Press Publications 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 9 CIRCLE PINES, MN
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026 VOL. 44 NO. 35 www.quadcommunitypress.com $1.50
BOATING TIPS: Minnesota DNR offers 4th of July reminders. PAGE 6
70 mph: Centennial Police Department warns not of E-bikes, but E-motos BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
There are roughly four classes of E-bikes (electric bicycle)—classes one and two can reach a pedal-assisted 20 miles per hour. Classes three and four can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour. “E-bikes are usually not the ones that are causing the problems,” said Centennial Lakes Police Department Chief Jim Mork. “The typical person that’s riding an E-bike is going to be responsible.” Mork is, instead, concerned with E-motos, or electronic motorcycles, which can reach speeds of more than 70 miles per hour. Identifiable by their lack of pedals and presence of foot pegs, E-motos operate like dirt bikes and are not
legal to operate on any street or trail in Minnesota. They are off-road or track-use vehicles only. “They aren’t licensed, they don’t have insurance, they go too fast, there’s no turn signals,” said Mork. “Someone should have a motorcycle license to operate that.” Mork added that Twin Cities suburbs also don’t have the infrastructure or bike lanes to support vehicles like E-motos. “Kids think they’re just having fun,” Mork said. “What 13-year-old knows to look for traffic as they’re coming out on an intersection?” CLPD has recently seen an uptick in complaints and reports involving E-motos. They are spreading awareness about the issue through bike rodeos and summer festivals, as well as more immediate notices on
electronic signs and billboards. According to Minnesota Statute, E-moto drivers riding at top speeds could be charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor that comes with a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Mork explained, though, that CLPD must take the age of the riders into consideration. “We’re doing all we can to stop them … but chasing some 14-year-old kid isn’t safe either,” said Mork. He also explained that many of the riders CLPD stops are not aware they are breaking the law. Their parents, meanwhile, are not aware of the capabilities of E-motos. Even if parents buy their kids E-motos with a set top speed, Mork advised, many SEE E-BIKES VERSUS E-MOTOS, PAGE 2
CLPD | CONTRIBUTED
From top: An E-bike, which tops out at 28 mph, an E-moto can reach over 70 mph.
Police chief retires BY LOGAN GION STAFF WRITER
COON RAPIDS FIRE DEPARTMENT | CONTRIBUTED
A family at the 4th of July Celebration in Boulevard Plaza. See a north metro guide of Fourth of July celebrations on page 11.
Fa i rwaY
CONTRIBUTED
Retiring Chief Jim Mork
hopefully what I’m leaving for the next chief that’s coming in.” The outgoing chief also acknowledged the support he received throughout the years from the cities of Centerville, Circle Pines and Lexington, as well as their city administrators and staff. “It was a tough decision to leave a department I’ve worked at for more than 23 years. I was very much enjoying the position,” Mork concluded. “It’s pretty fun for a young kid to chase his dream and actually become a police chief.” “We’re very lucky that you did,” Percy responded.
WHY WH Y CHOOSE CHOOSE US?
c o lli si o n an d au t o motive
651-483-4055 CIRCULATION 651-407-1234 circ@presspubs.com
NEWS 651-407-1226 quadnews@presspubs.com
Family owned and operated since 1975 Certified Expert Technicians Lifetime Warranty Collision & Mechanical Services Hail Damage Specialists
www.fairwaycollisioncenter.com
125 E. Cty Rd. F • Vadnais Heights, 55127 ADVERTISING 651-407-1200 marketing@presspubs.com
CLASSIFIED 651-407-1250 classified@presspubs.com
2022
2022
of the Press
of the Press
White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights
Shoreview Press
818927 792568
After more than two decades with the Centennial Lakes Police Department and six years as its head, Chief of Police Jim Mork is retiring. An open house celebrating the occasion is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. June 30, at Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines. Mayor Matt Percy of Circle Pines addressed Mork at a recent city council meeting. “I just want to say thank you for everything you’ve done for CLPD. You’ve done a tremendous job as chief, and I’m really honored to have worked with you, seeing everything you’ve done for the department and our communities,” Percy said. “It’s been a steady hand at the wheel.” Mork stated that he felt his tenure went by quickly. “I feel very blessed because I came into a department that was already on the right track,” Mork said. “That’s what I was fortunate enough to have, and that’s
PRODUCTION 651-407-1253 artmanager@presspubs.com