Quad Community Press

Rotary member helps collect paper bags for food shelf

BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR

CIRCLE PINES—Chain of Lakes Rotary Member Mary Wynne is collecting brown paper grocery bags to donate to the Centennial Community Food Shelf.

“I’m always thinking, ‘What can I do for my community that I’ve lived in for 33 years, worked in for 22 years?’ It’s all about giving back or making a healthier environment,” Wynne said.

A Rotary member for 3 1/2 years, Wynne was conversing with a friend when she said she wanted to do something meaningful in the community.

Shortly afterward, she visited the Centennial Community Food Shelf and saw volunteers placing four brown paper bags in grocery carts for shoppers to use. “What can I do to help you guys out?” she asked. When she suggested collecting paper bags, the volunteers said that would be helpful. Wynne began reaching out to friends, fellow Rotarians and local grocery stores for help.

She said she’s collected over 400 bags in the past six weeks. According to Wynne, the food shelf uses up to 200 paper bags per night.

“I’m trying to think of simple things that we all can do for our community,” Wynne said. “It’s about a healthy environment, healthy community.”

Wynne said residents can donate paper bags at a Rotary meeting, which occurs on the first Wednesday of each month, or at the Centennial Community Food Shelf, located at 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines.

Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-431-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Music on the Lake: One last performance

Council, staff discuss final draft of environmental review

BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR

LINO LAKES —A final draft of the Main Street Corridor alternative urban areawide review has been presented to the City Council and city staff for their review. The review was presented by the city’s Environmental Coordinator Tom Hoffman at the council’s most recent work session.

An alternative urban areawide review is an environmental review process that evaluates the potential impacts of different development scenarios within a defined area. It helps city leaders and the public understand — before any development occurs — how land use changes could impact natural resources, infrastructure and the community.

The review submitted to the city looked at the environmental impacts of two development scenarios. Scenario 1, the city’s existing 2040 Comprehensive Plan. focuses on higher-density and commercial development along both sides of Main Street. Scenario 2 centralizes higher- and medium-density housing and commercial development near the Lino Lakes/Blaine border around Main Street and Sunset Avenue. SEE AUAR, PAGE 2

AUAR: Council members raise concerns about water management, traffic study

FROM PAGE 1

According to Hoffman, the environmental review covered various categories, such as climate resilience, traffic, transportation, other forms of pollution, and projected water demands. He added that 12 comments were received during the study. A majority of them raised concerns about the increase in traffic on residential and county roads, soil contamination, the impact on wildlife, and water quality. Five comments were received from the city of Blaine, Anoka County, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Metropolitan Council and the Rice Creek Watershed District.

A mitigation plan was submitted as part of the environmental review. The plan helps regulators understand which actions are advisable, recommended or necessary to protect the environment and minimize potential impacts by the proposed development scenarios.

The mitigation plan looks at land use, geology, soils and topography, water resources, hazardous waste, wildlife, visual impacts, air, noise, transportation and greenhouse gas emissions. Specific mitigation measures were added after the city received comments from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about avoiding a drastic impact on the population of Blanding’s turtles in the area. The efforts include limiting erosion and wetland impacts; checking bare ground, trenches, holes and depressions during construction activities; and following guidelines for interactions with in-danger turtles.

As the development moves forward, Hoffman said, the city will determine what requirements developers will need to meet regarding environmental impacts.

Traffic study

Council Member Dale Stoesz brought up the transportation study in the review, noting that Pine

Street was addressed but Carl Street was not.

Community Development Director Michael Grochala said Carl Street was part of the traffic study. Based on proposed improvements to Sunset Avenue, he said, the traffic study did not recommend a connection to Carl Street.

The county is proposing to add a shoulder along Sunset Avenue, roundabouts at Lilac Street and 121st Avenue NE, turn lanes at key intersections, and a raised median from Lilac Street to Main Street. Grochala said the improvements would eliminate left turn movements, or westbound to southbound traffic. He added that needs concerning Carl Street “can be addressed by some of the alternative routes that go around there.”

Surface water management

“Surface water management is a huge issue in Lino,” Council Member Chris Lyden said. “The wetlands are great, but the other side of that sword is: we’ve had individuals on Pine Street talk about water. What’s our best thinking on this? And are we capable of handling it?”

Grochala said drainage on the site is based on a 130-year-old ditch system that was created to handle agricultural use and “was, arguably, not maintained over 90 years of its existence.” He added that the system wasn’t improved until recent years.

“And now you’ve got culverts at different elevations, maybe some undersized, maybe some oversized,” he said. “As we go through building from south to north, our intent is to verify that system and improve that system to the extent we can.”

