Longer and warmer days make it fun to seek out the first signs of spring — Even in a snowstorm. A bunch of birds braved the recent snowstorm in rural Hugo for a chance to have a snack. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the first eastern bluebirds and wood ducks return in March to look for nest boxes. The best waterfowl migration occurs from mid-March through mid-April.
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — One resident is questioning what is driving the city’s water and sewer rate increases for 2026.
Resident Josh Wicklander recently visited the City Council to ask some questions in hopes of learning more about the driving factors behind the increasing rates.
“The finance department has completed its analysis of water and sewer billing data and has prepared a pro forma financial guide and corresponding service rates for the 2026 fiscal year,” City Administrator Bryan Bear explained. “Water and sewer rates were last adjusted in 2025. At that time, adjustments were made to both base rates and usage rates. The overall goal is to provide adequate revenue to cover water and sewer operations as contained in the pro forma financial guide.”
According to Finance Director Anna Wobse, an average single-family residential utility customer will be charged $674 annually for both water SEE 2026 FEES, PAGE 8
BY MADELINE DOLBY QUAD COMMUNITY PRESS EDITOR
LINO LAKES — An outlot located south of Main Street and west of Otter Lake Road on the border of Hugo and Lino Lakes may be divided into two commercial lots. The plat is being called Otter Crossing South Second Addition.
The final plat for Otter Crossing South was approved in May 2025. It created Lot 1 for an ALDI (See “ALDI grocery store a possibility for Lino Lakes, Hugo residents,” Quad Community Press, March 18, 2025) and Outlots A and B for future commercial development. Now, Tyme Properties
LLC is proposing to subdivide Outlot B, located next to the ALDI, into two commercial lots.
According to City Planner Katie Larsen, the outlot is zoned GB (general business) and is guided commercial per the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed preliminary plat is also consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan for commercial development.
lots. Per city code, properties zoned general business need a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet and must be 100 feet wide.
“We’re excited about keeping this (development) moving. We have some very interested users in the future commercial strip. ”
Paul Schreier President of Tyme Properties
Within Outlot B, there will be two
“Lot 1 is a little over 44,000 square feet. Lot 2 is a little over 42,000 square feet,” Larsen said. “Our lot width requirement is 100 feet in width. Lot 1 is at 164 (feet) and Lot 2 is at 167) feet. So, both lots meet our size and width requirements.”
According to Larsen, Lot 1 is going to be a future Taco Bell site. A separate
land use application for the site and building plan review for the proposed Taco Bell has been submitted and is under review by city staff, according to Larsen. Lot 2 is going to be future commercial development. It will also require a separate land use application. “Right now, they’re proposing maybe a little retail strip facility of some sort,” Larsen added.
There will be a private street on the property to provide access to Lots 1 and 2. Approximately 22.85 acres lie to the south of the ALDI and Outlot B that will be used for future development.
An original traffic study was
SEE 2 PARCELS, PAGE 8
BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Centerville City Council and its citizens would welcome commercial development, along with a certain amount of residential development. They just don’t want to pay for it.
Following presentations from Northland Securities Managing Director Tammy Omdal and representatives of Equinox Development, the council voted not to hold a tax abatement public hearing. A public hearing would have been the first step in the tax abatement process to help Equinox Development finance the construction of a 59-unit market rental property at 7181 21st Avenue.
The development would have taken up approximately 5.3 acres of long-vacant land in the northeast corner of Centerville 1.2 miles from downtown. The buildings of two or three stories would have housed one-, two- or three-bedroom units, all with 2.5 bathrooms. Construction on the project was planned for summer 2026 through early fall 2027, said Katelyn Murray from Equinox Development.
The developers had planned to finance the project through tax abatement from the city, Metropolitan Council livable communities grant money and funding from Anoka County. Applications for the Metropolitan
Council grant are due in April.
Terms of assistance from Centerville to the developer included a maximum term of 10 years, with the estimated tax abatement value to the developer of $520,762, payable with 5% interest. Tax abatement acts like a simpler and less powerful version of tax increment financing (TIF), Omdal said.
Granting tax increment financing has always been a tough sell in Centerville.
The council believed that tax abatement, or “TIF-lite,” would not have been well received by its residents, either.
