the evening.
• Deputies driving south in the 15000 block of Irish Avenue N. during the freezing rainstorm at 5:06 a.m. Jan. 6 slid off the road just north of 147th Street N. due to the icy road conditions. A tow was required to remove the squad from the ditch.
• Residents in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 4:10 p.m. Jan. 6 reported unknown people for opening a credit card account in their name. At 3:42 p.m. Jan. 7, residents at an unknown Hugo location reported an attempted scam during which nothing of value was given away.
• An Amazon delivery truck was reported stuck in a driveway in the 12000 block of Homestead Drive N. at 10:42 p.m. Jan. 6 during the freezing rainstorm. Deputies stayed on scene until the tow truck arrived to remove the vehicle from the driveway. The homeowner offered to pay for the tow.
• A suspicious person walking near a construction site in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way N. at 1:33 a.m. Jan 7 turned out to be regular Joe just out for a walk, as deputies had no other reason to believe he was part of any criminal activity.
• A license plate was reported found in the 5000 block of 159th Street N. at 5:31 p.m. Jan. 7. After researching through their database, deputies found the registered owners of the plate and returned it to them at their residence.
• Deputies on patrol on Forest Blvd. N. and 159th Street N. initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with expired registration and issued a written warning for that violation. Deputies conducted another traffic stop on 132nd Street at Homestead Avenue N. at 10:45 a.m. Jan. 8 and cited the motorist for undisclosed violations. They cited another motorist at 9:47 p.m. Jan. 8 on Frenchman Road and Everton Avenue N. for unknown offenses. A third motorist received a written warning for speed at 6:39 p.m. Jan. 9 on Forest Blvd. N. at 152nd Street N.
• A motorist reported an incident of road rage at 11:52 a.m. Jan. 8 on Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road.
• Deputies arrested the featured subject of a pursuit at 2:32 p.m. Jan 11 in the 14000 block of Fitzgerald Avenue N. WCSO deputies assisted Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies after the suspect fled from that county and ended up in Washington County. WCSO deputies picked up the trail after the suspect crashed into a snowbank and a bystander called the accident in. WCSO deputies assisted RCSO deputies in establishing a perimeter and K-9 track. After a brief search, the suspect was uncovered and taken into custody without incident.
• A motorist on Frenchman Road at 3:57 p.m. Jan. 11 was issued a citation for operating a vehicle on public roadways with expired registration.
Loretta Harding
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Caleb Nelson
Centennial Alpine Skiing
February 5, 2026
Caleb Nelson, Centennial senior Alpine skier, repeated as allNWSC and led the team to a second-place finish. Nelson had an impressive stretch in the last two weeks when he finished top-ten in two straight 20-team invitationals, then placed fifth in the next-to-last 11-team conference meet. He had a DQ in the conference last race (missing a gate) but placed 11th of 110 skiers in season points. “He’s the hardest working ski racer I’ve ever coached and deserves every great finish he gets,” Coach Derrick Taylor said.
Bear girl wrestlers see action
White Bear Lake placed 11th of 25 teams in an Eau Claire tournament on Saturday, led by Jinet Demanou, who placed second at 185. Demanou advanced with three pins and was pinned by an Eau Claire opponent in the finals. Calli Lacktorin placed third at 126 pounds, getting her fourth pin of the day in the third-place match. Merrick Jensen placed sixth at 165, Isabelle Kane seventh at 132 and Amber Pax 13th at
100. On Wednesday, Lacktorin and Kane each had a quick pin in matches against Tartan at home
during the boys teams’ triangular meet.
Hill-Murray nips CSLP in 1-2 showdown
No. 2 ranked Hill-Murray (H-M) toppled No. 1 Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) 4-3 in the regular season finale, scoring all four goals in the third period, at Centennial on Saturday evening.
Each team takes a 21-3-1 record into sectionals. The Cougars start Section 5AA on Saturday.
Centennial beat Anoka 8-0 on Tuesday, finishing 10-0 in the Northwest Suburban Conference with 32 straight conference wins.
The Cougars led Hill-Murray 2-0 in the first period on goals by Jozie Kel-
zenberg and Avery Wagner. H-M caught up in the third on goals by Reese Unklesbay and Jaycee Chatleain (a former Cougar player).