He said the city will replumb the entire site as development takes place. Larger ponds, which will provide more water storage, are proposed. On-site culverts could potentially be filled in or fixed. Development within the study area may start as early as spring 2026 and will continue in phases over the next 30 years, depending on market

This map shows the outline of an area that was studied for the alternative urban areawide review.

conditions. To read the full environmental review or learn more about the project, visit mappingnwmain.com.

Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651-4311226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

Minnesota Court of Appeals reverses 2024 water appropriation permits ruling

BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A three-judge Minnesota Court of Appeals panel has reversed and remanded last year’s administrative law judge ruling regarding water-appropriation permit amendments.

The 2024 decision had universally rejected a permit condition that would trigger an irrigation ban if White Bear Lake’s water elevation dips below 923.5 feet. The new decision undoes that ruling, stating that a water irrigation ban may be appropriate depending on the permit holder. This decision adds yet another layer to a longstanding dispute over the legal measures necessary to maintain the lake level.

The dispute began in 2013, when the White Bear Lake Restoration Association and White Bear Lake Homeowners’ Association Inc. sued the Department of Natural Resources under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. The suit alleged that the DNR had “mismanaged the groundwater appropriations permitting process, leading to materially adverse effects on the lake and aquifer.”

A 2017 Minnesota District Court decision found

that “groundwater pumping has had a negative, cumulative impact on both the lake and the aquifer.”

Subsequently, the DNR amended 44 well permits within a 5-mile radius of White Bear Lake, adding four new conditions. The conditions require permit holders to:

1. Prepare a contingency plan for fully or partially converting to surface water sources.

2. Enforce a residential irrigation ban when notified by the DNR that the lake has fallen below a level of 923.5 feet and until notified that the lake has reached 924 feet.

3. Submit an enforceable plan to phase down per capita- residential water use to 75 gallons per day and total per capita water use to 90 gallons per day.

4. Report on efforts to collaborate with neighboring communities on reducing water usage.

In December 2020, the Court of Appeals ruled that permit holders can obtain a contested-case hearing regarding these amendments, but they cannot relitigate the negative impact on surface waters.

The Court of Appeals also acknowledged that permit holders — especially those not involved in the lawsuit

— could hypothetically provide evidence of drawing their water from sources other than the aquifer beneath White Bear Lake. If such were the case, amendments for that specific permit would be adjusted accordingly.

Since that ruling, 17 of the 44 affected permit holders requested contested-case hearings. Ten of the 17 reached settlements; the remaining seven brought a consolidated hearing before an administrative law judge in May 2024. The judge found conditions 1, 3 and 4 to be “reasonable and lawful” measures to protect groundwater supplies. Condition 2, however, the judge found “arbitrary and thus not reasonably necessary.”

The seven permit holders appealed the decision regarding Conditions 1, 3 and 4.

On July 14, 2025, the Court of Appeals decided that the 2024 ruling should have neither universally rejected Condition 2 nor universally approved Condition 3.

The Court of Appeals specifically pointed to Lino Lakes’ contested-case arguments as evidence that 2024’s ruling was “arbitrary and capricious.” Lino Lakes argued that Condition 1 is infeasible for it because there is not enough surface water within its borders to support a conversion plan. Because the administrative law judge universally considered Condition 1 to be reasonable, the Court of Appeals argued the 2024 ruling “does not consider the specific arguments made by Lino Lakes … The ALJ’s decision is therefore unsupported by substantial evidence in this regard.”

The matter now goes back to the administrative law judge, who must make additional case-by-case findings for each permit holder. The burden of proof will fall on the permit holder’s representatives, who must justify exemptions to the four conditions.

AUGUST 12,

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

LEXINGTON FARMERS MARKET

When: 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays

Where: Lexington Municipal Liquor Store front parking lot, 9271 Lake Drive

Details: Vendors selling vegetables and fruit, baked goods, Maple syrup, tea and homemade gifts. Contact: Karen Gregory at 612-272-3386 or kgregory244@gmail.com

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

BALD EAGLE WATERSKI SHOWS

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays through end of August Where: Trailside Park, Centerville

Details: Volunteer team of waterskiers performs weekly throughout the summer, and travels throughout Minnesota to perform weekend shows. Contact: baldeaglewaterskishows.net

CENTERVILLE MAIN STREET MARKET

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays through August

Where: Trail Side Park, 7145 Main St., Centerville

Details: Local artisans, live music, and food vendors prior to the Bald Eagle Waterski show. Free parking at Centerville Elementary School. Contact: facebook.com/ CentervilleMainStreetMarket

CURRENT EVENTS

FOOD TRUCK AND FUN FESTIVAL

When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14

Where: Centennial Middle School, Details: Enjoy food trucks, a car show, local vendors and more. Put on by the Centennial Area Chamber. Contact: communityed.isd12.org

FAMILY CHILD CARE RESOURCE FAIR

When: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16

Where: Northtown Library, 711 County Hwy. 10 NE, Blaine

Details: Learn how to become a licensed child care provider, including information about grants and financial support, educational resources and local agencies.

