The Centerville Parks and Recreation will host its annual skate and sled night Friday, Feb. 13, at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event, originally scheduled for Jan. 17, had to be rescheduled due to the lack of ice. The event will feature a bonfire, popcorn and hot cocoa. Those who attend will also be able to try out kick-sleds and snowshoes provided by the Wargo Nature Center.
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Get ready to experience the fair a little earlier than usual. The St. Joseph’s Church choir and band will host its original musical, “Meet Me at the Fair,” Feb. 13-15. Unexpected turns and a charming story line from a 1947 town fair will keep you smiling and entertained.
For over 30 years, St. Joseph’s has staged a variety show. According to longtime parishioner Susan McMullan, the idea for the show was brought came from Neil Benjamin, a longtime choir member.
“He was telling our previous choir director, Kent, that he wanted to have show tunes during Mass rather than liturgical music,” McMullan explained. “He kept bugging him, and Kent finally said, ‘Let’s do show tunes, not during Mass, but in the social hall.’”
McMullan said about 20 people showed up for the first show, where they sang songs from “Music Man.” From there, the show continued to grow, and more people became involved. This year’s show will feature 40 parishioners ranging from ages 18 to 70. In total, there are 75 parishioners in the cast and crew.
Andrea Grasse, the show’s music director, said the cast begins to brainstorm ideas for the next show at the cast party, but their first official meeting for the show takes place months later. The show is directed and written by Kathy Schwister.
SEE VARIETY SHOW, PAGE 2
BY MADELINE DOLBY 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.
SEE SALON ANNIVERSARY, PAGE 3
Gina Paar
McMullan will play Lila Howard and Miss Squash Blossom of 1947 in “Meet Me at the Fair.” McMullan has participated in the variety show from the very beginning.
“Not being in it is not an option for me. This is what I do … This is what I love, and I’m very devoted to it,” she said.
Annie Roman, set designer, will play Lydia the tattoo lady, a townsperson named Helen and a Gypsy. Roman was also a longtime art teacher at Rice Lake Elementary.
“I love to dance, sing, act … I just love the camaraderie,” Roman said. Like McMullan, Roman has been a part of the show since its inception.
Scott Larsen has been with the church for 33 years and involved in the variety show for 25 of them. This year, he helped Roman with set design and will play a farmer and a fortune teller.
“It’s a toe-tapping good time, is what it is,” McMullan added. “It’s filled with twists and it’s funny, and it’s silly … We have amazing singers and musicians who are in the show, and we have some amazing actors, too.”
Those interested in purchasing tickets can do so at St. Joseph’s office, after Mass on Sundays or online at www.stjoesvarietyshow.ludus.com. St. Joseph’s is located at 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes.
Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-407-1226 or quadnews@presspubs. com.
“I got involved because I love to act. I love to sing. I love to be creative,” Larsen said. “I keep coming back because we just have so much fun being together. I think that’s a huge part of why this is gone on for so many years.”
Fair-style food, including cotton candy, jumbo pretzels, popcorn, and corndogs along with homemade Frito tamale pie, mincemeat cookies and pumpkin pie, will be available for showgoers to enjoy during the show, all made by chef and longtime parishioner Ken McDonald. He said the mincemeat cookies and the pumpkin pie are inspired by his grandmother’s recipes from the 1940s.
“It’s community building, being with each other,” said Grasse. “We love to be together. We love to perform together.”
Larsen added that this is not your runof-the-mill show.
“It’s gotten really well honed,” he said. “That is due, in part, to all the people that are putting in their time and effort.”
LIVE TRIVIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Where: Lino Lakes American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Drive
Details: General knowledge trivia. No limit on team sizes. Contact: 651- 783-0055
LINO LAKES TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Where: Zoom
Details: Develop your communication and leaderships skills. Contact: Phyllis Moore: 763-268-9366
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5; the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N., Hugo 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
ONCE UPON A STORY TIME: ANIMAL HOMES
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino
Lakes
Details: Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as our storyteller takes you on nature adventures through stories, songs, and crafts. Registration is encouraged to ensure there are enough craft supplies for all attending. Register online through Anoka County Parks. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
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
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
important 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.
