Quad Community Insider

From our Mayors

Unlock Centerville’s charm

I invite you to unlock Centerville’s charm, the north metro’s best-kept secret. With its captivating blend of attractions and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Centerville promises an unforgettable experience just waiting for you to discover. Don’t let the magic of our vibrant community pass you by!

Centerville is a warm and welcoming community, one that our residents value. I’d like to welcome new residents. it is a great place to raise a family and to start a business. Centerville is a haven of natural peace and small-town charisma. Here, you can enjoy a serene retreat while still having the convenience of easy access to both I-35E

Circle Pines = Small town feel

Circle Pines has the small town feeling that so many people are looking for these days. As the Mayor, I hear it all the time at community events, and it truly is part of what makes our community special.

In 2025 Circle Pines is celebrating 75 years of bringing that sense of a welcoming community to our residents. Mix in an abun-

and I-35W, making commutes to Minneapolis or St. Paul a breeze.

We proudly celebrate our rich history and community spirit with annual events like Fête des Lacs, the Bald Eagle Waterski Show, the delightful Main Street Market, vibrant summer music events in the park and an ice fishing tournament in February held by the Lion’s Club.

In Centerville, we value our businesses community, and we encourage you to check out our local businesses. Come and explore all that the town has to offer—you won’t be disappointed.

dance of great parks, trails and nature spaces; add in the wonderful Centennial School District; and do it all in a safe neighborhood setting just a short drive to a metropolitan area with all the amenities, and you’ve got Circle Pines.

Come visit us! You’ll find that Circle Pines is a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Lexington continues to grow

Exciting things are happening in Lexington! A new development at Northway Mall is underway, and we’re thrilled to announce that Chipotle will be breaking ground soon. This new investment marks a positive step forward for our city, and I’m hopeful it’s just the beginning of more to come.

Keep an eye out for a public hearing notice regarding the proposed Lovell Road

redevelopment project. Your input will be vital in shaping the future of that area.

Additionally, I’ve been working closely with Anoka County Commissioner Jeff Reinert to address semitruck traffic and reduce congestion along Naples Street.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to stay informed, feel free to contact me directly or stop by a City Council meeting. Your voice matters!

2025-2026

QUAD AREA

Community Insider

Published by Press Publications, Inc.

4779 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-407-1200 | presspubs.com

Publisher

Carter Johnson

General Manager

Patty Steele

Production

Manager

Mary Peterson

Managing Editor

Shannon Granholm

Quad Editor

Madeline Dolby

Photo Journalist

Paul Dols

Production Designers

Laurie Ericson

Michael McNamara

Zoey Nguyen

William Peter

Copy

To Our Readers

Every community is full of hidden gems- from local businesses and restaurants to a wide range of annual festivals and community celebrations. Events such as farmers markets, art fairs, music festivals, parades and community festivals like Fete de Lacs in Centerville, Blue Heron Days in Lino Lakes and the Fall Festival in Lexington bring the community together during the summer. And fall. In the winter, residents can adventure out to the various parks and trails located around the community.

When there is not a large community festival going on, those in the Quad area can visit the Wargo Nature Center or the Chain of Lakes. Both have plenty to keep you busy all year round from walking trails to kayak rentals. The Centennial School District, specifically community education, offers a wide variety of activities for all age groups no matter the season.

website or call prior to venturing out for a day filled with activity.

If you have news to share with our news team, please send it to news@presspubs. com. If you are an advertiser and would like to be involved in next year’s edition, please call 651-407-1200 and ask for a Press multimedia representative.

We at Press Publications look forward to spending another year covering all the hidden gems your

As always, readers should check their community

Dolby Quad Community Press Editor Press Publications

Trails & Maps

Community Calendar

Marketfest

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays June 19 through July 31

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake east of Highway 61 between Third St. and Fourth St.

Details: Free family festival includes more than 180 retail and food vendors, live music, children’s activities, farmers market, classic car show.

Contact: marketfestwbl.com

Bald Eagle Waterski Club Shows

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays, June 12 through Aug. 28

Where: Trail Side Park, Centerville Lake

Details: Members of all ages perform water skiing tricks. Club also performs at summer festivals throughout the state. Contact: baldeaglewaterskishows. net

Music on the Lake–It’s

Golden

When: 7-8:30 p.m., Thursdays June 12, 26, July 10, 17, 24, Aug. 7, 21

Where: Golden Lake Park, 67 W. Golden Lake Road

Details: Free, family-friendly summer concerts. See website to confirm dates, times, and lineup of performances. Contact: ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Movies In the Park

When: 2nd Saturday of the month: June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 & Sept. 13

Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Road, White Bear Township

Details: Movies start at dusk. Bring your own blanket, lawn chair and bug spray. Donations accepted for the White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf. Contact: 651-747-2750 or whitebeartownship.org

Fete des Lacs

When: July 15-20

Where: Centerville

Details: Week-long community festival includes music, parade, inflatables, softball and kickball tournament, 5K walk/run and fireworks. Contact: fetedeslacs.org

Anoka County Fair

When: July 22-27

Where: Anoka County Fairgrounds, 3200 Saint Francis Blvd., Anoka

Details: Motocross, bull riding, tractor pulls, demolition derby, live music, rides and games. Contact: 763-427-4070 or anokacountyfair.com

Slice of Shoreview

When: July 25-27

Where: Island Lake Park, 3611

Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: Past events have

Community Calendar

included carnival, parade, car show, art and food vendors, helicopter rides, Dock Dogs, petting zoo, live entertainment, fireworks, golf tournament. Contact: 651-490-4750 or sliceofshoreview.com

Night to Unite

When: Tuesday, Aug. 5

Where: Local neighborhoods

Details: Celebration sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa, and local law enforcement agencies. To coordinate a neighborhood party and visit from local law enforcement agencies, the Lino Lakes Department of Public Safety or the Centennial Lakes Police Department.

Blue Heron Days

When: Aug. 14-17

Where: Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive and throughout Lino Lakes Details: Annual community festival includes 5K run, parade of Saturday, kids entertainment, live music, food trucks, and Centennial Area Chamber of Commerce vendor show. Contact: linolakes.us

Ghosts of Anoka Walking

Tours

When: Usually September and October

Where: Anoka County Historical Society, 2135 3rd Ave. Anoka. Details: Costumed tour guides lead walks through historic neighborhoods and share stories of odd happenings and eerie encounters.

Contact: anokacountyhistory.org

Annual North Oaks Children’s Hospital Guild II Rummage Sale

When: Sept. 13 & 14

Where: Shoreview Ice Arena, 877 Highway 96 W., Shoreview Details: Has generated more than $2 million for the Children’s Hospital Association. Contact: northoaksrummagesale.org

Township Day Celebration

When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township

Details: Live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, community exhibits, car show, beer garden. Contact: whitebeartownship.org

Rivertown Fall Art Festival

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 & Sunday, Oct. 5

Where: Lowell Park, Downtown Stillwater

Details: St. Croix Valley’s largest juried art festival features the works of more than 150 artisans from around the country, food vendors, beer tent, live music. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com/ rivertownfallartfestival.com

Wargo Fall Festival

When: October

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Pioneer games, cider press, and self-guided nature activities.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Little Goblins Costume Party

When: Usually around Halloween

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Carnival games, crafts, flashlight hike for kids 8 and under.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Winterfest White Bear Lake

When: Dec. 6 & 13

Where: Abbott Paint and Carpet, 2223 Fourth St., White Bear Lake

Details: Horse-drawn carriage rides 11 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.; Photos with Santa 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Medicine Chest. Events free with donation to the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf.

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake.com/ events

Community Calendar

Fête des Lacs

Centerville’s Fête des Lacs— French for Festival of the Lakes—is an annual week‑long summer celebration dating back 34 years.

Organized by the Centerville Lions Club in collaboration with the city, the festival honors the town’s lakes, parks and tight‑knit community. The

event 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, according to Centerville Lions President Mel Lawlis.