“Based on review and analysis of the application, Northland is of the opinion that the project would not reasonably be expected to occur solely through private investment within the reasonably foreseeable future,” Omdal said. “These are policy decisions that this project is a priority, but you may be OK with the project not proceeding,” she told the council.
“I don’t think this is a very good idea. This project has a long way to go,” said Council Member David Kubat. “Other projects have already been financed by the developers, and this isn’t. The vacant lot (in question) got rezoned from commercial to residential recently. We were already going to get this going to begin with and (now we’re) adding financing to it. I’m not opposed to this type of thing, but (we have) a 10-year wait to get paid
back. I know what our residents think about things like this.”
“I really wanted this project,” said Mayor Nancy Golden. “The land use — tucked back in a quiet area to be residential — is the right use. But our budgets are so tight now and getting worse. We’re not going to have any support from the state, and that makes it really tough. Everyone up here wants it, but when you live in a town this small, not only dollars count — pennies count.”
“That’s the part I don’t understand. I need to have to explain to taxpayers why they need to be involved,” Council Member Russ Koski said. “(In my day), you built, you made money, you never had to ask for someone else to help you pay. The financial gain isn’t necessarily a gain for the city, but for the developer. A grocery store is different — it provides jobs and a service,” he said.
“We’re not saying ‘no’. We’re waiting for the right thing,” Kubat said. “It’s frustrating because things sit longer than we want to. Amazon is here now, but that (land they’re on) used to be a huge pile of dirt. It’s about what Centerville will support.”
Loretta Harding is a contributing writer for Press Publications. She can be reached by emailing news@presspubs.com.
Bailey is charming, playful, fun-loving and intelligent. She is just about 1 years old (11 months) and she weighs 50 pounds. Bailey is a friendly German shepherd/Labrador retriever mix. She is a great house guest and greets family and friends with enthusiasm. She is also social with other dogs, and she loves to play. Bailey is astute; in addition to playing with her toys, she enjoys a mind game or a puzzle that challenges her and results with a treat. She also enjoys a good tug session with her rope and a willing participant. When she’s not playing, Baily is a sweet, affectionate partner who enjoys cuddling and gentle pets. Bailey is smart and young enough, with a lot of energy and initiative, that she would be a great candidate for a formal training program. Training would also help her become her best self. Bailey is anxious to find her forever person or family and a loving home where she can thrive. If you are interested in learning more about Bailey 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.
HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’
When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, March 19; the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. 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
CRIBBAGE
When: 1 p.m. Monday, March 23; 1st and 4th Monday of every month
Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th St. N., Hugo Details: Senior citizens from Hugo and surrounding area are invited to an afternoon of cribbage. Coffee and refreshments served.
Contact: 651-429-4413
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Where: Mahtomedi Middle School gym
Details: Teams of two compete in single-elimination bracket format, with prizes for top 3 teams. Ages 14+; registration information online. Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com
JAZZY FUNDRAISER FOR THE WBLAHS BLACK STUDENT UNION
When: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Where: Private home on Bald Eagle Lake, White Bear Township
Details: House concert featuring student performers and special guest artists including Mari Harris and a jazz quartet of members of the WBUCC Big Band. Also silent auction and refreshments Donations support the Black Student Union and their upcoming tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. For ticket information, contact pollyflutist@gmail.com.
NOODLES FOR NORTHWOODS
When: 4 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Where: Invisible Wounds Project, 128 6th Ave SW, Forest Lake
Details: Come support the Northwoods Humane Society with a spaghetti dinner, raffles, wine pull and silent auction. Tickets are available at Northwoods
Rookery puts on egg hunt event
Hop into spring at the Rookery Activity Center EGGstravaganza from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 20. There will be an egg hunt for kids ages 1 through 7 in the gym with the chance to find golden eggs and special prizes. Children are encouraged to bring a flashlight and their own bucket. At the pool, there will be egg drops and activities for kids ages 7 through 12.
Children who are registered will also receive a prize bag. Registration is required; sign up through The Rookery at tinyurl.com/bp5rht7s. The Rookery Activity Center is located at 7690 Village Drive, Lino Lakes.
BURGERS FOR THE TROOPS
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 23; the 4th Monday of every month
Where: American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N, Hugo
Details: Stop by the Legion for dinner and show your support for the troops. Menu includes burger and chips. Cash and checks only. No credit cards. The event is sponsored by the Hugo Beyond the Yellow Network, and all proceeds support military families.