THE OLDER THE BETTER VINTAGE SLED SHOW
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: Blacksmith Lounge and Broaster, 17205 Forest Blvd. 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
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.
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 Centerville by Google.
When: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5
Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes
Details: Experience the wonders of nature with your child through outdoor exploration, play, and stories in this parent-child program. Be prepared for the weather and ready to play. Register online through Anoka County Parks. Contact: anokacountyparks.com
“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.
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
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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.
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.
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,
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.
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to quadnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to: Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
It is hard to be proud
Being too old to physically participate in protest any longer, I am submitting this letter to voice my frustration and disgust for what is now occurring in our state. For the past several months Minnesota has been invaded by a poorly trained, poorly supervised, pseudo-military force of “supposed law enforcement” officers. They are masked, helmeted, heavily armed and ready for war.
Their purported mission is to rid us of “the worst of the worst” illegal aliens. So far, their victims have included: A 2-year-old girl and her father; a 5-year-old boy and his mother; a woman dropping her child off at day care; a restaurant employee who served the invaders their lunch; and a 36-year-old mother and citizen who had the audacity to drive down the street where the invaders had driven one of their cars into a snowbank. She was not detained or deported — she was fatally shot. The invaders have been told by their superiors that they have “absolute immunity.” Translation: They will not be held accountable for their actions.
The commander of these “patriots” was recently seen in a photo op throwing a tear gas canister at a large, albeit loud, group of protesters. This “heroic” commander was surrounded and protected by 30 to 40 of his invaders. The commander-in-chief who sent the invaders to Minnesota is the president, who famously evaded the draft at least four times during the Vietnam War and then denigrated those who served (see: John McCain, et.al.). My local representative to Congress (Emmer) has pledged his “total and unqualified” allegiance to this president.
Finally, please do not confuse these invaders with our local peace officers, who are unmasked, with
clearly identified nametags and badge numbers. These officers are well trained and well supervised, and even rookie officers know the definition of the terms “probable cause” and “due process.” They understand that they will, and should be, held accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, it is these peace officers who will be left to clean up the debris and rebuild the trust in their communities after the invaders have fled. It is hard to be a proud American in this new reality.
Tim Erickson, U.S. Army Veteran and Retired Minnesota Peace Officer Lino Lakes
An innocent woman protester is violently thrown to the ground. Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, tries to help the distressed woman. He legally carries a holstered firearm. Someone removes his pistol, and innocent Alex is assassinated, 10 shots fired by hoodlums under the guise of federal agents. Illegally, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is DENIED access. The Trump Republican statement: Federal agents in Minneapolis killed a “domestic terrorist” and “would-be assassin” who “attacked” law enforcement while “brandishing” a weapon. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem claimed he aimed to “massacre” officers.
CLEARLY, TRUMP’S REGIME DOESN’T CARE ABOUT PEOPLE AND CLEARLY PROPAGATES LIES AND PURPOSFUL DISINFORMATON!
Let’s not forget, Trump still thinks he won the 2020 election. He says Jan 6, 2021, was “peaceful.” NO, it was a violent, deadly, destructive insurrection. Wikipedia:
“On January 20, 2025, during the first day of his second term, Trump granted blanket clemency to all 1,600 criminals.” Are they part of the 3,000 lawless thugs Trump targeted to Minnesota? (cost $18,000,000/week). Trump created an unwavering following of Loyalists. Anyone not loyal was neutralized! Virtually all Congressional Republicans are loyalists to authoritarian Trump and his policies of targeting certain groups, ignoring the Constitution, and despoiling the environment.
Republicans in power now could limit Trump, but they don’t. A local cåase: Rep Tom Emmer, AFTER the senseless killing of an innocent protester, said: “I am grateful to Trump, and our ICE agents for their tireless work to restore safety to Minnesota.” KILLING PEOPLE DOES NOT RESTORE SAFETY! Kids were afraid to go to school and people are afraid to go to work! Instead, Emmer accused Minnesota officials of “reckless” rhetoric endangering federal agents and inciting violence. Ridiculous! Minnesota officials did NOT incite violence. On Dec 10, 2020, Emmer joined 106 House Republicans in filing a lawsuit to overturn the Biden election. Emmer, a Trump lemming, should be VOTED OUT OF OFFICE! Other Republicans could limit Trump, but NO, they follow Trump like dogs to a bone.