Popular staples of the event

include Public Safety Night, Main Street Market, Bald Eagle Water Ski Show, fireworks, carnival, 5K/8K, parade and more. Each year, some new things are added too.

For the latest updates, visit the Centerville Lions Facebook page.

Parks & Nature

Heritage Day Camp, local campgrounds offer summer adventures

Throughout Anoka County, there are multiple campsites residents can escape to during the summer months and into the fall season.

The Rice Creek Campgrounds located within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve in Centerville provides campers with an opportunity to fish, hike, swim and boat around six different lakes that are all connected by various rivers and streams. There are 80 sites available with water and electrical hookups available. There is one group site that can accommodate up to 60 people. Nature programs are held regularly at the campground amphitheater and at the nearby Wargo nature Center just one

mile north of the campground. The reserve welcomes campers beginning in May and is open until the end of September.

In Coon Rapids, residents can park their camper or rent a cabin at the Bunker Hills Campground. The campground offers 71 secluded and shaded sites, ranging from rustic to modern with water and electrical hookups. There is one group site that can accommodate up to 30 people using tents, with hookups available. The campground also offers two camper cabins. A large variety of recreation facilities are available, including the Bunker Beach Water Park, Bunker Park Stables and the archery center. The

campground opens in May and closes for the season Sept. 1. Long term camping is not permitted at either site. Reservations are allowed for up to seven consecutive nights. Located off of Main Street in Lino Lakes is the YMCA Heritage Day Camp. The camp allows children the opportunity to experience, fun, outdoor adventures all summerlong on the shores of Peltier Lake. Campers participate in small, ageappropriate groups where they are provided the opportunity to build self-esteem and learn new skills through activities, such as swimming, canoeing, for building, gardening, hiking and more.

Parks & Nature

Regional Parks

Vehicle permits are $30/year or $7/day. Permits are honored at all Anoka County regional parks as well as those in Washington County. A reduced rate of $5 for a daily permit or $25 for an annual permit is available for individuals with disabilities. On the second Tuesday of each month, vehicle entry fees are waived. Anoka County Parks and Recreation Office: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com

Bunker Hills Regional Park: 550 Bunker Lake Blvd., Andover. This 1,600-acre regional park offers a wide spectrum of recreation opportunities including biking, camping, cross country skiing and skijoring, archery, disc golf, golf, hiking, dog park, horseback riding, playground, meeting facilities and Anoka County Veteran’s Memorial. Bunker Beach Water Park has a large wave pool, swimming and water slides. Located at 701 County Parkway #A, Coon Rapids, 763-324-3310 or bunkerbeach. com.

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve:

7373 Main St., Lino Lakes. This 5,500-acre regional park contains some of the most significant wildlife habitat and water resources in the metropolitan area. The Wargo Nature Center, Chomonix Golf Course, Rice Creek Campground and Centerville Lake Beach are located within the park. Other amenities include picnic areas, boat launch, paved biking trails, hiking trails, canoe and boat launches, playgrounds, cross country ski trails and a fishing pier located on Peltier Lake east of the entrance to the park.

Nature Centers

Wargo Nature Center: 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes. Trails, gardens and a visitor center with restrooms. Exhibits, summer camps and other youth activities, as well as senior programs and other special events. Home to native plant and animal life including muskrats, red foxes, grey and red squirrels, woodchucks,

weasels, deer and birds. Part of 5,500-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Rents canoes, kayaks, snowshoes and kicksleds. Call for hours: 763324-3350 or anokacountyparks. com.

Tamarack Nature Center: 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township. 320-acre preserve with

Parks & Nature

picnic shelter, half-mile paved trail, more than 5 miles of woodchip paths, indoor exhibit area with restrooms. Call for hours: 651266-0360 or ramseycounty.us.

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area: 5463 West Broadway Ave., Forest Lake. 651-539-3324 or dnr.state. mn.us. Over 20,000 acres of marshland, lakes and swamp. Trails provide access for bird watching and nature study.

City Parks

Blaine

The City of Blaine has more than 60 parks. Parks listed below are in or near the Quad Community Press’ distribution area. For more information, call 763-785-6164.

Austin Park: 4041 85th Lane NE. Softball field, ice skating rink, basketball, tennis, picnic tables, playground, open play field, trails. Centennial Green: 4041 Austin St. NE. Softball field, basketball, tennis, picnic tables, playground, open play field, trails, lake/pond. Centennial Park: 10450 Rockney Street NE. Basketball, picnic tables, playground, open play field. Eastside Park: 4715 107th Ave. NE. Two softball fields, basketball, tennis, picnic tables, playground, open play field, trails. Lakeside Commons Park and Beach: 3020 Lakes Parkway NE, 763-785-6164. Public beach, splash pad, canoe and kayak rental, beach house, boathouse with concessions, playground, volleyball court and pavilion. Parking permit required; free for residents.

Lexington Athletic Complex: 4286 121st Ave. NE, baseball/ softball,basketball, hockey rink,multi-use field, parking,

pickleball, picnic shelters/ tables, playground, tennis court, trails. Lochness Park: 11121 Lexington Ave. NE, two picnic shelters, picnic tables, trails, lake/pond, dock, disc golf.

Xylite Park: 9033 Xylite Street, softball field, tennis, picnic shelter, playground, open play field, trails.

Circle Pines

Baldwin Park: 400 Keith Drive. Picnic shelter, baseball/softball field, hockey rink, pleasure rink, line skate in summer, playground, community gardens.

Canoe Launch: Located at the end of East Golden Lake Road and connects to Rice Creek Water Trail.

Carl Eck Park: 2 Firebarn Road. Picnic shelters, Little League fields, concessions, batting cage, playground.

Center Park: 26A Center Road. Picnic shelters, playground, open space.

Golden Lake Park: 53 West Golden Lake Road. Fishing pier, boat launch, playground, picnic pavilions, concession stand, volleyball, half-court basketball, tennis court, restrooms and swimming beach.

Golden Lake School: 1 School Road, picnic shelters, baseball fields and playground equipment. Indian Hills Park: 52A Indian Hills Drive. Open space, playground. Inner Park: 6A Inner Drive. Softball/baseball, hockey, playground.

Heritage Commons: Village Parkway on south side of Lake Drive. Clock tower, history walk, pavilion, labyrinth.

Lexington

Lexington City Park: 9004

Dunlap Ave. A small neighborhood park designed for use by the whole community. New equipment

has been added as well as picnic tables and benches.

Lexington Memorial Park: 9100 Hamline Ave. Half-court basketball, ice rinks, playground, pavilion, picnic tables, grills, five ball fields, tennis courts, concession stand.

Lino Lakes

Behm’s Park: 7699 Mustang Drive. Playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, trail.

Birch Park: 6520 Pheasant Run South. Playground, ball fields, skating rink with warming house, picnic shelter, trail.

Birchwood Acres Park: 572

Lonesome Pine Trail. Playground, ball field, trail.

Brandywood Park: 1300 Velvet

Leaf Lane. Playground, trail.

City Hall Park: 1189 Main St.

Playground, two ball fields, skating rink with warming house.

Clearwater Creek Park: 2270

Tart Lake Road. Playground, basketball, gazebo, trail.

Country Lakes Park: 6600 West

Shadow Lake Drive. Fishing pier, picnic tables, trails.

Highland Meadows Park: 624

Arlo Lane. Playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, trail.

Lino Park: 7850 Lake Drive. Playground, picnic shelter, soccer field, trail.

Marshan Park: 7204 Lake Drive. Soccer fields, trail and playground. Pheasant Hills Park: 6659

Sherman Lake Road. Playground, basketball court, trail.

Sunrise Park: 6918 Sunrise Drive.

Playground, 4 ball fields, soccer field, picnic shelter, skating and hockey rinks, and warming house.

Sunset Oaks Park: 7481 Leonard Ave. Soccer field and playground.