Contact: 763-324-1235 or rs-hs-childcarelicensing@ anokacountymn.gov

ST. PAUL HIKING CLUB

When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17

Where: 4658 Fable Road, Hugo

Details: Walk along Lino Lakes Trails, with some hills, approx. 5 miles. Contact: stpaulhike.com

FOREST BATHING

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19

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

Details: Experience an immersive, meditative session of the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku with a certified guide. Registration information online.

Contact: anokacountyparks.com

Blue Heron Days

When: Thursday, Aug. 14-Saturday, Aug. 17

Where: The Rookery Activity Center, 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes

Details: Includes a car show and food truck festival, carnival games, open swimming at The Rookery, parade, touch-a-truck event and bounce houses.

Contact: linolakes.us/407/Blue-Heron-Days

• An ordinance regarding the compensation of the mayor and council members in 2026 will be drafted by city staff and presented to the City Council for adoption at a future meeting. According to City Clerk Roberta Colotti, City Code Section 203.01 states that, every two years, the council will review the salaries. Staff has recommended that the council review the council salaries to be effective in 2026, in accordance with state law, city code and past practices. As of 2024, the salary of the mayor is $11,298 and the salary of each council member is $9,497. The salaries are intended to cover all meetings that the mayor or council members may attend. Minnesota Statute 415.22 states that the council

may set the salaries at an amount to be established by ordinance and that the date must be effective after the next election. To meet these timeframes, the ordinance would need to be ratified before Nov. 4, 2025.

• The council continues to discuss the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management Organization joint powers agreement. According to Community Development Director Michael Grochala, the management organization is updating its watershed management plan and working to update the joint powers agreement at the same time. The agreement has been amended and renewed since its original adoption, with the current one set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.

Church Directory

Celebrate Mass with us!

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 761757

According to Grochala, the updated agreement will incorporate the organization’s longstanding procedures and recognize storm sewer utility fees as the organization’s primary source of funding. The organization includes the cities of Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake and White Bear Township.

• An update on the Otter Lake Road right of way was provided to the council. The project will require acquisition of permanent right-ofway, utility and drainage easements as well as temporary construction easements. According to the staff report, approximately eight parcels are affected by the project. Appraisals for the individual parcels are nearly

complete, and staff expect to be ready to make offers in September.

• Environmental Coordinator Tom Hoffman presented a draft of the final alternative urban areawide review for the Main Street Corridor project to the council and staff. The study area included 980 acres of the northwest portion of Lino Lakes. (See full story in this week’s issue.)

The next City Council work session will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Madeline Dolby

Father/son fishing trip

WPublisher’s View Carter Johnson

CONTRIBUTED

Mahtomedi resident Janet Heinsch, 104, fishing with her great grandson Carter Heisch.

e recently returned from our annual father/son weekend at Lake Kabetogama. For the past seven years my son and I, along with his friends George Norsman and Evan Heinsch and their dads, have spent a weekend boating, fishing, swimming, grilling and having fun at the Heinsch family cabin. As the boys have gotten older (two just graduated from high school and one just wrapped up his freshman year of college) it has become more and more challenging to find a few days of summer that work in everyone’s schedules. We wonder each year if they will continue to want to dedicate a precious summer weekend spending time with their dads, and are somewhat amazed that they still want to. This year, one dad had a trip planned for the weekend that worked for everyone else, so it was the three boys and two dads. We have established a routine where we load a trailer and truck with our gear and head out Thursday morning timing it for our stop at Gordy‘s High Hat in Cloquet for the famous burgers and fresh berry shakes for lunch. In the first few years we were actually served by owner Gordon Lundquist, who died in 2001 at the age of 93. When we arrive at the cabin we all have a few duties to get unpacked, get food and bait properly stored, and the boat ready and put in the water. In the early years, we would set up the floating trampoline in the lake, but the boys have mostly outgrown it, along with going tubing. At 18 and 19 years old, they are more interested in driving the John Deere, fishing, and late night campfires. Dinner the first night has usually been pizza at Rocky Ledge, however this year, George had smoked a pork butt and brought it up for a dinner so we amended our usual plan. In fact, the thing that was noticeably different this year was how engaged the boys were in planning all meals and also preparing them. They still let their moms do the pre-trip grocery shopping.