Humane Society or online at bit.ly/3Oz7H25. Tickets also available at the door.
Contact: 651-982-0240.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE ARMORY
When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St. Details: Local-themed trivia, drink specials, and prizes for top 3 teams (up to 6 people). Register online. Contact: whitebearhistory.org
SOCIAL SECURITY: PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26
Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave.
Details: Learn when to apply, how to maximize your benefits, and how it may affect a spouse. Contact: communityservices.isd624.org/adults-seniors/programs
• In December, special assessment agreements and waivers were approved for 6996 Brian Drive and 1932 and 1940 Eagle Trail. These agreements were for the completion of a backyard drainage project. The city has received an updated proposal for the entire project from the lowest bidder, Olson’s Excavating Ser vice.
Due to cost increases in ma terials, the new bid proposal is $57,796.39; the original bid was $54,005.34. The work is tentatively scheduled to start in June 2026. The residents of 6996 Brian Drive have agreed to pay for their portion of the project, which is $14,196.40. This includes $2,000 for
WHITE BEAR LAKE LIONS 76TH ANNUAL SHOW: STAR TREKED
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28
Where: WBLAHS Theater, 5045 Division Ave.
Details: Annual spring fundraiser features dancing, singing, costumes and scripts written and performed by local Lions members. Tickets available through Lions members or online.
Contact: whitebearlions.org/annual-lions-club-show
THANK GOODNESS ITS FOOD
When: 11:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 27
Where: White Bear Area Senior Center, 2399 Cedar Ave.
Details: Lunch catered by Donatelli's. Register by March 23.
Contact: communityservices.isd624.org/adults-seniors/programs
SMOKED TURKEY BOOYAH DRIVE THRU
When: 10:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29
Where: Forest Lake Masons, 119 8th Ave. SE
Details: Pick up a Booyah meal curbside while supporting the Forest Lake High School Clay Target Teams.
Contact: forestlakemasons.com
BINGO FOR BROOMSTICKS
When: Friday, April 17; Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Hugo American Legion
Details: The Hugo Fire Relief Assocaition is partnering with Ducks Unlimited for a Bingo Night. In addition to Bingo, there will be raffle prizes. Reserve your spot ahead of time by visiting https://www.hugofirerelief.org.
Contact: RHoernemann@ci.hugo.mn.us
KIDZ N BIZ
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 18
Where: Oneka Elementary
Details: The Hugo Business Association will host its annual Kidz n Biz event, featuring games, dancing, face painting, bounce houses, fire engines and more. Contact: www.hugobusinesses.biz
the 1922 Eagle Trail homeowners’ portion. Xcel Energy has stated there may be an additional $3,000 expense if the transformer on site requires relocation. The residents of 6996 Brian Drive have agreed to this additional cost if relocation is needed. Council approved the contract with Olson’s for $57,796.39 that will use money from the stormwater fund. It also approved the revised special assessment agreement to include the added costs for the property owners at 6996 Brian Drive.
desires for downtown and how the guidance for development, transportation and public spaces can be better aligned in a cohesive, achievable framework, said City Administrator Athanasia Lewis in her report. Residents are invited to take the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ DowntownCenterville.
• Kubat announced that the meeting would be his last due to uncertainty in his residential status. He said he would soon submit a formal letter to the city. “I’m saying goodbye, but I’m not gone.” Loretta Harding
• The city is developing a future vision for the downtown area. The city needs to hear from residents, property owners and visitors about their perspectives and
Saturday at 4:30 pm Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center 6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937
OPublisher’s View
ur newspaper offices receive some pretty interesting calls. Readers call us to ask where the location of a concert or play is, to report concerns not being addressed by a landlord or employer, or where to find help for medical issues or a home remodel. Most of the time these calls are in response to something we have covered in the paper. Sometimes the questions are totally unrealted to anything we have published and readers are simply looking for resources in the community and figure the people at the local paper would know. Today in a world where AI is giving results to most searches, it can be difficult to get to the bottom of some of these questions, and a real person on the phone is helpful. We try to help when we can, giving readers information about how to get in touch with local organizations, city offices or their legislators. We get calls about local businesses, and our staff may guide readers toward a current phone number or calling the manager of the business to help connect, or the Attorney General or Better Business Bureau. Occasionally people engaging in dialogue through letters to the editor have asked if we could put them directly in touch with each other. Recently a reader called our news staff because they wanted to assist another reader with a problem they had shared in a letter to the editor, which was pretty cool.