Parks & Nature

Ice Out contest on Centerville Lake

The Quad Community Press is once again hosting its annual Ice Out contest on Centerville Lake. All entries with the correct ice out date will be placed into a drawing for a grand prize, which includes a variety of gift cards donated by the contest’s sponsors. Runners up will have a chance to receive prizes. Be sure to check our website for the deadline. To enter, visit: https:// www.presspubs.com/site/ forms/contest/register_to_win/ centerville_lake_ice_out_ contest/

Education

Public Schools

Centennial School District 12

4707 North Road Circle Pines, MN 55014 | 763-792-6000 | isd12.org

Overview:

Centennial School District 12 serves the communities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington and Lino Lakes. Nine schools serve more than 6,500 students in grades K-12. Annually, Centennial students score higher than state averages in reading and math. The district’s high school graduation rate of 94.9 percent is at the top of Minnesota’s rankings. To enroll, call 763-7926000.

Governance: Centennial School District is governed by a six-member school board. Meetings are held at 6:30 pm in the district office board room. Meetings are open to the public. For the meeting calendar, agendas, watch live-stream, or view meetings from the archive, visit www.isd12.org. School district elections are held on the second Tuesday in November of evennumbered years.

Board members:

Chair: Tom Knisely, tknisely@isd12. org

Vice-Chair: Sue Linser, slinser@ isd12.org

Clerk: Craig Johnson, cmjohnson@ isd12.org

Treasurer: Jessica Schwinn, jschwinn@isd12.org

Director: Heidi Hansen, hhansen@ isd12.org

Director: Gloria Murphy, gmurphy@ isd12.org

Superintendent of schools,

Ex-Officio Board Member: Jeff Holmberg, jholmberg@isd12.org

Administration:

Superintendent: Jeff Holmberg: 763-792-6010 or jholmberg@isd12. org

Executive Director of Business Services: Patrick Chaffey, 763-7926001 or pchaffey@isd12.org

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning: Mark Grossklaus, 763-792-6006 or mgrossklaus@ isd12.org

Director of Public Information and Community Outreach: Krista Bergert, 763-792-6060 or kbergert@ isd12.org

Director of Human Resources: Dan Melde, 763-792-6008 or dmelde@isd12.org

Director of Community Education: Cori Sendle, 763-792-6101, or csendle@isd12.org

Schools:

Blue Heron Elementary   405 Elm St., Lino Lakes, MN 55014 | 763-792-6200

Centennial Elementary 4657 North Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014 | 763-792-5300

Centerville Elementary 1721 Westview Avenue, Centerville, MN 55038 | 763-792-5800

Golden Lake Elementary 1 School Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014 | 763-792-5900

Rice Lake Elementary 575 Birch St., Lino Lakes, MN 55014| 763-792-5700

Centennial Middle School

399 Elm St., Lino Lakes, MN 55014 | 763-792-5400

Centennial High School

4757 North Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014 | 763-792-5000

Centennial Area Learning Center 4881 101st Lane NE, Circle Pines, MN 55014 | 763-398-2960

Pines School

7555 Fourth Ave., Lino Lakes, MN 55014 | 763-278-4010

Centennial Community Education

4707 North Road, Circle Pines, MN 55014 | communityed.isd12.org | 763-792-6100. Community Education includes opportunities for all ages from infants to seniors. Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Centennial Preschool, Kids Club school-age care, driver education, after school classes and middle school activities, gymnastics, programming for adults with disabilities, Adult Basic Education (ABE) English Language Classes for

all levels, facility use, aquatics, and more.

Centennial Preschool: Options include full-day, year-beforekindergarten program held at all elementary schools and the Early Childhood Center: Information: earlychildhood.isd12.org, or call 763-792-6120.

Kids Club and Pre-K Kids Club: Kids Club school age childcare is available before and after school hours and non-school days. Information: communityed.isd12. org/kids-club or call 763-792-6193.

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): Learning opportunities, resources and activities for families with children from birth to kindergarten age. Classes meet at the Early Childhood Center at Rice Lake Elementary, 575 Birch St., Lino Lakes. Information: www. earlychildhood.isd12.org, or call 763-792-6120.

Early Childhood Special Education: Program provides evaluation and educational services for children ages birth to kindergarten. 763-792- 6123. Minnesota law requires children be screened prior to entering kindergarten. To schedule an appointment before your child’s fourth birthday, contact earlychildhood.isd12.org, or 763792-6120

Facilities: 763-792-6100.

Centennial Sports Arena: 4810 103rd Lane NE, Circle Pines 763792-6090

Centennial Area Education Foundation (CAEF): A nonprofit corporation comprised of volunteers, is dedicated to raising money to enrich students’ experience in Centennial schools. Information: www.caefoundation. org.

Forest Lake Area School District 831

District Office 6100 N. 210th St. Forest Lake, MN 55025

651-982-8100 www.flaschools.org

Overview:

Forest Lake Area School District 831 serves portions of Lino Lakes, in addition to Forest Lake, May Township, Scandia, Wyoming, Columbus, Linwood Township and parts of Marine on St. Croix, Hugo, Stacy, Ham Lake, Wyoming and East Bethel. The district encompasses 240 square miles and serves nearly 7,000 students in seven elementary school buildings (K-6), a junior high school (7-8), a senior high school (9-12), and an Area Learning Center (612). Governance: School board meetings are generally held at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the district office, 6100 N. 210th St., Forest Lake.

Lino Lakes Elementary 725 Main St. Lino Lakes, MN 55014 651-982-8850

Public Charter Schools

Academy for Sciences and Agriculture High School (grades 8-12) 100 Vadnais Blvd, Vadnais Heights 651-209-3910

AFSA Elementary School (grades K-7) 2925 Country Drive. Little Canada 612-260-2662 afsahighschool.com

Education

Overview:

AFSA is a public charter school for students grades K-12 that draws from across the northern Twin Cities metro area. AFSA provides agricultural literacy education to include career opportunities in Engineering, Animal Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science and Food Science. The school is tuitionfree and offers small class sizes. Governance: Elected school board Administration: Jamie Goulet, Executive Director, 651-209-3910 jgoulet@afsak12.com

Oak Hill Montessori 4665 Hodgson Road, Shoreview 651-484-8242 | ohmcs.org

Overview:

Public charter school offering Montessori education to children 16 months through 8th grade; tuition-free for students in K-8. Accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale, the state of Minnesota and ISD-621 Mounds View Public Schools. Governance: Governed by board members comprised of teachers, parents and community members Administration: Jennifer Siebender, Executive Director Registration: Office, 651-484-8242

Head Start

Anoka/Washington County Head Start-Early Head Start

574 Foley Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433 | 763-783-4300 | accap.org

Overview:

Offers a variety of programs for families with children birth to five years and pregnant women.

Lakes Head Start Center:

Forest Hills United Methodist Church 1790 11th St. NE. Forest Lake, 651-464-7505

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Contributed

Blue Heron Days

Blue Heron Days, the popular family get-together, will be Aug. 14-17. A majority of events will be held at The Rookery Activity Center in Lino Lakes.

The celebration was established in 2004 by a small group of area volunteers who desired to make the vision of a Lino Lakes community festival into a reality.

After extensively researching other community festivals throughout the state, the group of volunteers paved the road in making Lino Lakes “the place to be” each year during the third weekend of August.

Many popular attractions will make their return for 2025.

Centennial Community Education will kick off the weekend-long festivities with food trucks and a fun festival

from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Centennial Middle School. The fun festival will include a car show and a demonstration by the Centennial Robotics Centurions.

Starting on Friday, from 4:30-7 p.m., at The Rookery Activity Center, visitors will be able to participate in a touch-a-truck event, play various carnival games, catch a movie in the Rookery gym and more.

Back for the second year, is the Power Wheel Derby, taking place at various times on Friday. Children ages 10 and under can participate in the derby. They will be asked to drive their power wheel through an obstacle course with various terrains.

According to Ali Lukin, activity center coordinator at The

Rookery, the course includes a dryland portion, rocks and a river.

After completing the course, every driver will receive a medal. Registration is required to participate in the derby. There is a small fee.