TO RECOVER DEMOCRACY, VOTERS MUST DEFEAT TRUMP-AFFILIATED CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES IN THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS — THAT INCLUDES TOM EMMER!
•
• Expanded academic opportunities. Our students explore their interests, excel and
• Empowered, supported
• Inspiring, nurturing educators.
Our educators facilitate learning and challenge
and confidence.
• Transformative
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Band, orchestra, drumline, sound design, stage management—White Bear Lake Area High School senior Luca Ackerman’s daily rhythm seems to revolve around the concept of rhythm itself.
“I’m just always at school for one reason or another relating to arts,” Ackerman said. A percussionist since middle school, Ackerman’s start in theater sound design was more roundabout than one might expect. After a friend in drumline suggested attending a crew meeting for the fall musical, Ackerman accepted a position in costuming. One week later, a student dropped out of the sound crew.
“Our technical directors were like, ‘Hey, you seem like you’re interested in this. Do you want to do something that’s a little more intensive?’” Ackerman remembered. “All of a sudden— poof— there I was in the tech booth, finding sound effects and teaching myself how to get everything to work the way I wanted it to. I loved it, and I just kept coming back.”
Theater technical capabilities have grown at a rapid tempo over the last decade. When White Bear Lake Area High School performed “Little Shop of Horrors” in fall 2006, for instance, the sound technician manually rang an egg timer each time a phone went off on stage. When the high school performed the show in fall 2023, Ackerman used a more sophis-
ticated approach.
“We had four phones on stage, I found a different ring for each one that was fitting with the time,” Ackerman compared.
“One of them, I sped it up a little bit to have a higher pitch to
differentiate it and have it tuned with the music and give them notes that made a fun little melody that matched the melody of the song.”
Flourishes like this have earned Ackerman praise from the Hennepin Arts Spotlight Education. In 2024, Ackerman received an evaluator shout out for his work on “Legally Blonde.” This year, he received outstanding technical leadership as tech manager for “Cinderella.”
Now, Ackerman is transitioning to stage manager for White Bear’s competitive one-act “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” A theater stage manager runs point on communication and organization, ensuring a production runs smoothly and helping to
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“The Thirty-Nine Steps” is a 1915 spy thriller novel by John Buchan about a man named Richard who finds himself sucked into an international spy scheme. Alfred Hitchcock filmed an adaptation of the book in 1935, a movie that Orson Welles praised as a masterpiece. Lakeshore Players’ upcoming production of “The 39 Steps” is based on the Tony-Award-winning parody play of the material, which recreates the book’s plot, but with a Monty Python comedic sensibility and precise physical comedy.
Most notably, the play has hundreds of characters, but a cast of four.
“One person plays Richard, and that’s his only role. The other three play probably over 40 characters,” explained the play’s director, Sarah Nargang. “We try to lean into the suspense of Hitchcock in the silliest way we can manage.”
Silliness, in this case, takes serious work. Nargang taught her cast Lecoq techniques—derived from a
French school of dynamic movement—so that the physical gags and rhythm of the show would be comedically effective.
“By the end of it, the actors are sweaty and exhausted and have had a blast. Hopefully, the audience feels that way too,” said Nargang before adding, “Maybe not the sweaty part.”
Cast member Hannah Steblay agreed, “It requires this unrelenting precision, carving and continuing to carve until you find the nut of the joke … [Nargang] is so good at sticking with something until you can distill it into exactly what the audience needs it to be.”
What the audience needs at this moment in time, according to Steblay, is levity. “It’s a heavy world right now for a lot of people,” said Steblay. “It’s also the middle of winter … It’s nice to go into a space with a bunch of people and collectively laugh.”
Nargang added, “[‘The 39 Steps’] doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s no deeper message. Sometimes the most healing thing art can give is just a giggle.”