Sunshine Week, subscriptions
We all believe we have a right to know about the actions of our local villages, cities, townships and government bodies that affect their lives. Sunshine Week promotes transparency and open government, turning the light up regarding the public’s right to know. Most of us have felt this pretty close to home with decisions made by cities and school boards for building projects. These decisions need to be made in the open so the public is aware of how it will affect their daily life. Open meeting laws and public notices are key tools to ensure our local governments communicate to residents.
Often our journalists are some of the only ones in the room covering the meetings. Each week our team of writers, editors and reporters cover stories first-hand by attending city council meetings, planning meetings and school board meetings, or listening to the recording so that readers don't have to. Imagine the time it would take to attend or watch local government meetings. We cover it and bring you a summary.
Twice a year we look to our readers to support the paper with a subscription. Many of you have asked why you would purchase a subscription when you can receive the paper for free? The simple answer is that producing the highest quality local news and information every week isn’t free, it’s a major investment and we need your support. With massive postal rate increases in the past few years and competition for local advertising dollars, we need to grow our subscriptions. Currently only 15% of our readers pay for a subscription, and our goal is to grow subscriptions to 30%.
Every story in our paper takes a considerable amount of energy to produce. There are interviews, follow-up calls and photos, followed by the task of writing it in a way that is easy for the reader to digest. Then layout, proofing and editing it before it gets sent to be printed and finally distributed to your home or inbox.
If you have read even one story in the past year that informed you, entertained you, helped you make a decision, or helped you to know when a topic was brewing that could be important, I am personally asking for you to become a subscriber. A one-year subscription doesn't even cost $1 per week. We hope you see that as a great value. When you subscribe, you also receive unlimited access to our digital content and access to our e-edition. Thank you for showing your support with a subscription.
Carter Johnson is Publisher of Press Publications.
MWeek
Anna Massoglia
ore Americans are filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests than ever, topping 1.5 million in 2024 and on track for another record in 2025. This will mark the third consecutive year that FOIA requests have reached seven figures. But more requests does not necessarily equal more access to public government information. In an age when trust in government is at an all-time low, the surge in FOIA requests has been driven in part by rising public interest in government accountability. The growth has also been impacted by an increase in requests by advocacy groups and corporations, as well as technology making it easier for Americans to find out information about what’s going on in their government.
As the volume of records requests has swelled, so has the portion of those requests that are rejected or otherwise incomplete. A growing number of requests considered processed is driven by administrative closures such as rejections for technicalities or claims of “no responsive records” rather than the release of meaningful information. The likelihood of a requester receiving everything they asked for is lower than ever.
Even when the government does release records, information
is increasingly obscured. Of the requests that actually made it to a substantive review last year, the majority were only partially released, often heavily redacted under broad exemptions. During the 2024 fiscal year, which is the most recent available, just 12.1% of processed FOIA requests were fully granted.
Despite the increased processing volume, the backlog of unresolved cases has swelled as more requests continue to flood the system.
The Department of Homeland Security alone accounted for more than half of all FOIA requests received, processed and appealed in most recent years.
Over the past decade since the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 was signed into law, agencies have tried a wide range of tactics to address the flood of requests. This has ranged from formalizing plans to reduce backlog and proactively posting commonly requested information to attempts to push back on disclosure.
As a part of these efforts, agencies have also ramped up the number of "still interested" letters sent to requesters. They often close cases just days later due to lack of response.
Reliance on exemptions to justify request rejections, redactions and partial fulfillment has grown along with the volume. Categories once used narrowly are now often the first response. The refusal to even acknowledge whether records exist increasingly undercuts the FOIA process before it even begins.
Modern technology has presented some opportunities to alleviate the burdens on agencies. They are increasingly relying on artificial
intelligence to help with redactions and increase processing speed to chip away at the backlog, though the Chief Records Officer at the National Archives and Records Administration has warned AI is no substitute for a “professional’s judgement on application of exemptions and foreseeable harm.” On the flip side, AI and automation have also compounded the issue by contributing to the influx of requests.
State and local public records processes often face even more burdens. Often, due to short staffing, the individuals subject to records requests are also responsible for the decision of whether to release them.