The Blue Heron Days parade will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday. This year, there will be a new, longer parade route. It will start and end at Centennial Middle School. Parking will be available at Centennial Middle School, Sunrise Park and St. Josephs of the Lake Church.

The Rookery Activity Center is located at 7690 Village Dr., Lino Lakes.

For more information, visit linolakes.us/407/Blue-HeronDays.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Looking for something fun to do?

The northeast metro area offers plenty of opportunities, all within an hour’s drive. Call or check the websites we provide for the following listings before you go.

Art Centers

Gallery 96 Art Center: 651-4848710 or gallery96.org. Work on display at the Ramsey County Library, 4560 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

White Bear Center for the Arts: 4971 Long Ave. White Bear Lake. 651-407-0597 or visit whitebeararts.org

Arts and Crafts Markets

(seasonal)

Arts in the Park: Lakeside Park, downtown Forest Lake. Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m., June-Aug. 651-2099723 or ci.forest-lake.mn.us.

Marketfest: Downtown White Bear Lake. Thursdays from 6-9 p.m., June 19 -July 31. marketfestwbl.com.

Beaches that Offer Swimming

(see parks for descriptions of other local beaches)

Centerville Lake Beach: 7401 Main St., Lino Lakes within Anoka County Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve.

Golden Lake Park: 53 West Golden Lake Road., Circle Pines. Lake Owasso County Park: 370 N. Owasso Blvd., Shoreview. Unguarded swimming beach. Lakeside Commons Park: 3020 Lakes Parkway NE, Blaine. Boat rentals, swimming, beach house, concessions, volleyball, pavilion available for rent. Open through

late August. 763-785-6164.

Tony Schmidt Regional Park: 3500 Lake Johanna Blvd., Arden Hills. Unguarded swimming beach.

Turtle Lake County Park: 4979 Hodgson Road., Shoreview. Unguarded swimming beach. Vadnais-Snail Lake Regional Park: 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview. Unguarded swimming beach, volleyball, playground, concession stand, more than 5 miles of paved trails.

Boat Rentals

Admiral D’s: 4424 Lake Ave S, White Bear Lake, 651-219-5153 Rents pontoons.

Wargo Nature Center: 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes. Rents canoes and kayaks. 763-324-3350, call for availability.

Lakeside Commons Park: 3020 Lakes Parkway NE, Blaine. Kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals. 763-785-6164.

Tally’s Dockside: 4441 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake. Rents canoes, motorboats, pontoons

and pedal kayaks on White Bear Lake. 651-429-2633. Your Boat Club: Over 20 locations in Minnesota, including White Bear Lake, Forest Lake and the St. Croix River. 612-208-1800 or yourboatclub.com

Boat Cruises

Stillwater River Boats: 525 S. Main St., Stillwater. Paddleboat cruises down the St. Croix. 651430-1234 or stillwaterriverboats. com.

Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours: 220 S. St., Taylors Falls. 651-4656315 or taylorsfallsboat.com.

Gondola Romantica: 425 E. Nelson St., Stillwater. 651-4391783 or gondolaromantica.com.

Bowling

Bowlero: 11351 Ulysses St. NE, Blaine. Blacklight bowling, arcade, play area, laser tag. 763-561-2230 or bowlero.com

Flaherty’s Arden Bowl: 1273 W. County Rd. E, Arden Hills. 651633-1777 or flahertysbowl.com.

Split Rocks Entertainment Center: 5063 273rd St., Wyoming. 651-462-6000 or splitrocksmn.com

Breweries/Tap Rooms

Big Wood Brewery: 3429

Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights. bigwoodbrewery.com

Invictus Brewing Company: 2025 105th Ave NE, Blaine, 763208-3063 or invictusbrewingco. com

The Rusty Bumblebee: 10950 Club West Parkway NE, #160, Blaine, 763-330-2899

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Climbing Walls

University of Minnesota

Climbing Wall: 123 Harvard St. NE, Minneapolis, 612-626-9222 or recwell.umn.edu.

Vertical Endeavors: 855 Phalen Blvd., St Paul. 651-776-1430 or verticalendeavors.com.

Community Centers

Forest Lake YMCA: 19845 Forest Road N., Forest Lake. 651-259-2133

The Rookery Activity Center: 7690 Village Drive Lino Lakes, 651982-2468, linolakes.us

Shoreview YMCA: 3760 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview. 651-483-2671

Disc Golf

Lakewood Hills Park: 2110 Orchard Lane, White Bear Lake. Has a 14-hole disc golf course that winds through the park and surrounding woods. Lochness Park: 11121 Lexington Avenue NE Blaine

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Silverview: County Road I and Silver Lake Road, Mounds View

Farmers Markets

Lexington: Parking lot of Lexington Municipal Liquor Store, 9271 South Hwy Drive Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m. Forest Lake: Lakeside Park, 95 East Broadway, downtown Forest Lake. Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. Shoreview: Shoreview Community Center, lower-level parking lot and pavilion, 4580 N. Victoria St., Shoreview. Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. Indoor Farmers Market Tuesday, Nov. 18, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:00 a.m. - noon. shoreviewcommunitycenter.com, 651-490-4750.

White Bear Lake: Fridays, Clark Street, between Second and Fourth St., from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 651-747-3650 or whitebearlake.org.

Farms and Gardens

Waldoch Farm: 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes. Pick your own produce. 651-780-1207 or waldochfarm.com.

Applecrest Orchards: 7306 24th Ave N., Hugo, 651-583-5209. Pine Tree Apple Orchard: 450 Apple Orchard Road in White Bear Lake. Pick your own strawberries, apples. 651-4297202 or pinetreeappleorchard. com.

Golf CoursesPublic

Castlewood Golf Course: 7060 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake. 651-982-4707 or castlewood.golf Chomonix Golf Course: 700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes. 763-3243434 or chomonix.com

Gem Lake Hills Golf Course: 4039 Scheuneman Road, Gem Lake. 651-429-8715 or gemlakehillsgolf.com.

Island Lake Golf & Training Center: 1000 Red Fox Road, Shoreview. 651-787-0383 or islandlakegolf.com

Oneka Ridge Golf Course: 5610 120th St. N., Hugo. 651-429-2390 or onekaridgegc.com

Tanners Brook Golf Club: 5810 190th St. N., Forest Lake. 651464-2300 or tannersbrook.com.

Victory Links: National Sports Center, 2010 105th Ave NE, Blaine. 763-717-3240 or victorylinks.nscsports.org

Golf CoursesPrivate

Forest Hills Golf Club: 7530 210th St. N., Forest Lake. 651464-3097. foresthillsgc.com

North Oaks Golf Club: 54 E. Oaks Road, North Oaks. 651484-6311 or northoaksgolfclub. com

TPC Twin Cities: 11444 Tournament Players Pkwy., Blaine. 763-795-0800 or tpc.com/ twincities.

Ranges

Island Lake Golf & Training Center: 1000 Red Fox Road, Shoreview. 651-787-0383 or islandlakegolf.com.

Shadow Ridge Driving Range: 1297 Ash St., Lino Lakes, 651481-7003.

Victory Links: National Sports Center, 2010 105th Ave NE, Blaine. 763-717-3240 or victorylinks.nscsports.org

Midwest Golf Dome: 1815 Van Dyke St., Maplewood, 651-7770500. Indoor range.

Historical Societies

Anoka County Historical Society: 2135 Third Ave, Anoka, 763-421-0600 or anokacountyhistory.org.

Horseback Riding / Boarding

Bunker Park Stable: 13175 County Parkway D NW, Coon Rapids. Enter via the Activities Center Entrance of Bunker Hills Regional Park, 763-757-9445 or bunkerparkstablemn.com.

Exclusive Equine Center: 9610 140th St., N., Hugo. 651-925-6207 or exclusiveequinecenter.net.

Hardwood Creek Farm: 2306 E. 80th St., Hugo. 651-318-5526 or hardwoodcreek.com.

Rocking S Horse Company: 1288 Main St., Lino Lakes. 651-247-1380 or rockingshorsecompany.com.