“The 39 Steps” runs from Friday, Jan. 23 through Saturday, Feb. 7. For tickets and details, visit lakshoreplayers.org or call the box office at 651-478-7427.
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“Matilda,” written by renowned children’s author Roald Dahl—about a girl who develops psychic powers and uses them to combat her neglectful parents and abusive school principal—teaches audiences of all ages valuable lessons. Children’s Performing Arts’ upcoming junior adaptation of the material, however, must balance showing a dark reality while working with children.
“This story does a great job of teaching the importance of children standing up and saying something’s not right,” said Kathryn Mooers, the show’s director. “Adults tune out children so often—‘They’re learning,’ ‘They’re not quite there yet’—but you’ve taught them the fundamentals. When they see the fundamentals not being followed through, they’re going to be the ones to say, ‘Uh-uh. That’s not it.’” Mooers has focused on teaching her cast fundamentals of respect as well, though calibrated to different grade levels. “If you saw somebody
hit somebody else, whether that be somebody your own age or an adult, is that okay?” Mooers explained. “I have one rule; it’s called the respect rule. It has three parts: You have to respect yourself, you have to respect each other and you have to respect your space.”
Mooers believes focusing on this rule fosters better performances.
“The goal is to develop the child while creating great art,” Mooers stated. “That's how you get real success, because then, the kids's going on stage with confidence. They’re going to find more success. They're finding who they are. They're creating stronger relationships with each other.”
Once Mooers feels the cast members understands themselves and their relationships to one another, she asks them to do something the same with the play’s characters. She described, “Talk to the person next to you. Who are you to this person? Create that relationship within your characters because that's going to lead to a successful portrayal of the scene on stage.”
This process has led to inventive thinking from the cast. Cooper Vanyo, an 11-year-old who plays Matilda’s father, Mr. Wormwood,
found that he had little trouble portraying an adult. “It makes it a little easier because my character doesn't act like he's mature, like an adult. So I don't have to.”
Eleven-year-old Juniper Rains, who plays Mrs. Wormwood, found a similar connection. “I love dancing, and my character loves dancing,” Juniper said. “She’s in her own world … She’s in the dancing world and the sassy-queen world.”
Nine-year-old Joey Hultgren and 12-year-old Brynn Vinck, who take turns playing Matilda, both respect the show’s fundamental message to its audience. “I think it’s important to understand how people should be treated as equal as possible,” said Hultgren, “and I think that people should watch the show because the actors put a lot of time into it.”
“Everybody should know the story of Matilda,” added Vinck. “How she’s treated, how she overcomes her life and how she gets good things out of bad things.”
“Matilda Jr.” runs Feb. 13-22 at Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N., Door 32, Forest Lake. For more information, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org.
maintain a director’s vision. Ackerman believes his skills have translated well because of his background in band and orchestra.
“Both theater and music, they’re not sports, but they’re team sports. In order to have a good concert, everybody in the band has to work together,” Ackerman explained. “It’s the same thing in theater.”
White Bear Lake Area High School will perform “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” as part of the MSHSL competitive one-act play sectional tournament at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5040 Division Ave., Door A. The tournament runs Jan. 22-23.
All classes take place at Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/classes-workshops
SATURDAY MORNING DROP-IN
Grades: K-2
Dates: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 21 and March 21
Details: Classes focus on creative play and fostering imagination. Each week students will read books, play games, do crafts and create characters.
PIZZA PERFORMANCE POP UPS
Grades: 6-12
Dates: 6-9 p.m. Saturdays Feb. 21 and March 28
Details: Students will come together for socializing and pizza, then break into groups to work on scenes assigned to them. At the end of the night, all students will get to perform for each other.
DONUTS AND DOORMATS
Location: Mahtomedi High School, 8000 75th St., Room 1066
Dates: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6
Details: Woodbury Board and Brush is partnering with Mahtomedi Community Education, offering adults and accompanied teens a chance to paint their own 18 x 30 inch doormat, all while snacking with donuts. Register at mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com/courses/category/51/ adults.
‘A YEAR IN VIETNAM’
Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St.