While federal law mandates a 20-business-day response window, state-level sunshine rules vary from a few days to about a month. The actual time it takes for a request to be fulfilled, however, can be much longer, spanning hundreds of days or even years — leaving information locked away long after it would be most valuable to the public who rely on it. Governments can only be held accountable when we know what’s happening inside of them. That's what freedom of information laws were built to prevent and right now, they’re losing ground. Sunshine Week is an annual celebration of transparency and an opportunity to cherish the right all Americans share to access government information.
Together, we can hold power to account and shine a light on government transparency.
Anna Massoglia is an investigative journalist who serves as editor of MuckRock.
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and 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 Citizen 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 citizennews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Kudos to Kim Samrock for her thoughtful and well-written column in the March 5 issue. Without civil rights, freedom is essentially a hollow concept.
• American Legion Post 620 continues to donate to the fire department from its pull-tab proceeds. Most recently, it donated $1,000 to be used for equipment and training.
• The Ducks Unlimited Coon Rapids chapter will host a bingo event April 17 at the Hugo American Legion. The council recently approved a lawful gambling exempt permit for the event. In addition, the council also approved the same permit for the Ducks Unlimited White Bear Lake chapter for its bingo event April 19 at Sal’s Angus Grill.
• Paul Chapin, president of the Bald Eagle Waterski Club, has applied for a water surface use permit on behalf of the club. The permit, which was approved by the council, will allow a slalom course to be installed at the north end of Bald Eagle Lake. The club also has a course at the southwest end of the lake, but this will allow the club another option at the north end of the lake when winds prohibit the use of the other course.
• The city is making some changes to its right-of-way ordinance and related fees. With the ongoing expansion of fiber optics within the city of Hugo and the amount of staff time required to manage the expansion projects, city staff recommended amendments to the ordinance that will provide more clarity and requirements to permittees to help facilitate successful projects that will benefit both residents and staff. Revenue generated from fees will cover staff time spent managing permits and fiber optic project
installations.
In practice, the one enhances the other. Thank you for your continuing service.
Kenneth A. Harris Hugo
ment’s general fund budget.
• The playground at Frog Hollow Park is next on the list to receive improvements. The current playground was installed in 2005 and has significant surface wear and color fading. The existing playground curb and other park amenities are in good shape and are will not be replaced. Minor landscaping improvements are anticipated following the installation of new playground equipment. Funding of $300,000 for the project is included in the parks’ capital improvement plan for 2026. The Parks Commission will host a neighborhood meeting after it receives proposals from playground designers to select the neighborhood’s preferred playground.
• The city plans to purchase a new water tank for its water tank truck for $43,000 from Mountain High Truck & Equipment LLC. In 2015, the city purchased a used water truck from Mountain Hi Truck in Walla Walla, Washington, for gravel road maintenance. This winter, city staff discovered leaks in the water tank from corrosion. Staff researched repair of the existing tank and found the cost to be prohibitive. Quotes for a new water truck (chassis and tank) came in at $350,000 to $375,000 and would require renting water trucks for the interim.
After discussion with the Finance Director Anna Wobse, and given the substantial cost of the replacement, city staff recommended funding the purchase of a new tank through the equipment capital improvement fund to prevent depleting the street depart-
Washington County Library receives anonymous $30K donation
Washington County Library has received a $30,000 donation from a long-standing anonymous supporter. The county plans to use the donated funds on the library’s materials collection to better serve both new and existing patrons. With increasing costs and demand for digital materials, the county will allocate $15,000 toward purchasing digital e-books and audiobooks with the goal of reducing user wait times. The remaining $15,000 will be used to pilot new physical collections, expanding the range of materials and growing the types of items that can be borrowed from the library.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has accepted a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to construct a trail between the entrances of Mahtomedi High School and Middle School.
The $705,000 grant is part of MnDOT’s Safe Routes to School program. Funds will be divided between Washington County and Mahtomedi Public Schools (Independent School District 832) for trail construction, based upon estimated project costs. Washington County will construct a trail south of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 12 (75th Street North) between the Mahtomedi High School entrance and Inwood Way. Mahtomedi Public Schools will construct a trail from the intersection of CSAH 12 and the high school entrance along the driveway between the high school and middle school in the city of Grant. Grant will participate through a cost-share agreement.