Woodloch Stable: 5676 170th St. N, Hugo. 651-429-1303 or woodlochstable.com

Horse Racing

Running Aces Harness Park: 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Columbus, 651-925-4600 or runaces.com.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Aamodt’s Hot Air Balloon Rides: 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater. 651-351-0101 or aamodtsballoons.com.

Stillwater Balloons: 135 St. Croix Trail N., Lakeland Shores, 651439-1800 or stillwaterballoons. com.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Hunting Clubs/ Shooting Ranges

Wild Wings of Oneka: 14814 Irish Ave N, Hugo. Private hunt club offers sporting clays and hunting options. 651-439-4287 or wildwingsofoneka.com

Bald Eagle Sportsman’s Association: 6557 N 125th St., Hugo. Shotgun, rifle, hand gun and archery ranges; offers firearm safety, hunter education and an archery walking trail. 651247-5547 or besamn.com.

Metro Gun Club: 10601 Naples St NE, Blaine. Open to the public 7 days a week, all year round. Pistol and shotgun practice areas. 763-786-5880 or www. metrogunclub.com.

Ice Skating

(Also see “Parks” listings for skating rinks open seasonally at local parks)

Centennial Sports Arena: 4810 103rd Lane NE, Circle Pines between east and west buildings of Centennial High School. 763792-6090 or communityed.isd12. org.

FLAAA Sports Center: 5530 206th St. N., Forest Lake. Recently purchased by the Forest Lake Area School District. 651-982-8160 or rangers.flaschools.org.

The Super Rink: 1850 105th Ave NE, Blaine, 763-717-5600 or nscsports.org.

Shoreview Arena: 877 W. Hwy. 96, Shoreview. 651-766-4000.

Indoor Playgrounds and Arcades

Bowlero: 11351 Ulysses St. NE, Blaine. Blacklight bowling, arcade, play area, laser tag. 763-561-2230 or bowlero.com

Chuck E Cheese: 8943 University

Completed in 2020, Shoreview Commons Skatepark is the only plaza style skatepark in the area.

Ave NE, Blaine, 763-785-2966.

Theme restaurant with arcade. Grand Slam USA: 2941 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids. 763427-1959 or grandslamcoonrapids. com. Also, a batting cage, mini golf, bumper cars, and video arcade. InnerActive: 2240 Woodale Drive, Mounds View. inneractiveplayground.com, 612699-0649.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park: 198 Northtown Drive, Blaine. 612-3920387 or skyzone.com/blaine. Indoor trampoline park.

Shoreview Community Center: 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. 651-490-4750 or shoreviewmn.gov. Indoor playground and Tropics Indoor Water Park.

Zero Gravity Adventure Park: 2292 Woodale Dr., Mounds View. 763-231-3033 or zerogravitymn. com. Trampoline Park and Laser Tag.

Movie Theaters

Emagine White Bear: 1180 County Road. J, White Bear Township.

651-653-3243 or emagineentertainment.com. Luxury seating and bar service.

AMC Classic Mounds View 15: 2430 County Hwy. 10, Mounds View. 612-448-2857 or amctheatres.com.

Music

Centennial Community Band: Nonprofit, charitable organization of over forty musicians primarily from the cities of Blaine, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington and Lino Lakes as well as the extended Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Rehearses 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, centennialcommunityband.org.

Lake Country Chorus: Open to female singers of all ages who perform throughout the area. lakecountrychorus.org.

Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band: Community band rehearses every Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. snlvb.com, 651-470-5625.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Skate Parks

(Unsupervised)

Hugo Skate Park: 5524 Upper 146th St. N., Hugo. Includes a quarter pipe, bank ramp, pyramid, grind rails, skittle pad and dragon back.

Shoreview Commons Skatepark Plaza: North side of Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Concrete plaza that includes stairs, handrails, benches and a transition section.

Wheels Skate Board Park at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park: 6970 LaMotte Drive, Centerville.

Skiing (Alpine), Snowboarding and Snowtubing

Afton Alps: 6600 Peller Ave. S., Hastings. 651-436-5245 or aftonalps.com. Opens midNovember. Ski, snowboard, snow tubing, terrain park. Full-service specialty ski and snowboard shop. 48 runs, 18 chair lifts, chalets, and

rentals. Limited restaurant service in chalets and bar area.

Green Acres Recreation: 8989 55th St. N., Lake Elmo. 651-5929944 or greenacresrec.com.

Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area: 2232 100th Ave., Dresser, Wis. 651-433-5141, 715-7552955 or trollhaugen.com. Opens mid-November to March. Ski, snowboard, snow tube, crosscountry, zip line. 22 runs. Rentals, ski and snowboard shop, snack bar, arcade room, Kaffe Stuga and Skolhaugen Lounge.

Wild Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area: 37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls. 651-465-6365, or wildmountain.com. Opens midNovember, often the first to open for the season in Minnesota. Ski, snowboard, snowtubing. 26 runs with a variety of terrain from green to double black diamond. Chalet with food service, rentals, terrain park.

Wild Chutes Snow Tubing Wild Mountain: 37200 Wild Mountain Rd., Taylors Falls or wildmountain.com.

Skiing (Nordic)

See Park listings for more information: Chomonix Golf Course, Tamarack Nature Center, Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve, Wargo Nature Center, William O’Brien State Park, Gateway State Trail (see Biking/hiking).

Tennis/Pickleball

Arena Acres Park: 519 Andall St., Lino Lakes Tennis courts.

Austin Park: 4041 85th Lane NE, Blaine

Centennial Green: 4041 Austin St. NE, Blaine Eagle Park: 6955 Dupre Road, Centerville. Eastside Park: 4715 107th Ave. NE, Blaine

Golden Lake Park: 53 W. Golden Lake Road., Circle Pines

Lexington Memorial Park: 9100 Hamline Ave., Lexington Xylite Park: 9033 Xylite Street NE, Blaine

Theatre (Live)

Children’s Performing Arts: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. 651-336-8613 or childrensperformingartsmn.org. Theatre education for children. Lakeshore Players Theatre: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers. org. Community theatre offers performing arts productions, concerts, and classes.

Masquers Theatre Company: Performances at Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N. 651-464-5823 or masquerstheatre.com.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Trails for Hiking, Biking or Blading

(Also see “Parks” section of guide)

Bruce Vento Regional Trail: Thirteen miles of paved pedestrian and biking trails passing through St. Paul, Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake and White Bear Lake, ramseycounty.us.

Gateway Trail: 18.3-mile state trail cutting through parts of Ramsey and Washington counties. Some is wheelchairaccessible. Offers access to downtown and the State Capitol complex in St. Paul, as well as Phalen-Keller Regional Park.

For 9.7 miles between I-694 and the eastern end at Pine Point Park, the paved trail adjoins a separate, unpaved trail used for horseback riding or carriage riding. dnr.state.mn.us.

Rice Creek North Regional Trail: The Rice Creek North Regional Trail is located in the Southeast quadrant of Anoka County. It provides a connection between Anoka and Ramsey counties and connects the Cities of Blaine, Circle Pines, and Lino Lakes. A unique feature of the trail is a proposed 8-10-footwide paved trail. On the north end of the trail, one can witness prairie restoration. The trail also connects to other regional trails within the county, such as the East Anoka County Regional Trail and Bunker Chain of Lakes Regional Trail. 763-324-3300

Snail Lake Trail: 1.4-mile loop begins at Snail Lake Beach in Shoreview.

Sucker Lake Trail: 2.6-mile trail for biking and walking in Vadnais Heights.

Sunrise Prairie/Hardwood Creek Trail: Follows the original Lake Superior and Mississippi Rail Line and runs through North Branch to the southern border of Chisago County, where it becomes Hardwood Creek Trail and continues south to downtown Hugo. 651-257-1300

Water Parks

Bunker Beach Water Park: 701 County Parkway A, Coon Rapids. Outside waterpark. 763-324-3310 or bunkerbeach.com.