The lake was calm and we took in sites and sounds on the waters of Voygeurs National Park. At our first stop, the boys fished harder than we had in past years. The fish were biting soft and it felt like we were just feeding out our golden shiners. We were almost skunked. Its always fun to see the iconic Hamms Beer island. We took in and explored Hoist Bay and popped in at the Kettle Falls Hotel.

We met Great-grandma Janet Heinsch the first year at the cabin, and she was there with us again this year. A Mahtomedi resident, Janet is 104 years old and prefers to stay in her own little rustic cabin without all the modern amenities. After we left, we received a message that she had gone fishing catching a walleye to big to keep, northern pike and had lunch at Kettle Falls. How wonderful that we have been included in the memories at the cabin. It’s a great way to end the summer with our boys before they head off to college.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

OPINION

Bright harvests in cold climates:

Growing citrus trees in pots up north

TGardener’s Grapevine

Brenda Ortmann

here’s something magical about plucking a fresh lemon or lime from your own tree—especially when you live in a northern climate. That tempting dream is what led me (and many others) to take the plunge and bring home a citrus tree. Because our winters are harsh, growing citrus here means keeping them in pots so they can be brought indoors during colder months. In the summer, they shine as patio showstoppers. The secret to long-term success is knowing exactly how to care for them, especially once they are back inside.

To boost your chances of success, it is best to start with more forgiving citrus varieties. I recommend Meyer lemon, Calamondin orange, or a kumquat tree to begin your citrus journey. Dwarf varieties can also work well, but it’s best to begin with something proven to be

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easier care and build your skills from there. When it comes to pots, go just one to two inches larger than the nursery pot your tree came in. I opt for glazed ceramic containers because I’m prone to underwatering. If you’re the overwatering type, terra cotta is better for allowing moisture to escape. Citrus roots hate soggy conditions, so use a well-draining soil mix and a pot with a drainage hole. A light soil made with perlite or sand is ideal. You can also find DIY citrus soil blends online if you’re feeling adventurous.

Summer care is fairly simple. Citrus trees love sunlight—aim for at least six to eight hours a day—and they thrive in our Minnesota humidity. Let the soil dry out between waterings, but don’t panic over a rainy stretch because with proper drainage, they can handle it. Yellow leaves can be an indication of overwatering, but also a lack of nutrition, which they need to successfully bear fruit. I fertilize three times a year: Once in February (before blooming), in June (after blooming) and in October.

Once nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 50°F, it’s time to bring your citrus plant indoors. Do a thorough pest inspec-

tion, hose off the leaves (gently if fruit is present), and spray with a neem oil solution a couple of times during the first few weeks. If you find bugs mid-winter, neem or horticultural oil are safe for edible fruit trees.

The big challenges indoors are light and humidity. A south-facing window might provide enough sunlight, but indoor air is often too dry. A humidifier helps, but I go all in with a mini greenhouse and grow lights to keep my tree happy. Pebble trays and misting help a little but often aren’t enough on their own.  Citrus fruit takes patience—often 6 to 12 months to ripen. My lime tree sets fruit from April through summer, and I don’t harvest until at least mid-winter when the limes start to turn yellow. Pick the fruit too soon, and you will be disappointed with hard, bitter fruit.  With the right care, citrus trees can thrive in pots and bring yearround joy. And when those fragrant blossoms open in early spring, your whole home feels like it’s waking up with them.

Brenda Ortmann is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

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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.

Thank you volunteers and staff

On behalf of the city of Circle Pines, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, along with all of our incredible volunteers and staff, for your time, energy and dedication in making our 75th anniversary celebration such a wonderful success.

Milestones like this are only

Wallie is a charming, handsome, independent young fella who is ready to find his forever home and family. The 3-yearold terrier/schnauzer

NAMES IN THE NEWS

John Andrews

possible through the support and commitment of people like you. Your contributions — big and small — helped create a celebration that truly reflected the spirit and pride of our community. Thank you for being an essential part of this special event and for helping make it one to remember for years to come.

Jenny Kromrey, Circle

Pines 75th anniversary committee chair

mix weighs about 40 pounds. He was found as a stray in Texas and arrived at Ruff Start Rescue as part of the Lone Star to North Star Rescue Relief Program. Wallie loves being outside to explore, so a home with a securely fenced yard would suit him well. He is curious, adventurous, and very athletic, and he has a strong prey drive. He likes to chase birds and squirrels. Wallie is house- and cratetrained, although he is not a fan of being kenneled. He is social with other dogs and friendly to everyone

he meets. Wallie is playful, intelligent and eager to please. He would do well in a formal training program; with all of his energy, he might even be a good candidate for agility training. For sure he will make a good walking and hiking partner. If you are interested in learning more about Wallie or adopting him, please fill out an application at www. ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application is received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

