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BLAINE POLICE: Ask for help locating missing juvenile PAGE 7
Residents raise concerns about fire merger BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many nannies packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again.
LEXINGTON — Multiple residents have expressed their concerns about the recent news that the Lexington Fire Department may potentially merge with the Spring Lake ParkBlaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department. At the recent Lexington City Council meeting, Mayor Mike Murphy assured residents the city is not doing anything behind their backs, or anything sneaky. “The Lexington Fire Department is still operating as a fire department, just currently under the management of SBM Fire. They (Lexington) are still responding. They are still taking calls (currently) at this time,” he said. (See “Lexington temporarily partners with SBM Fire Department,” Quad Community Press, April 9, 2026). Murphy added the city’s decision was not made lightly and was the result of extensive reviews conducted by the City Council, personnel committee, city administration, the city’s attorney and the city’s finance director. “That review focused on ongoing concerns
SEE SPRING MUSICAL, PAGE 11
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Cast members from “Mary Poppins” pose for a photo. The musical is scheduled to take place at the Centennial High School Performing Arts Center from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, May 3.
Fly high with Mary Poppins at CHS BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Everyone’s favorite nanny will take the stage at the Centennial High School Performing Arts Center as the Centennial Theatre Program performs “Mary Poppins” for its spring musical.
Director Eric Webster said he picked the show for the spring musical because of the music. “I love all the songs in this show. You cannot help but be humming these songs as you leave.” The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces the audience to England in 1910 and the
Best of the Press returns inviting community to spotlight local favorites “It’s a great way for our readers and patrons to recognize the places they genuinely value”
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A boost for local businesses For many businesses, being named a “Best of” winner carries real impact. Past honorees such as the Hugo American Legion and Cabin 61 have seen increased visibility and
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skilled trades and essential services • New Business, celebrating recent additions to the local landscape “Some ideas come from us, but a lot come directly from readers and even businesses,” Steele added. “People will call and say, ‘How do you not have this category?’ and we’ll realize — it’s a great addition.” While returning favorites remain, these additions aim to capture both everyday needs and evolving tastes.
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The familiar signs of spring in the northeast metro aren’t just warmer days and busier patios — they also signal the return of one of the community’s most anticipated traditions. The Readers’ Choice Best of the Press Contest is back for its sixth year, with nominations officially opening Wednesday, April 29. Spanning multiple communities and publications, the annual contest gives readers the opportunity to recognize the people, businesses and places that define their local experience. From neighborhood restaurants and small businesses to essential service providers, the contest has grown into a reflection of what residents value most in their communities.
expansion. The Citizen and Quad This year’s contest has more than 150 markets will merge into a single, categories, covering everything from combined contest, broadening dining and retail to services, schools participation and increasing visibility and community events. for businesses across “It’s a great way a wider area. This for our readers change is an indicator of and patrons both the growth of the to recognize program and continued the places they interest from readers and genuinely value business owners. — whether that’s Organizers have also a restaurant they Patty Steele refreshed and modified categories love or a service they’ve trusted for years,” said General Manager to better reflect current trends and community priorities. Among Patty Steele, general the highlights: manager and marketing director • Meal for the Money, recognizing for Press Publications. “Everything affordable, high-quality dining is driven by our readers. There’s • Chicken Wings, a category that’s nothing selected by us.” sure to spark a debate What’s new this year: • Best Electrician, spotlighting This year brings a notable
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