Annabelle Buccicone regained the lead for CLSP at 7:41, but Emily Pohl pulled it out for H-M with goals at 14:51 and 16:07, her 26th and 27th of the season.
Notching goals against Anoka were Kelzenberg (three), Grace Laager, Katie Ball, Madeline Wolter, Alaina Gnetz and Ella Perrault.
Bruce Strand
Bruce Strand
BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED
Calli Lacktorin pinned a Tartan opponent last week.
CLASSIFIEDS
Marine Village School is seeking a bus driver to join our team!
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Become part of our small but mighty MVS community — where you’re not just driving a bus, you’re helping move something bigger!
We’re seeking a reliable and caring driver to transport our responsible, respectful students safely to and from school each day. CDL required, bus certification preferred.
The City of Mahtomedi is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on advisory commissions. Openings for three-year appointments exist on the Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Environmental and Finance Commission. The Commissions serve as advisory bodies making recommendations within their areas of responsibility to the City Council.
If you are interested in serving the community in any of these capacities, please contact City Hall at 651-426-3344 for an application form. Applications are also available on the City’s website at www.mahtomedimn.gov. Applications will be taken through March 2, 2026.
JERENE ROGERS CITY CLERK
Pet Services
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The local newspaper helped us find local candidates to fill our parttime positions –Stacy Call 651-407-1221
Seasonal Maintenance Worker
White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day).
Salary range from $18 to $21/ hour, depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.
Applications are available Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship. org. Application deadline: Open until positions are filled.
STAFF ENGINEER SPEARFISH, SD Responsible for CAD activities, engineering support (office/field), administering the city s floodplain ordinance. Starting range. PE $96,512.00, FE $87,4 22.40 www .cityofspearfish.com
For more info co ntact Transportation@marinevillageschool.org or ch eck out marinevillagesh ool.org/careers/
CAREER FAIR for Schwing America, Inc. February 12th 10am-2pm 5900 Centerville Rd 55127
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WE BUY HOUSES for cash AS IS! No repairs No fuss Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys H ouses: 844/*978*0683
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this
is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce, limitation or
criminat ion based on race,
sex, handicap,
status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
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Centennial covers 2026 priorities with area legislators
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
Before the legislative session starts, Centennial staff and school board members meet with area legislators over breakfast to share the district’s needs. In turn, senators and representatives share how the district can help them in reaching some of their goals.
“(This) is an opportunity for dialogue and conversation around things that matter to Centennial Schools, but also the communities that we serve,” said Centennial Schools Superintendent Jeff Holmberg.
At this year’s breakfast, Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-District 36), Sen. Michael Kreun (R-District 32) and Rep. Matt Norris (DFL-District 32B) were in attendance.
In 2026, the district has three priorities it would like legislators to focus on. There also are lingering items from previous legislative sessions that were included.
First, the district would like to see a change in funding formulas to provide fair equalization, making school levies, operating referendum, local optional revenue and debt service programs more affordable.
“A lot of these formulas haven’t been adjusted since 2014, 2015, 2016. So that means funding just stays flat over that whole duration of time,” said Patrick Chaffey, district executive director of business services.
Chaffey highlighted the district’s request for local legislators to repeal to the contingent $250 million to reduce the special education cross-subsidy reduction aid. Chaffey said the possible elimination of the ADSIS program, which provides intervention to assist students who need additional academic or behavioral support in the general education environment, would have a significant impact on the district’s elementary school programming.
“Our program for ADSIS and the funding we get for this is $900,000. It supports five teachers and 10 paraprofessionals. That’s 100% staffing. No other costs,” explained Chaffey. “This is reading intervention for kids at the elementary level. This would be pretty devastating for us to lose.”
The second priority this legislative session, district officials said, is to improve property tax equalization. Currently, Centennial taxpayers pay 100% of the operating referendum, 100% of local optional revenue and 100% of debt service. For the last five years, the district has not received state aid.
Chaffey said that for the $1,705 the district receives per pupil, the tax impact is $674. He compared this to Forest Lake, which receives $1,711 per pupil but has a tax impact of $361.
“It makes it more of a challenge when we’re asking for operating referendums, fund referendums, because our residential taxpayers are carrying a larger burden,” Chaffey added.