Tropics Indoor Water Park: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 N. Victoria, Shoreview. 651490-4700 or shoreviewmn.gov.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Contributed

Restaurants and cafes serve a little something for everyone

There is a wide range of restaurants and cafes for residents to try throughout the area. Stop by MC’s Tap House in Lino Lakes to enjoy a view of the sunset from their rooftop or grab some breakfast from the locally owned Rusty Cow in Circle Pines. Head to Cowboys Saloon in Lexington for a game of pool and a fun night out. At MC’s Tap House, located on Apollo Drive, enjoy a wide variety of spirits to pair with your meal. The menu features flatbreads, sandwiches and burgers and more. Ingredients are locally sourced from farms within 300 miles of the establishment. It is the perfect game-day spot as there are

TVs throughout the restaurant so you can easily watch the big game. During the spring and summer months, take advantage of the restaurant’s rooftop adorned with strings of lights.

In Lexington, head to Cowboy’s Saloon for a night out on the town. Inside, you will find a western bar scene adoring the wall by the pool table, softly lit booths lining the walls and a room lit by a fireplace that is sectioned off from the louder bar area. The menu features a variety of options from tater tot nachos to a cowboy burger. Enjoy happy hour from 2-6 p.m. every Monday through Friday and 3-6 p.m. on Saturday and

Sunday. Also stop by to play a round or two of weekly bingo. If you are looking to try out a new breakfast spot, The Rusty Cow Cafe located on Pine Street in Circle Pines serves homemade breakfast classics all day long. Enjoy a classic breakfast of two eggs your way, hashbrowns and toast or lean into your sweet tooth with a homemade Belgian waffle with a choice of strawberry or blueberry sauce and whipped cream. Those who visit the café will see the Missing Man Table when they first walk in. The table honors those who have served and are missing. It is set up all year round.

City Information

Blaine

www.blainemn.gov

Estimated population 2023: 73,774 (census.gov)

Blaine is a city of 34 square miles, located north of the Twin Cities in Anoka and Ramsey counties. It sits adjacent to Coon Rapids, Andover, Lino Lakes, and Mounds View. Blaine has been labeled as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live by MONEY Magazine. With a location that intersects with Interstate 35W and Highways 10 and 65, it offers quick routes to both Minneapolis and St. Paul. The world’s largest amateur sports facility, the National Sports Center, is set in Blaine. Also located in Blaine is the TPC Twin Cities, the state’s only PGA Tour golf facility, host to the annual 3M Championship, as well as the Four Seasons Curling Club — the first year-round curling venue in North America.

City Hall:

10801 Town Square Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449, 763-784-6700

City Council:

City Council meetings are held the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm. at the City Council Chambers. Mayor: Tim Sanders, 763-2033286, tsanders@blainemn.gov

Council Members:

Ward #1: Chris Ford, 612-4948275, cford@blainemn.gov

Ward #1: Tom Newland, 651-2713341, tnewland@blainemn.gov

Ward #2: Jess Robertson, 763607-2233, jrobertson@blainemn. gov

Ward #2: Leslie Larson, 612-4899651, leslielarson@blainemn.gov

Ward #3: Terra Fleming, 612-513-

5231 tfleming@blainemn.gov

Ward #3: Chris Massoglia, 612-5249447, cmassoglia@blainemn.gov

City Staff:

City Clerk: Cathy Sorenson, 763785-6124, csorenson@blainemn.gov

Community Development Director: Erik Thorvig,763-785-6147, ethorvig@blainemn.gov

Public Works Director: Nick Fleischhacker, 763-717-2728, nfleischhacker@blainemn.gov

Finance Director: Jason Zimmerman,763-717-2677, jzimmerman@ blainemn.gov

Building Official: Dan Hauck, 763-785-6176, dhauck@blainemn. gov

Parks & Recreation Administrative Assistant: Diane Heitkamp 763-785-6164, dheitkamp@ blainemn.gov

Blaine Police Department:

Police Chief: Brian Podany, 763785-6132, crand@blainemn.gov

Nonemergency: 763-427-1212

Spring Lake Park-BlaineMounds View Fire Department:

Fire Chief: Dan Retka, 763-7864436, Administration: 763-7864436 www.sbmfire.org

Chamber of Commerce:

Blaine is served by two Chambers of Commerce whose goal is to further the interests of businesses by building community, building business and building relationships.

MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce: 763-783-3553, metronorthchamber.org

Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce: 763-571-9781, twincitiesnorth.org

Circle Pines

www.ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Estimated population 2023: 4,980 (census.gov)

Circle Pines is a city of two square miles located 15 miles north of the Twin Cities, adjacent to Shoreview, Lino Lakes, Lexington and Blaine. Circle Pines has extensive parks, walking trails, good schools and safe neighborhoods that make the community a wonderful place to live, work or play. Circle Pines has been voted the Third Most Perfect Suburb by CNBC.com, recognizing the city’s mix of affordable housing, good schools, educated neighbors, low crime and a reasonable commute enjoyed by its residents.

City Hall:

200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines, MN 55014

763-784-5898

City Council:

City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Council members:

Mayor: Dave Bartholomay, 763780-1785, dbartholomay@ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Matt Percy, 763-784-2062, mpercy@ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Nici Dorner,651-329-5192, ndorner@ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Steve McChesney, 651-604-7678, smcchesney@ ci.circle-pines. mn.us

Meagan Bachmayer, 612-8750686, mbachmayer@ci.circle-pines.mn.us

City Staff:

City Administrator: Patrick Antonen, 763-231-2605, pantonen@ ci.circle-pines.mn.us,

Assistant City Administrator/ Public Services: Chandra Peterson, 763-231-2611, cpeterson@ ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Finance Director: Kate Manson, 763-231-2612, kmanson@ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Public Works Superintendent: Rich Lavell, 763-231-2606, rlavell@ ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Parks Superintendent: Pat Stapleton, 763-231-2608, pstapleton@ ci.circle-pines.mn.us

Centennial Lakes Police Department:

Police Chief: Jim Mork, 763-7842501 or jmork@clpdmn.com Administration: 763-784-2501 Dispatch: 763-427-1212

Centennial Fire District: Fire Chief: Dan Retka, 651-7927901, dan.retka@centennialfire.org

Battalion Chief Station 1: Darren Eckart, 651-792-7902, darren.eckart@centennialfire.org

Battalion Chief, Station 3: Matt Montain, 651-492-5979, matt.montain@centennialfire.org Administration: 651-792-7900

Chamber of Commerce: Centennial Area Chamber: centennialareachamber.com

Lexington

www.ci.lexington.mn.us

Estimated population 2023: 2,616 (census.gov)

Lexington is nestled between the cities of Circle Pines and Blaine in the southwest corner of Anoka County — small in size and big on pride. Lexington was incorporated on May 21, 1950 with a population of 569. The population today has grown to just over 2,000. Just 0.69

City Information

square miles in area, Lexington boasts a small-town atmosphere with all the advantages of having Minneapolis/St. Paul only minutes away.

City Hall:

9180 Lexington Ave., Lexington, MN 55014

763-784-2792

City Council:

Meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lexington City Hall. Council members: 763-784-2792

Mayor: Mike Murphy, michael. murphy@cityoflexington.org

Kim DeVries: kim.devries@cityoflexingtonmn.org

Robert Benson: rbensonjr06@ gmail.com

Barbara Mahr: barbara.mahr@ cityoflexingtonmn.org

Jill Hunt: jill.hunt@cityoflexingtonmn.org

City Staff:

City Administrator: Bill Petracek, 763-784-2792

Finance: Chris Galiov, 763-7842792

Public Works: Jim Fischer and Travis Schmid, 763-784-6849

Building Inspector: Pete Madland, 763-784-2792

Centennial Lakes Police Department:

Police Chief: Jim Mork, 763-7842501 or jmork@clpdmn.com Administration: 763-784-2501, Dispatch: 763-427-1212

Lexington Fire Department: 763-784-1604

Fire Chief: Erik Edwards, 763-7842792 or lexingtonmnfirechief@ comcast.net

Assistant Fire Chief: Mike Mohler, 763-784-2792

Chamber of Commerce:

Centennial Area Chamber: centennialareachamber.com

Municipal Liquor Store:

9271 South Highway Drive, Lexington, 763-786-0198

Lino

Lakes

linolakes.us

Estimated Population 2023: 22,376 (census.gov)

Lino Lakes is a city of 33 square miles in the southeast corner of Anoka County, adjacent to Blaine, Centerville and Circle Pines. It was incorporated into a village in 1955 and received city status in 1972. The 2,700-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park is situated in the center of the city. The park is a county-owned nature preserve, consisting of 13 lakes and several wetlands. But residents also like the fact that Interstates 35E and 35W offer just a 20-minute drive to either downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. Money Magazine recently selected Lino Lakes as one of the top 100 Best Places to Live.