St. Joseph Summer Festival

St. Joseph of the Lakes Church, in Lino Lakes, held its Summer Festival over the weekend. The festival is a time for parishioners, their families and friends and the community to come together and celebrate. There was an outdoor mass, live music, fireworks, a chicken picnic, silent auction, food, games and entertainment.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF CIRCLE PINES, MINNESOTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Circle Pines, Minnesota will hold a public hearing at a meeting of the Council beginning at 7:00 P.M., on August 26, 2025, to be held at the 200 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines, Minnesota, on the proposal that the City abate property taxes levied by the City on the following property identified as below (the “Tax Abatement Property”):

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Northern Star Scouting recently announced the retirement of Scout Executive and CEO John Andrews. Andrews completes a 42-year Scouting career, including 25 years leading the organization that serves youth in Scouting programs throughout the Twin Cities metro area and part of greater Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.

Shoreview native Jeff Sulzbach has been named the new Scout Executive and CEO of Northern Star Scouting. Sulzbach began his career in the organization (formerly Indianhead Council), and comes back to Minnesota after roles as Scout Executive in the Aloha Council (Hawaii) and as CEO of the Greater Los Angeles Area Council.

Andrews and Sulzbach led the merger of the Indianhead and Viking councils, which created Northern Star Scouting in 2005. Both are Eagle Scouts.

A reception will be held at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 to honor Andrews and celebrate Northern Star's 20th anniversary at the Base Camp team-building center at Fort Snelling. To learn more about the anniversary celebration or Northern Star Scouting programs, visit northernstar.org. Jeff Sulzbach

CONSTRUCTION BRIEF

County Road J project begins, impacts traffic

Construction on County Road J — from Centerville Road to Otter Lake Road, including the Interstate 35E interchange — has begun and will continue in 2026.

The project creates multiple road closures and traffic impacts. Traffic is barred through the intersection of Centerville Road and County Road J.

CITY BRIEF

Detours are in place. The project is led by Ramsey County in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, Anoka County, White Bear Township, North Oaks and Lino Lakes. For more information about the project, visit www.ramseycounty.us/residents/ roads-transportation.

Centerville participates in U of M program

The city of Centerville will participate in the second round of the University of Minnesota’s Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program.

Centerville is seeking assistance with public engagement in advance of a comprehensive plan update, with a focus on the city’s downtown area. It has been 20 years since the Centerville Downtown Master Plan has been evaluated. Since then, changing market conditions, community demographics and resident needs have rendered the plan obsolete. Because of this, the University will host community gatherings to assess community needs and assets, as well as to identify and develop projects focused on the future of downtown Centerville within the context of the larger community.

For more information about the program, visit www.cts.umn.edu/ programs/empoweringcommunities/phase2awards.

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25-31-23-14-0126 25-31-23-23-0025 25-31-23-32-0003 30-31-22-22-0056 30-31-22-23-0011

25-31-23-14-0137 25-31-23-23-0029 25-31-23-32-0004 30-31-22-22-0057 30-31-22-23-0012

25-31-23-14-0138 25-31-23-23-0030 25-31-23-32-0005 30-31-22-22-0058 30-31-22-23-0013

25-31-23-14-0139 25-31-23-23-0031 25-31-23-32-0006 30-31-22-22-0059 30-31-22-23-0014

25-31-23-14-0140 25-31-23-23-0032 25-31-23-32-0007 30-31-22-22-0060 30-31-22-23-0015

25-31-23-14-0141 25-31-23-23-0033 25-31-23-32-0008 30-31-22-22-0061 30-31-22-23-0016

25-31-23-14-0196 25-31-23-23-0034 25-31-23-32-0009 30-31-22-22-0062 30-31-22-23-0017

25-31-23-14-0197 25-31-23-23-0036 25-31-23-32-0010 30-31-22-22-0063 30-31-22-23-0018

25-31-23-14-0198 25-31-23-23-0037 25-31-23-32-0011 30-31-22-22-0064 30-31-22-23-0019

25-31-23-14-0199 25-31-23-23-0038 25-31-23-32-0014 30-31-22-22-0065 30-31-22-23-0020

25-31-23-14-0201 25-31-23-23-0039 25-31-23-32-0015 30-31-22-22-0066 30-31-22-23-0021

25-31-23-14-0203 25-31-23-23-0041 25-31-23-32-0017 30-31-22-22-0068 30-31-22-23-0023

25-31-23-14-0204

The total amount of the taxes proposed to be abated

Possible vehicle fire draws in departments

At 12:29 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, the Spring Lake ParkBlaine-Mounds View Fire Department was

paged to a possible vehicle fire in the 3700 block of Flowerfield Road NE in Blaine. Centennial Engine 1, of the Centennial Fire District, arrived to a van on fire and pulled a line for fire attack. Spring Lake ParkBlaine-Mounds View Engine 1 arrived and attacked a small brush fire that sparked from the original fire.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Police recovered a bicycle found July 30 in the 9100 block of South Highway Drive in Lexington.