Dates: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10
Details: Darryl LeMire, helicopter mechanic, Vietnam Veteran and lifelong White Bear Resident, will share his experiences as aircraft support during the Vietnam War.
GALENTINE’S DAY BINGO
Location: White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 Highway 61
Dates: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Details: Take your gals and pals out on the town. Grab a Bingo card from participating businesses, then get stamps as you visit shops. A regular bingo enters you for a gift card drawing; a blackout enters you for a chance to win the grand prize.
‘CHART TOPPERS & SHOWSTOPPERS! FROM BROADWAY TO BILLBOARD’
Location: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Dates: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
Details: For theatre fans and pop music lovers, this show features smash hits from Broadway musicals that crossed over to become chart toppers.
The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• A detective responded Jan. 21 to a harassment report in the 9000 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington. The case was referred to the city attorney for further review.
• Officers took a walk-in report Jan. 24 in the 200 block of Cobbler Court in Circle Pines regarding a missing person. The person was later found by a neighboring agency,
• Officers were dispatched Jan. 25 to a delayed report of a motor vehicle accident in the 6900 block of 21st Avenue South in Centerville.
• Officers conducted a traffic stop Jan. 26 near the intersection of Lake Drive
and South Pine Drive in Circle Pines after observing a traffic violation. The driver was cited for multiple offenses.
The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• An officer responded Jan. 19 to a report of suspicious activity involving flashing lights in the 500 block of Chippewa Trail. The officer investigated and determined there were no problems.
• Officers conducted a warrant attempt Jan. 19 in the 8000 block of Lake Drive. The officers were unable to make contact with anyone at the location.
• Officers responded Jan. 20
• Resident Taralynn Penner raised concerns about the developer M/I Homes. M/I Homes is proposing to build 82 single-family villas located northeast of Natures Refuge North. Penner said the developer reached out requesting a permanent easement across the Penner’s property to connect the proposed development to Orange Street. After the Penners declined the request, she said the tone of communication changed. According to Penner, M/I Homes told the couple they’d be connecting the development regardless of the easement or not. Penner said this is concerning and unprofessional, and it raises serious questions and concerns for the Penners’ respect as private property owners. Penner added she is concerned that the site plans, posted on the city’s website, show an easement across their property, as no such permission has been given by the couple. She asked the council to consider correcting any plans referencing an easement across their property until an easement exists.
• Resident Scott Featherstone recounted a situation his wife was involved in with two suspicious vehicles in the Arena Acres areas of Wood Duck Trail. He said his wife was walking their dog when she came across a suspicious vehicle. As she got closer to the vehicle, Featherstone said a masked man got out and was wearing a vest. Suspecting they might be federal agents, Featherstone’s wife called 911. Featherstone said after the incident, he and his wife spoke with Police Chief Curt Boehme. He suggested that questions be asked such as ‘Why are you here?’ and said incidents need to be documented. Featherstone also suggested the city post something on the city website with a number residents can call with questions they might have
to a three-vehicle property damage crash near the intersection of Centerville Road and Birch Street. There were no injuries, and all vehicles were towed. A citation was issued to one of the drivers.
• An officer responded Jan. 20 to the parking lot of a business in the 7900 block of Lake Drive on a report of three suspicious vehicles. The vehicles were no longer there when the officer arrived, and the officer determined no crime had been committed.
• Officers responded Jan. 21 to a complaint of snowmobiles driving at a park in the 6500 block of Pheasant Run South. Officers located juveniles who were operating the snowmobiles and advised
when dealing with a similar situation.
• Kellie Schmidt, Megan Mouser and Morgan Ross have been appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board. Each will serve three-year terms, ending on Dec. 31, 2028. Mark Field will join the Economic Development Advisory Committee, following council appointment. Field will serve on the committee until Dec. 31, 2026.
• Samuel Petersen will join the Lino Lakes Police Department as an officer following council’s approval of his appointment. Petersen’s starting wage will be $44.75 an hour, Step 1 in a 7-step wage scale for the police officer position. He will start Monday, Feb. 9. The hiring of Petersen as an officer will bring the police department to 26 sworn staff.