• The Public Works Department plans to utilize an online auction service to facilitate the sale of several pieces of surplus city equipment that are no longer in service. Most of the equipment has already been replaced, and the new equipment is in service.
• The city will advertise for bids for the 2026 Bald Eagle Industrial Park Area Street Improvement Project. The project is expected to cost $4.69 million; approximately 22% of that will come from assessments to benefiting property owners. The proposed assessment rates are generally $4,100 per unit for the partial reconstruction portion of the project and $2,100 per unit for the mill and overlay portion. The proposed assessment amounts for commercial properties vary greatly due to the size of parcels, but generally, the partial reconstruction assessment rates are $76.87 per front foot and $39.87 per front foot for mill and overlay.
The assessment hearing is scheduled for the April 6 council meeting. City Engineer Mark Erichson explained that the hearing is quite a bit earlier than the typical city street project process to allow business owners more time to plan for assessments that are “quite substantial” in some cases, depending on the street frontage of the business.
• An open house for the 165th Street alternative urban areawide review (AUAR) is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 24, in the Oneka Room at City Hall.
Shannon Granholm
Both segments will be developed concurrently and constructed as one coordinated project. Construction is scheduled for 2026.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit has received a $10,000 donation from Washington County resident Jim Dingle. He made the donation in memory of his late wife, Helen Ann McKasy Dingle. The couple were avid dog owners and appreciated the service Washington County K-9s provide to the community and the loyalty they show their handlers. The funds will be used for equipment needs.
After 3 1/2 years of service to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, K-9 Odie was retired March 1. The Washington County Board of Commissioners transferred ownership of K-9 Odie to his handler, Sgt. Justin McDonough, who will care for Odie during his retirement.
K-9 Odie is a 7-year-old German wirehaired pointer who joined the county in June 2022 with Sgt. McDonough. Odie is certified in the detection of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. The pair was assigned to the Washington County Drug Task Force until December 2022, when they were assigned to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Group.
During Odie’s service, he helped seize roughly 900 pounds of methamphetamine, 400 pounds of cocaine, 5 pounds of heroin, and over $300,000 in cash.
A new locally owned cannabis dispensary, Go4 Cannabis Co. Dispensary, is preparing to open its doors in Lino Lakes at 7114 Otter Lake Road, Suite 130. For the owners, Travis and Nicole and Salak, the decision to enter the cannabis space was personal.
“My husband and I have always had a strong belief in the potential of this plant,” Nicole said. “After witnessing firsthand the relief cannabis was able to provide for someone who was battling cancer, we developed a deep appreciation for its medicinal qualities. When Minnesota legalized recreational cannabis, we knew this was something we wanted to be a part of.”
The Salaks grew up just south of the store’s location. They hope the dispensary will reflect the same welcoming and responsible environment they value as parents and community members.
“We are excited to be part of the community in a new way,” the owners said. “Our goal is to build something that contributes positively to the area and allows us to give back to the community that our family is part of.”
Like many cannabis retailers preparing to open in Minnesota’s newly established market, the business is navigating early industry challenges, including limited product availability from licensed producers. The goal is to create a space that welcomes everyone, from those who are simply curious to experienced consumers.
“We want there to truly be something for everyone,” they said. “Whether someone is brand new and just wants to start with a very low dose, or they are a daily consumer who knows exactly what they like, we want to provide a variety of options and help guide people toward the products that are right for them.”
The exact opening date will depend on final regulatory steps. The dispensary is currently working through inspections and final approvals with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. A grand opening is tentatively planned for April 10. For more information, visit www.Go4Cannabis.com.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following calls for service:
• A motorist received citations for failure to present a driver’s li cense or proof of insurance at 11:49 a.m. Feb. 4 on Forest Blvd. N. and Frenchman Road.
• In the Case of the Catch-aCat, residents in the 5000 block of 142nd Street at 1:10 p.m. Feb. 4 reported a feral cat stuck in their basement. Deputies collaborated with Animal Control to arrange for a house call to snatch the cat.
• A southbound driver was arrest ed for DWI at 1:43 a.m. Feb. 5 on Forest Blvd. N. and 170th Street N., after being pulled over for speed ing 76 mph in a 55 mph zone.