• Police observed a traffic violation July 30 at the intersection of North Road and Lakeview Drive in Circle Pines. The driver was arrested.

• Officers were dispatched Aug. 1 to an animal complaint in the 0 block of East Road in Circle Pines.

• Police responded Aug. 1 to a report of a motor vehicle personal injury accident in the 7000 block of Centerville Road in Centerville.

• Police took a delayed dog-bite report Aug. 2 in the 0 block of Park Drive in Circle Pines.

• Officers were dispatched Aug. 2 to a possible domestic assault in the 8900 block of Arona Avenue in Lexington. A male was arrested at the scene.

• Police conducted a traffic stop Aug. 3 at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Lovell Road in Lexington.

• Police conducted a traffic stop Aug. 3 at the intersection of Lake Drive and Woodland Road in Lexington. The driver was subsequently arrested for fourth-degree DWI.

• Officers were dispatched Aug. 4 to a property damage accident that occurred at the intersection of Woodland Road and Lexington Avenue in Lexington.

• Officers responded Aug. 4 to a landlord-tenant dispute in the 200 block of Twilite Terrace in Circle Pines.

• Police responded Aug. 4 to a noise complaint in the 8800 block of Lexington Avenue in Lexington.

• Police responded Aug. 4 to a report of a someone

CALENDAR BRIEF

slumped in a vehicle at the intersection of Main Street and Centerville Road in Centerville.

• Officers were dispatched Aug. 5 on reports of a male who needed to be trespassed in the 2000 block of Main Street in Centerville.

• Police responded Aug. 5 to a report of an unwanted person inside a building in the 9000 block of Griggs Avenue in Lexington.

The Lino Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Officers conducted a warrant attempt July 28 at a residence in the 7900 block of Henry Lane. A woman was arrested for her warrant and booked at jail.

• Officers were dispatched July 28 to a crash notification from an iPhone in the 6500 block of Hodgson Road. No crash was located, but the phone was found and returned to the owner.

• An officer responded July 28 to a report of a boulevard tree that fell onto a car in the 7100 block of Second Avenue. Public works was advised.

• Officers responded July 28 to a theft report in the 700 block of Town Center Parkway. Officers investigated but were unable to identify a suspect.

• An officer took a theft report July 28 in the 700 block of Apollo Drive. The investigation is ongoing.

• An officer was informed July 28 that a motorist picked up a stray cat in the 7000 block of Lake Drive and would like to bring it to a shelter. The officer provided the caller with a case number, and the cat was brought to an animal shelter.

• Officers responded July 28 to a report of possible shots fired at the intersection of Black Duck Drive and

Lantern Lane. After investigation, it was determined no shots were fired.

• An officer received a report July 29 of a tree and utility cables down at the intersection of Holly Drive and Cassiopeia Court. Officers cleared most of the debris and advised public works for cleanup.

• Officers responded July 29 to a report of suspicious activity involving a scam call in the 500 block of Aqua Circle. Officers determined no personal information was provided and advised the individual how to further protect themselves.

• An officer responded July 29 to a report of a loose, aggressive dog in the 800 block of Orange Street. The officer made contact with the owner of the dog. The owner was cited for the violation.

• An officer received a report July 29 of a possible online threat in the 600 block of Town Center Parkway. The officer spoke with the caller and documented their concerns.

• Officers received a report July 29 of disorderly conduct at a gas station in the 6700 block of Hodgson Road. Officers identified the parties, but the victim did not want to pursue charges.

• Officers conducted a traffic stop July 30 near Interstate 35W and Main Street on a driver for a misdemeanor warrant and driving after revocation. The driver received a citation and was updated with new court information.

• Officers responded July 30 to a report of a suspicious boat parked on a private dock in the 6100 block of Bald Eagle Boulevard W. Officers investigated and determined the boat was stolen from another city. The outside agency was advised, and the

Centennial Community Education hosts festival Aug. 14

Centennial Community Education will host a food truck and fun festival from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Centennial Middle School. For more information, visit communityed.isd12.org. Centennial Middle School is located at 399 Elm St., Lino Lakes.

boat was towed.

• Officers responded July 30 to a report of a possible car fire near Interstate 35E and Main Street. Officers determined that there was no fire and the driver of the vehicle had car trouble. Officers provided the driver and passengers with a courtesy transport.

• An officer located three individuals July 20 in a city park in the 6600 block of West Shadow Lake Drive after hours. One of the individuals was charged with possession of marijuana by a minor and released to an adult.