• Cohen Vang will also join the Lino Lakes Police Department following council’s approval of his appointment. Vang will serve as a community service officer (CSO). The starting wage for Vang will be $27.48 an hour, step 1 of a 7-step wage scale for the position. He will start Monday, Feb. 9.
• Police Canine (K-9) Argos has been purchased for $1 by Lino Lakes Police Officer Krissy Wills after council approved the authorization of the sale. This approach is consistent with previous retirements of K-9 Recon in 2012 and K-9 Justice in 2019. Argos was assigned to Officer Wills in March 2019. Since their graduation, the two were deployed to 111 incidents, including searches for warrant subjects, searches for discarded articles, building searches and narcotics detection. In addition, Officer Wills and Argos completed more than 1,000 hours of training and conducted 47 public demonstrations, showcasing Argos’ skills. Over the last two years, Argos has experienced health-related issues and has now reached the age of retirement. At the
them of state statutes and city ordinances.
• Officers responded Jan. 21 to a welfare check at a hotel in the 500 block of Apollo Drive regarding a small child who appeared to be lost. The child was reunited with her family and there were no further problems.
• Officers were advised Jan. 22 of a trespass violation at a residence in the 6200 block of Otter Lake Road. Officers arrested an adult male, who was booked in jail.
• An officer responded Jan. 22 to a call regarding an unoccupied vehicle struck by a school bus in the 6600 block of Sioux Lane. The accident resulted in minor damage.
• An officer received a report from the Minnesota Adult
end of last month, Argos retired from police service.
• The city has paid off the Market Place Drive Realignment Project after the council approved the sixth and final payment for the project in the amount of approximately $24,304. In April 2025, the council awarded the contract for the project to Northdale Construction Company Inc. in the amount of approximately $1.035 million. Construction began in the summer of 2025 and was completed in the fall.
Abuse Reporting Center Jan. 23 regarding the welfare of a resident at a local assistedliving facility in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. The case is under investigation.
• While on patrol Jan. 23, an officer located a vehicle that went into the ditch in the 6100 block of Interstate 35E. The driver was cited for a driving violation and released.
• An officer responded Jan. 24 to a report of a vehicle in the ditch in the 6100 block of Hodgson Road. The officer found the driver of the vehicle showed signs of intoxication. The driver refused all tests and was booked in jail for multiple offenses, including third-degree DWI.
According to City Engineer Diane Hankee, the final contract amount is around $985,149. The project came in under budget. Funding for the project came from land sale proceeds, the area and unit fund and municipal aid street funds.
The next City Council meeting will be at 6:30 Monday, Feb. 9 at City Hall.
Madeline Dolby
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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
MD A HIRING FOREST PEST (SPONGY MOTH ) SURVEYOR S The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is hiring temp intermitte nt Surveyors (Ag Te chnicians) for the 2026 Spongy Moth Trapping Survey season. $20.51/hr + mileage reimbursement View jo b post (Job I.D. 91599 )
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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
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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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S E R V I C E D I R E C
• 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 the University of Minnesota staff to
Born in Fridley, MN
12-28-1956 to 12-28-2025.
Tom passed away on his 69th birthday.
Preceded in death his parents, Dorothy and Loyd Miles. Survived by his sister and brother-in-law Sanna and John Buckbee.
Tom graduated from the University of Minnesota, Mankato with degrees in geology and building construction. Tom was involved in the construction of Canterbury Downs, the Mall of America along with hundreds of Select Comfort stores.
Tom enjoyed riding horses and Harleys and everything associated, supporting youth horse programs and saddle clubs.
Tom’s favorite places were Nemo, Big Momma’s, and Sturgis in SD, and PD Pappy’s, the Marina and Pub in Stillwater, MN.
We love you. May you rest in peace.
age 82 of Circle Pines, MN and formerly of Emery, WI passed away on Monday, January 26th at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN surrounded by her children and family. Services for Ruth will be held on Thursday, February 5th at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 9185 Lexington Ave, Circle Pines, MN 55014 with Visitation from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and a Memorial Service at 11:00 am with refreshments to follow. Online condolences and complete obituary at nimsgernfuneral.com HEINDL-NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.