City Hall:

600 Town Center Parkway, Lino Lakes, MN 55014 651-982-2400

City Council:

Meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

presspubs.com/quad

City Information

Council Members:

Mayor: Rob Rafferty, 651-9822492, rrafferty@linolakes.us

Dale Stoesz, 651-252-0658, dstoesz@linolakes.us

Tony Cavegn, 651-982-2491, tcavegn@linolakes.us

Chris Lyden, 651-982-2490, clyden@linolakes.us

Michael Ruhland, 651-242-2483 or mruhland@linolakes.us

City Staff:

City Administrator: Karen Anderson, 651-982-2410, kanderson@linolakes.us

Community Development Director: Michael Grochala, 651982-2427

City Engineer: Diane Hankee, 651-982-2430, dhankee@linolakes.us

City Planner: Katie Larsen, 651982-2426, klarsen@linolakes.us

Building Official: Patrick Moonen, 651-982-2463, pmoonen@linolakes.us

Interim Finance Director: Kelly Horn 651-982-2405, khorn@linolakes.us

Environmental Coordinator: Thomas Hoffman, 651-982-2465, thoffman@linolakes.us

Public Services Director: Rick DeGardner, 651-982-2444, rdegardner@linolakes.us

Chief of Police : Curt Boehme, 651-982-2304, cboehme@linolakes.us

Dispatch: 763-427-1212

Police Division: 651-982-2323; Kyle Leibel, Deputy Director, 651982-2302

Fire Division: 651-982-2323

Fire Chief: Dan L’Allier, 651-2882910, dlallier@linolakes.us

Fire Lieutenant/Fire Inspector: Brian Finke, 651-982-2464, bfinke@linolakes.us

Chamber of Commerce:

Centennial Area Chamber: centennialareachamber.com

Worship

Assembly of God

Artisan Church

1105 117th Ave. NE, Blaine 763-754-1011, artisan.church

North Springs Church

7868 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes 651-426-2088, northspringschurch.org

Tree of Life Assembly of God

3905 Woodland Road, Lexington 651-340-2857, treeoflifeag.com

Baptist/Converge

Living Faith Church

10101 Lexington Ave. N., Circle Pines, 763-784-1760, livingfaithmn.org

Eagle Brook Church Office: 7015 20th Ave., Centerville, 651-429-9227, eaglebrookchurch. com

Multiple weekend services at 12 locations, including: Lino Lakes Campus 7775 20th Ave. N., Lino Lakes Blaine Campus

3603 95th Ave. NE, Blaine

Catholic

St. Genevieve Church, Parish Community Center

6995 Centerville Road, Centerville 651-429-7937, stgens.org Masses at St. Genevieve and St. John the Baptist in Hugo St. Genevieve Church 1683 Sorel St., Centerville St. John’s Site 14383 Forest Blvd., Hugo 651-429-7937

St. Joseph of the Lakes

Catholic Church

171 Elm St., Lino Lakes 651-784-3015, mystjoes.me

Church of St. Timothy

707 89th Ave. NE, Blaine 763-784-1329, churchofsttimothy. com

Christian and Missionary Alliance

River of Life Church

4294 Hodgson Road, Shoreview 651-484-8737, rolchurchmn.org

Covenant

Rice Creek Covenant Church

125 Ash Street, Lino Lakes 651-486-0692, ricecreekcov.org

Evangelical Free

Centennial Church

14854 Lake Drive NE, Forest Lake | 651-368-9500, cefc.net

Cornerstone Church of Blaine

Northpoint Elementary School, 2350 124th Court NE, Blaine 763-783-1983, ccblaine.org

Lutheran

Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church

1 Shepherd Court, Circle Pines

763-784-8417, goodshepherdlink.org

Worship

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

9185 Lexington Ave. NE, Circle Pines. 763-784-1971, oursaviorsonline.org

St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church

1 North Road, Circle Pines 763-784-2558, stmarkcp.org

Paul Dols

Incarnation Lutheran Church

4880 Hodgson Road, Shoreview 651-484-7213, incarnationmn.org

Living Waters Lutheran Church

865 Birch St., Lino Lakes 651-481-0220, livingwaterslutheran.org

Nazarene

Together Place Church

3860 Flowerfield Road, Circle Pines 763-784-1607, togetherplacechurch.org

Non-

Denominational

Bridgewood Community Church

11670 Lexington Ave. NE, Blaine. 763-780-2500, bridgewoodcc.org

Christos Center for Spiritual Formation

1212 Holly Drive, Lino Lakes 651-653-8207 christoscenter.org

Oak Park Community Church

12050 Aberdeen St. NE, Blaine 763-757-1505, oakparkcc.com

United Methodist

Lino Lakes Community Church

7330 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes 651-784-7667, linolakescommunitychurch.com

Presbyterian

Chain of Lakes Church

2650 125th Ave NE, Blaine 763-465-8585, colpres.org

Government

Federal Elected Officials

U.S. Senate

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D)

Washington Office: 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

202-224-3244, Fax: 202-228-2186 Metro office:  1200 Washington Ave. S., Suite 250, Minneapolis, 55415 612-727-5220, Fax: 202-224-1792 www.klobuchar.senate.gov

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D)

Washington Office: 720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

202-224-5641, Fax: 202-224-1152

Metro Office: 60 East Plato Boulevard, Suite 220, St. Paul, 55107

651-221-1016, Fax: 651-224-3056 www.smith.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives 6th District

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R)

Washington Office: 326 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515

202-225-2331, Fax: 202-225-6475 District Office: 9201 Quaday Ave. NE Suite 206, Otsego, 55330

763-241-6848, Fax: 763-241-7955 www.emmer.house.gov

State Elected Officials

Governor Tim Walz (D)

130 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, 55155

651-201-3400 or 800-657-3717, Fax: 651-797-1850 tim.walz@state.mn.us www. mn.gov/governor

Minnesota Senate District 32

Michael Kreun (R)

95 University Ave. W., Minnesota Senate Building, Room 2321, St. Paul, 55155 651-296-1282, senate.mn/members

Minnesota Senate District 36

Heather Gustafson (D)

95 University Ave. W., Minnesota Senate Building, Room 3103, St. Paul, 55155 651-296-1253, senate.mn/members

Government

Contributed

Minnesota House District 32B

Matt Norris (D)

Fifth Floor Centennial Office Bldg., 658 Cedar St., St. Paul, 55155

651-296-2907, rep.matt.norris@ house.mn.gov

Minnesota House District 36A

Elliott Engen (R)

Second Floor Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar St., St. Paul, 55155

651-296-2365, rep.elliott.engen@ house.mn.gov

State Departments:

General information: mn.gov

Agriculture: 800-967-2474

Attorney General: 651-296-3353

Career Force: 651-259-7500

Commerce:  651-539-1500

Education: 651-582-8200

Employment and Economic Development: 651-259-7114

Labor and Industry: 651-284-5005

Natural Resources: 651-296-6157

Individual income tax: 651-2963781

Property tax: 651-296-3781

Unemployment: 651-296-3644

Veterans Affairs: 888-546-5838

Worker’s Compensation: 651-2845032

Metropolitan Council

390 Robert St. N., St Paul, MN 55101 | 651-602-1000 or metrocouncil.org.

Overview:  The Met Council, established by the state Legislature in 1967, coordinates planning and development within the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The council works with local communities to operate the region’s largest bus system; collect and treat wastewater; engage communities and the public in planning for future growth; provide forecasts of the region’s pop -

ulation and household growth; provide affordable housing opportunities; provide planning, acquisitions and funding for a regional system of parks and trails; and provide a framework for decisions and implementation for regional services including aviation, transportation, parks and open space, water quality and water management. Governance: The 17-member Met Council has 16 members who each represent a geographic district and one chairman, Charlie Zelle, who serves at-large. They all are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The state Senate confirms council member appointments. Serving the Lino Lakes, Lexington, Circle Pines and Blaine areas are: Dist. 10 (Blaine, Circle Pines and Lexington) Peter Lindstrom, 651602-1727, peter.lindstrom@metc. state.mn.us

Dist. 11 (Centerville, Lino Lakes, Forest Lake) Gail Cederberg, 612487-1205, gail.cederberg@metc. state.mn.us

Water Management

Rice Creek Watershed District

4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449 | 763-3983070 or www.ricecreek.org

Overview:  Includes parts of Anoka, Washington, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, including Lino Lakes, Centerville, Circle Pines, Lexington and a portion of Blaine, for the purpose of preventing flooding and enhancing water quality in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. Governance: The board of managers consists of five members appointed by their respective county boards. The board meets at 9 am the second

Government

and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Mounds View City Hall Chambers.

Nick Tomczik, Administrator, 763398-3079, ext. 179, or ntomczik@ ricecreek.org

Vadnais

Lake Area

Water Management Organization

800 East County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org

Overview:  VLAWMO was established in 1983 to manage the Vadnais Lake area watershed, which includes the city of North Oaks and portions of White Bear Lake, Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights, Lino Lakes and White Bear Township. Vadnais Lake is used as the final water storage reservoir for the drinking water supply system operated by the St. Paul Regional Water Service. Oversight includes protection of surface

water quality, flood control and storm water management, wetland and groundwater protection. A water-related reference library is maintained at the VLAWMO office. Governance: Six-member board of directors from each of the communities served, which pay a share of the annual operating budget. The commission meets the second Friday of each month at 7:30 am at Vadnais Heights City Hall. The board of directors meets the fourth Wednesday every other month at 7:00 pm. Contact:  Phil Belafiori, Administrator: 651-204-6073 or phil.belfiori@vlawmo.org; Board Member Rob Rafferty, Lino Lakes: 651-982-2492 or RRafferty@linolakes.us

United States Post Offices

Blaine: 10611 Baltimore St. NE, Suite 100, Blaine, MN 55449. 763784-1208.

Circle Pines: 300 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines, MN 55014. 763-717-0595.

Hugo: 5615 150th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038. 651-407-1991

White Bear Lake: 2223 Fifth Street, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. 651-762-1437

Anoka County

Anoka County Anoka County is bounded by Isanti county on the north, Chisago and Washington counties on the east, Ramsey and Hennepin counties on the south and Hennepin and Sherburne counties on the west. It lies on both sides of the Rum River, which enters the county approximately 20 miles north of the city of Anoka.

Government

Anoka County Government Center

2100 Third Ave., Anoka, MN 55303 | 763-324-4000, www. anokacountymn.gov

County Administrator: Jim Dickinson, 763-324-4700 Courthouse 2100 3 rd Ave., Anoka, MN 55303-2401; 763-7606700, anokacountymn.gov

Anoka County Board of Commissioners: Board meetings are held in room 705 of the Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3 rd Avenue, Anoka. Board meetings are held twice monthly, typically the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, at 9:30 a.m. County board meetings are subject to change. Call 763-323-5700 for meeting dates.

District 3: Jeff Reinert, 763-3244701 or jeff.reinert@anokacountymn.gov. Represents Centerville, Columbus, Lexington, Linwood, Lino Lakes, Circle Pines and Blaine.

County Departments

Birth certificates: 763-324-1360

Camping-Bunker Hills: 763324-3330

Camping-Rice Creek: 763-3243340

Child Care Licensing: 763-3241235

Child Support Services:  763422-7200

Chomonix Golf Course: 763324-3434

Composting-yard Waste: 763429-3723

Community Corrections: 763324-4800

Death certificates: 763-3241360

Driving Conditions and Road Construction: 763-324-3100

Elections and Voter Registration: 763-324-1300

Foster Care Licensing: 763324-1230

Job Training Center: 763-3242300

Nature Programs: 763-3243350

Parks and Recreation: 763324-3300

Property Records, Taxation & Assessment: 763-323-5400

Recycling and Resource Solutions: 763-324-3400

Senior Services:  763-783-4707

Where to go:

Voter Registration Elections Department, 2100 Third Ave, Suite 160, Anoka. 763-324-1300

Where to vote: Determine voting district and polling location at www.pollfinder.sos.mn.us, or call 763- 323-5275

License Center: 10995 Club West Parkway, Suite 600, Blaine. 763-324-2100. Register a car, driver’s licenses and state ID cards, hunting and fishing licenses, marriage license.

North Metro DVS Exam Station: 5400 Rice Creek Parkway, Arden Hills, 55112. 651-201-7900. www,dps.mn.gov.

Passports License Center: 10995 Club West Parkway, Suite 700, Blaine. 763-324-2100

Veterans’ Services:  2100 3rd Ave., Suite 216, Anoka. 763-3244500

Firearm permits:  Sheriff’s office, 13301 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, 55304; 763-324-5022

Libraries

There are eight regular branches and two affiliated branches in the Anoka County Library system; two are convenient to the area served by the Quad

Community Press. See hours at anokacountymn.gov.

Centennial Branch:  763-3241540, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines

Northtown Library: 763-3241510, 711 County Hwy 10, Frontage Road, Blaine

Cleanup Days:

Blaine, Circle Pines, Lexington and Lino Lakes offer cleanup/ recycling days, when residents may bring recyclable items such as batteries, appliances, tires and furniture for disposal. Call city hall for information.

Compost Sites:

Tree waste and yard waste cannot be put in with garbage. Some haulers may collect yard waste for an additional fee. The following are drop-off sites for yard waste. Sites open April through November.

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Site, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes, 651-429-3723

Bunker Hills Compost Site, 13285 Hanson Blvd., Coon Rapids, 763-767-7964

Household

Hazardous Waste:

Hazardous waste is anything labeled flammable, corrosive or toxic and has caution, warning poison and/or danger on the label. Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 3230 101st Ave. NE, Blaine, 763-3243400

Index of Advertising

Best Painting & Cedar Specialists ................................. 33

Contact: 651-238-1850

Business type: Painting

Centennial School District 2

Contact: 763-792-6026

Business type: School District

Charles Taylor 4

Contact: 612-446-5411

Business type: Investment Advisor

Lyngblomsten ............................................ 4

Contact: 651-515-1727

Business type: Healthcare, Senior Adult Services

MJ the Critter Sitter 33

Contact: 612-807-7850

Business type: Pet Sitting

Northland Landscape & Construction ............................................ 33

Contact: 651-746-4582

Business type: Landscaping

Olson’s Sewer Service 35

Location: 17638 Lyons St. NE, Forest Lake

Contact: 651-464-2082

Business type: Sewer

Pat-a-Cake Childcare 4

Location: 7761 Lake Dr., Ste. E Lino Lakes

Contact: 651-786-2286

Business type: Childcare

Renstrom Dental .................................. 29

Location: 7455 Village Dr., Lino Lakes

Contact: 651-407-0491

Business type: Dental Studio

Signature Nails ...................................... 36

Location: 709 Apollo Drive, Suite 200, Lino Lakes Contact: 651-756-1209

St, Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church .................................... 29

Location: 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes Contact: 651-784-3015

Timberline Roofing and Contraction ............................................... 33

Contact: 651-287-3720

Business type: Roofing & Siding

Many Brands & Colors