• An officer responded July 31 to a traffic complaint in the 800 block of Birch Street regarding a juvenile male riding a motorized bike on city sidewalks. The mother of the youth was advised of the city ordinance violation.

• Officers responded July 31 to a delayed report of a verbal altercation between neighbors in the 600 block of 79th Street. Officers determined no crime had occurred, and the complainant did not want the other party contacted. The complainant requested extra patrols in the neighborhood.

• An officer responded July 31 to an ordinance complaint in the 6200 block of Red Maple Lane. While investigating the complaint, the officer arrested a male for driving while cancelled inimical to public safety.

• Officers responded Aug. 1 to a two-vehicle property damage hit-and-run crash that occurred at the intersection of Birch Street and Centerville Road. The situation was resolved, and there were no injuries.

• A driver struck a parked car Aug. 1 while parking in the lot of a local business in the 7600 block of Lake Drive. Minor damage was

sustained; both vehicles were driven from the scene.

• An officer responded Aug. 1 to a report of credit card fraud in the 7600 block of Lake Drive. The investigation is ongoing.

• Police and fire departments responded Aug. 1 to the 7400 block of Main Street to assist a stranded boater. The boater was rescued with the assistance of a good Samaritan.

• An officer responded Aug. 1 to a report of a female in the 7100 block of Snow Owl Lane who had questions about obtaining a restraining order. She was advised of the process.

• An officer took a traffic complaint Aug. 1 in the 500 block of Andall Street. The investigation is ongoing.

• Officers responded Aug. 2 to a report of theft at a store in the 6000 block of Hodgson Road. The suspect, a woman, returned to the store and paid for the items. She was then trespassed from the property.

• Officers responded Aug. 2 to a report of a dispute regarding a juvenile on a motorized bike in the 6600 block of Red Birch Court. Officers mediated and documented the situation.

• An officer responded Aug. 3 to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 7700 block of 20th Avenue. When advised of the incident, the registered owner said they would move the vehicle.

• An officer responded Aug. 3 to a report of a loose dog in the 6600 block of Black Duck Drive. Officers followed the dog, which returned home. The dog’s owner retrieved the dog and was issued a warning for having a loose animal.

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.

Senator Gustafson honored as 2025 Legislator of

Heather Gustafson

Distinction

The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 28 state lawmakers, including Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL - Vadnais Heights), as 2025 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts to Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session. Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s board of directors. The League said in a news release that the awards recognize the collaboration among state and city officials needed to successfully serve communities and meet the needs of rural, urban and suburban Minnesotans. The League said Gustafson was instrumental in working with the League on zoning and land use issues. “Not only did she and her staff consistently make themselves available to League staff and the cities [she] represents,” it said, “but she worked diligently to convey city positions on a myriad of key issues. Sen. Gustafson checked in with League staff and her own cities on a weekly basis and helped provide key insight into city positions to colleagues on both sides of the aisle as a member of the Senate State and Local Government Committee.”

For more information, visit lmc.org.

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S E R V I C E D I

When not legislating, local lawmaker gets in some swings

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Elliott Engen is 2-for-3 so far in political elections. His winning percentage on baseball teams is not nearly as good, but nothing can dim the 26-year-old Lino Lakes resident’s enthusiasm for the sport he’s played since childhood.

“Baseball is my passion,” said the former White Bear Lake and Hamline catcher who’s played for White Bear Township four years while serving District 36A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“I’ve loved the competition and the camaraderie of baseball at every level,” said Engen. Duty, however, frequently intervenes.

“We get called in for special sessions, and there’s town halls, marketfest, and hearing from constituents. And (the legislature) is my first priority.”

“Elliott misses the most games of anyone,” said White Bear Township manager Bill Capocasa.

“He’s pretty busy. He’s older than the other guys, he’s got a young kid, and he’s got his legislature duty. But he’s a good guy to have on the team.”

In addition to baseball, Engen has passion for public service. It started at home with admiration for his father, a fire fighter at the time. The phone would ring in the middle of the night and Andrew Engen would rush to a fire. Elliott loved hearing his stories the next day.

While still in college, Engen wanted start making his own public service contribution.

“I got into politics early,” he acknowledges. “Instead of hoping things would change for the better, I wanted to see if I could do something about it.”

Engen lost by 100 votes in 2020 at age 21, but won in 2022 and won again in 2024. “People saw a need for a new generation,” surmised Engen, the youngest local elected

official in decades. He graduated from Hamline during the fall of his first election cycle.

Hoping to follow his father, grandfather and uncle as a volunteer fireman, he is waiting to get into the firefighter academy.