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 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. As temperatures are expected to be consistently below freezing for the next 10 days, staff hope to have skateable ice.
• 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.
Press Publications has received three awards from the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) as a part of the 2024-2025 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.
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, consistent quality and style guide of appropriate content.” CONTRIBUTED Managing Editor
The 2024-2025 contest had 4,100 entries. Winners were recently honored
Lyngblomsten in Lino Lakes has created an online program, WOOP for Dementia Caregivers, in which participants attend three sessions and learn an evidencebased 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
• Meagan Bachmayer will serve another term as council member. She was officially sworn into office by Mayor Matt Percy.
• Council Member Steve McChesney, who is a member of the Centennial Fire Steering Committee, said the Centennial Fire District responded to 479 calls in 2025, of which 44% were medical and 21% were fire. The remaining 35% were from a variety of incidents. Due to the merger with the Spring Lake Park, Blaine, Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department, there are now 82 firefighters available to respond to calls. Out of those 82 members, 17 are former Centennial Fire District members who have joined SBM. He added that former Centennial Station No. 1, now called SBM Station No. 4, has been updated to include dormitories so firefighters can be at the
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.
station for 24 hours. The bathrooms have been modified to include showers.
• Jan Kreminski, chair of the Centennial Utilities Commission, gave a presentation to the council showcasing the commission’s 2026 priorities. In 2026, Kreminski said the commission is focusing on fluoride management, source water contamination, storm water management, water quality and flushable wipes, as well as fats, oils and grease (FOG). The commission, established in 1959, provides natural gas, water, sewer and storm utilities to thousands of residents in the community.
The next City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at City Hall.
Madeline Dolby
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER
The Centennial/Spring Lake Park (CLSP) boys and girls Alpine teams each finished second in the Northwest Suburban Conference (NWSC) after five conference meets and six members made all-conference.
“This is the strongest and deepest CSLP Alpine team we’ve seen in its current era,” Coach Derrick Taylor said. “When you look at the progress across varsity, the strength of our JV squads, and the depth of our underclassmen, it’s clear we have a very fast future ahead. The foundation being built right now, is real.”
The team calls itself the Big Cats, Taylor said, in reference to Cougars (Centennial nickname) and Panthers (Spring Lake Park nickname).
Northwest Alpine placed first in both boys and girls. The Andover girls and Anoka boys placed third. There are 10 girls teams and 11 boys teams in the conference.
Centennial picked up wins over Tartan 66-0 and White Bear Lake 39-12 Wednesday evening at White Bear Lake. The Cougars are 14-11. Tartan forfeited five matches. Winning were Clay Wick at 107 (pin), Jack Grygelko at 127 (pin), Ian Shelstad at 139 (tech fall), Jack Ruegsegger at 152 (tech fall), Grant Moffat at 160 (tech fall), Andrew Person at 172 (9-7, overtime) and Braeden Bosch at 285 (pin). Winning against the Bears were Wick (pin), Callan Shelstad at 114 (8-4), Evan Boesch at 121 (20-9), Grygelko (pin), Milligan (pin), Ruegsegger (pin), Moffat (tech fall), Person (10-8) and Boesch (pin).
Centennial edged Stillwater 45-44 on Saturday in Stillwater. Sydney Schmitz scored 11 points, Addy Sears and Amelia Delmedico eight each, and Kaylin Green seven. The Cougars (8-11) lost to Rogers 69-46 on Tuesday. Schmitz hade 13 points. Alexa Juntenen led Rogers with 23.
The CSLP boys placed second in the final NWSC meet Thursday at Wild Mountain, led by Griffen Lofgren in ninth place, Hunter A. Johnson in 19th and Luke Peterson in 22nd. Also contributing were Noah Morell, Seth Halverson and Logan Hazzard. Making all-conference were Caleb Nelson and Ryder Quinn. The top 23 skiers in season points make all-conference, roughly the top onefourth of the field, counting their best four races out of five.
The CSLP girls won the last NWSC by a wide margin but finished a very close second to Northwest Alpine in the overall standings.