Lastly, the district would like to see changes to
the implementation of support and funding. Centennial is asking legislators to allow the district adequate time and resources to implement state mandates effectively, including the Read Act, paid family and medical leave, unemployment insurance and expanded data reporting and compliance requirements.
“Any time there’s an opportunity, as a former school board member myself, to give school districts more flexibility I am (at least) open to it, and will probably support it, whether it is big or small,” said Kreun.
Norris said he supports the equalization of funding and added that it is time to address these items.
“I know there is a growing number of folks, at least when I talk to members of my caucus, who are saying it’s time to actually do something on this (funding equalization). Hopefully, the political will will be there sooner rather than later.”
School Board Chair Tom Knisley shared his appreciation for the opportunity to get together with legislators.
“I wanted to express (my) appreciation for the work that you guys do, and for your willingness to be responsive to us,” said Knisley. “After legislation is passed, we’ve run into some problems; some of these problems are foreseen, some are not foreseen, and you guys have always been good about listening and trying to understand.”
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4071226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Dr. Jordan Dittberner and Dr. Tom Hauge
PHOTOS BY MADELINE DOLBY | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
House Representative Matt Norris and Senators Heather Gustafson and Michael Kreun attended the Legislative Breakfast.
VALENTINE’S DAY Q&A: Couples reflect on their time together
Reyna and Arturo Becerra
Q: How did you meet?
A: “We met in Mexico. We spent eight years dating. We got married in 1989. She was working with my brother when I met her for the first time. It was a retail store, and I would
Diane and John Noll
Q: How did you meet?
A: “We both attended Hamlin University, and I took Physics for Poets as my hardest class, and he took it as his easy class. He offered to be up front in the class to assist the teacher on a project that the teacher was presenting, and I thought he was the best-looking guy I had ever seen, and I was instantly smitten, and I counted what seat he was in. So the next day I got there super early, and I sat in the chair next to his chair, and when he sat down, he was laughing. He knew what I was doing. So that was how we met. Then I asked him out first. It was the first time I’d ever done that because my girlfriend was getting married and I didn't have a date. So he went
come in on vacation for school because it was Christmas time.”
Q: What was your first impression of her?
“Oh, she was beautiful. Yeah, she was nice and beautiful.”
to that. And my mother said, ‘Well, what's he like?’ And I said, I don't know. And she said, ‘Is he tall?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, we're always sitting!’ He played basketball for Hamlin.
So when he came to the door, my mother said, ‘You couldn't tell he was that tall?’ But anyway, we've been married since 1981, and we dated seven years before that.”
Q: Do you do anything special for Valentine's day?
A: “Usually on our anniversary we'll be sitting at McDonald's and go ‘this is our anniversary, we forgot again!’ So no, we usually don't do anything special, but every day is special.”
Steve and Cathy Abbly Q: When did you meet?
A: “We met in Robbinsdale High School in 1976. I can't remember exactly what year we moved in together, and then we’ve lived together until 2014, and then we got married.”
“So we were engaged for over 38 years.”
“March 1, that's our anniversary date. We just had a small little thing at the Anoka County courthouse, and his mom and dad came, and that was that.”
Whitney and Jesse Nickols
Q: When did you meet?
A: “We met in 2023. We got married in 2024.”
Q: How did you meet?
Q: What was your first impression of each other?
A: “I was throwing snowballs at her and her girlfriends.”
“And I thought he was cute.”
Q: What’s the secret to a happy relationship?
“We’re kind of like friends, too. We have the same interest. It has its moments, but it always will, you know.”
A: “We met through his brother, and I was friends with his sister-inlaw in Pittsburgh. Then I moved to Colorado, and they invited me out here to Minneso ta for the Minnesota State Fair. We thought it was a setup, but everybody claims it wasn't. We spent the few days at the fair over Labor Day weekend, and we talked a lot. And then his sister-inlaw claimed that I was following him around like a puppy, and I said, ‘No.’ So I stopped hanging out with him, and then
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he proceeded to follow me through the Christmas tree section of the Agriculture Building at the fair. So then, after that weekend, he didn't say anything to me, like we should talk, we should do whatever. He didn't even touch me. And then, before I left, he gave me a hug and kind of rubbed my back, and he gave me a handshake…”
“With my phone number.”
“With his phone number. Right before I left for the airport.”
“Didn’t want the parents noising around.”
“Then, a week later, I flew back out, and the rest is history.”