As a ballplayer, Engen is a rare switch hitter. Naturally righthanded, he taught himself to bat lefty before age ten because he was enamored with the left-handed swings of Joe Mauer (“that inside out swing to slap the ball to left”), Barry Bonds (“all those homers into McCovey Cove”) and Ken Griffey Jr. (“an uppercut that was a work of art.”)

Engen got plenty of at-bats both ways growing up in West Park, near Memorial Beach. “There were about 35 boys within three blocks and we would play baseball sun up to sun down, every day — then go swimming.”

Engen was a four-year starter at catcher for the Bears on teams that went 17-59, earning academic all-conference honors. Victories have also been scarce with White Bear Township; currently they are 5-15. Engen hit close to .300 two years ago when he was able to play

a lot of games. Last year he was campaigning and didn’t suit up at all, and this year he’s made just four games.

At Hamline, he got more a taste of winning. He was a two-year starting catcher, batting .205 and .225, on teams that went 17-20 and 17-22. They didn’t have much power but scrapped with singles, walks, bunts, hit-by-pitches. He enjoyed their small-ball approach: “We called it ‘Hunting 90.’ We played 90 feet at a time.”

Engen had one particular moment of glory as a Piper. Pinch hitting with bases loaded in the last inning against St. John’s, one run down, and batting lefty against a left-hander, he executed a Joe Mauer inside-out swing just right. “I hit one right on the screws, and smoked it off the wall in left field,” he said. “A walk off hit! Everyone mobbing me. We did the ‘dogpile’ and all that. I still have the video of it.”

Baseball is more than fun; it’s also a good teacher, he maintains. “The skills and life lessons you learn translate over to public service — to have fun, work hard, be honest.”

Lino Lakes Legion finishes 8-4; leaders listed

The Lino Lakes Legion baseball team finished with an 8-4 record. The Cougars were 1-1 in the sub-state tournament and ended the season there due to players having other commitments.

Matthew Siegler led the Cougars with a .571 batting average, 16for-28, with eight runs and five steals. Calvin Coppersmith was a productive leadoff man, batting .297 with 11 hits, 10 walks, 16 runs and nine stolen bases.

Nolan Border hit .400 with 12 hits, five runs and five RBI’s. Tanner Dittriich hit .400 with eight hits, eight runs and six steals. Tripp Stensrud hit .350 with and a team-leading 10 RBI’s. Ethan Lewis hit

Matthew Siegler batted .571 with 16 hits for Lino Lakes.

.310 with nine hits, nine RBI’s and six runs. Jack D’Agostino was their top pitcher, working the most innings, 14 in four games, posting a 2-0 record, 0.71 earnedrun-average and five strikeouts. He batted .227 (5-for-22) with seven RBI’s. The Cougars used 12 pitchers. Siegler was next with 10.33 innings in three games, a 1-1 record, eight strikeouts and a 3.27 ERA.

The Legion team was managed by Robert Lynch, also the high school coach.

Cougar town team finishes 17-7

The Centennial town baseball team finished with a 17-7 record, including 3-3-1 in the Metro Minny. The Cougars bowed out after a three-game playoff series to Anoka last week as they lost 4-1, won 2-1 and lost 5-2 on Monday, Aug. 4.

Ethan Pettis was the leading pitcher with a 4-1 record, two saves and a 0.95 earned-run-average.

The University of Minnesota-Duluth athlete and Blaine graduate threw 57 innings with 52 strikeouts and just nine walks. Next was Eric Charest, posting a 3-2 record, one save, a 2.51 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 51.67 innings. The team used 13 pitchers, combining for a 2.16 ERA in 221 innings with 193 strikeouts.

Cooper Anderson batted .387 with 24 hits, 12 RBI’s, 11 runs, seven steals, 12 walks and a .479 on-base-percentage. Tyler Ross hit .350 with 28 hits and 16 RBI’s. Cooper Fiskewold hit .340 with 17 hits, seven runs, 15 walks and a .492 on-base percentage.  Bryson Mohs batted .301 with 25 hits, 10 runs, 10 RBI’s and 14 walks. Caden Klebba hit .297 with 11 hits and eight runs. Joe Cyzewski, player-manager, playing in 12 of the 24 games, hit .458 with 11 hits, five RBI’s and a .519 on-base percentage.

The Cougars had a .284 team batting average with 250 hits including 34 doubles, three triples and four homers. Belting one homer each were Fiskewold, Charlie Mohr, Ethan Pettis and Garrett Stauffacher. They had 59 stolen bases, 18 of them by Joe Pettis (who hit .205 with 12 walks) and 11 by Sam Kilber (who hit .269).

Better together: Night to Unite creates connections

Members of the Lino Lakes Fire Department, Lino Lakes Police Department and Centennial

Unite.