Hailey Peterson placed second, Evie Nelson fourth, Gwen Halverson sixth, Hadley Goochey seventh, Ella Nelson 12th and Hannah Lofgren 15th in the final meet and all made allconference.
On Thursday, the Big Cats will try for state berths in the Section 7 meet at Biwabik.
Centennial (2-14) lost to Rogers 89-84 on Tuesday and to Osseo 86-77 on Thursday evening. Against Osseo, Zach Espinosa scored 20 points, Wes Guanzini 14, Bryant Richardson 13, Brady Anderson 10 and Tristan Hanson eight.
Rogers outscored Centennial 135.45 to 129.345 on Thursday evening as Sadie Bachman won three events and scored 35.775 points. Centennial’s Addi Baker won vault (8.55). Grace Zimmerman was third on beam (8.175).
Centennial is 7-2 after defeating Osseo 102-82 on Friday at Osseo. The Cougars will host Elk River on Thursday in a duel of two of the top Northwest Suburban Confernce teams. Against Osseo, the Cougars won all three relays. The quartet of Grant Page, Sawyer Celotta, Benno Schuhbauer and Eliot Shepard won both the medley (1:45.15) and 200 freestyle. (1:45.15). Page teamed with Celotta, Isaac Nguyen and Brendan Chretien in the 400 free (3:33.92). Also winning were Nguyen, 200 free (1:55.87); Schuhbauer, medley (2:05.05); and Ethan Stegora, backstroke (1:02.72).
Nora Akpan, a defending state champion, placed first at 152 pounds in a 25-team Eau Claire tournament on Saturday, capped by a 52-second pin in the finals. Emily McDonald placed 11th at 145 pounds and Samantha Doherty 13th at 132.
Bruce Strand
Centennial Alpine Skiing February 3, 2026
Caleb Nelson, Centennial senior Alpine skiier, repeated as all-NWSC 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.
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 Kelzenberg 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.
Minnesota urges snowmobile riders to prioritize safety
Snowmobiling is a common activity on Minnesota’s trails, frozen lakes and road ditches when the weather permits. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources remind riders to be safe when they head out.
The followings tips can help ensure a safe ride:
• Know where you can ride: Riders who stay on marked trails are less likely to strike an obstacle or trespass onto private property. Riders should also check trail conditions before heading out.
• Avoid alcohol before and during a ride: Drinking plays a role in about 60% of fatal snowmobile crashes.
Watch your speed: Going too fast is another main factor in crashes. Many serious and fatal crashes occur when a speeding snowmobiler loses control or strikes an object.
• Ride on the right: This is an important factor in helping prevent head-on crashes on trails.
• Be careful on ice: Obstacles such as pressure ridges have been common this year. Also, be aware of ice thickness — there must be at least 5 to 7 inches of new, clear ice to support the weight of a snowmobile and rider.
• Take a snowmobile safety course: It’s required for anybody born after 1976 and recommended for everyone. People with a snowmobile safety certification are less likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes.
For more safety tips, visit mndnr.gov/ snowmobiling/safety.html.
Including Foreclosures, Certificates of Assumed Name, Liens, Probates and all other Public Notice Requirements
Contact: Lisa, Myrna or Evelyn E-Mail: Legals@presspubs.com Call: 651-407-1200
4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110, www.presspubs.com, 651-407-1200 • Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
According to her foster, Venus is the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet. She is a lovable snugglebug and a true survivor. Venus is a 3 1/2-year-old pit bull terrier/ Staffordshire bull terrier mix. She weighs 54 pounds. Venus is social with other dogs and she is friendly to everyone she meets. She is house-trained and crate-trained, and she loves going on long, casual walks, twice a day if possible. Venus is playful, intelligent, eventempered and eager to please. In addition to her daily walks,
Venus likes to play fetch and play with her toys. During her downtime, Venus is the perfect lap pet and couch partner. She has a heart of gold and she wants nothing more than to always be with her person or people. Venus arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. If you are looking for an affectionate best friend, then Venus is the companion for you. If you are interested in learning more about Venus or adopting her, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.