• A suspicious and potentially dangerous item reported found at the base of a light pole in the 14000 block of Everton Avenue N. at 1:26 p.m. Feb. 5 turned out to be a geocache.
• A motorist on 170th Street N. and Fenway Avenue N. was arrested at 3:12 a.m. Feb. 6 for driving after re vocation and for failure to provide proof of insurance.
• A driver on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road was arrested on a warrant following a traffic stop at 4:02 a.m. Feb. 6.
• Deputies were dispatched out to the scene of an accident on High way 61 and Frenchman Road at 6:03 p.m. Feb. 6 and learned the driver who struck the other vehi cle was presenting as intoxicated due to the odor of alcohol originat ing from his breath. The Minneso ta State Patrol saved deputies from undergoing the formalities of an arrest by arriving on scene to take charge of the incident.
• Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle without headlights or taillights illuminated on French man Road and Oneka Parkway N. at midnight Feb. 7 and cited the driver for failure to produce proof of insurance.
• A driver with a history of speed
ing through Hugo was pulled over at 9:01 p.m. Feb. 8 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. and cited for speeding, after deputies patrolling downtown Hugo were alerted by their radar that a vehi cle was exceeding the speed limit at a record pace on southbound Highway 61. Deputies cited a sec ond motorist for speeding at 4:06 p.m. Feb. 9 on 147th Street N. A third motorist was issued a writ ten warning for speeding at 6:02 p.m. Feb. 9 on 132nd Street N. and Goodview Avenue N.
• A motorist on Oneka Parkway N. at Frenchman Road was cited for failure to display current registra tion at 6:28 p.m. Feb. 9.
• Deputies on routine patrol cited a motorist in the 5000 block of Frenchman Road at 9:22 p.m. Feb. 9 for driving after revocation, after conducting a random license plate check and confirming the prohib ited driving status of the vehicle’s registered owner. The driver was also cited for not having insurance on his vehicle.
• Deputies stood watch while indi viduals staying at a home in the 14000 block of Glenbrook Avenue were kicked out due to making threats against the homeowner. After the complainant sent the suspects’ belongings curbside, dep uties supervised their arrival at the property at 11:06 p.m. Feb. 9 to retrieve their property and leave in orderly fashion.
• A vehicle trying to pull a U-turn at the intersection of Egg Lake Road N. and Goodview Avenue N. at 8:08 p.m. Feb. 10 sunk into the compacted snow and ice that gave out. Deputies supervised the deployment of a tow truck to pull the stuck vehicle out.
• Deputies conducting stationary pa trol on Oneka Parkway N. at 10:09 p.m. Feb. 10 cited a repeat offender, after they observed a vehicle fail ing to stop for the posted stop sign near the Waters Edge Community Center. During the stop, the driver
On March 4 at approximately 6:50 p.m., a Wash ington County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Oneka Parkway North and Frenchman Road in Hugo. Upon arrival, the deputy spoke with the drivers of both vehicles. According to the initial investigation, the driver of a white Chevrolet Traverse was trav eling eastbound on Frenchman Road and waiting to make a left turn onto Oneka Parkway. The driver reported that the traffic light for both eastbound and westbound traffic turned yellow. He stated that the maroon Pontiac, which was headed westbound on Frenchman, appeared to slow almost to a stop, so he began his left turn on the yellow arrow. He reported that the Pontiac then accelerated into the intersection and the two vehicles collided, resulting in significant front‑end damage to both.
During the investigation, deputies found that the driver of the red Pontiac, Clarence Robert Dixon, 34, of St. Paul, had a revoked driver’s license and no proof of insurance. Dixon was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail, where he was booked
appeared familiar to deputies until they realized that they had cited him for the same violation at the same intersection less than one year ago. “The driver was issued another citation as he still has not learned that there is a stop sign,” deputies said.
• While assisting Kentucky State Police on an identity theft case, deputies received word of an active extraditable warrant from that agency at 4:27 p.m. Feb. 11 for a person in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Blvd. N. After finding and confirming the identity of the sus pect, deputies made the arrest.
• A motorist on Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. was cited at 4:58 p.m. Feb. 12 for only one of his three violations, after deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a huge, suspended object on the rearview mirror as well as expired registration. During the stop, the driver did not have his driver’s license in possession.
• A business in the 5000 block of 165th Street N. at 12:01 p.m. Feb. 13 reported a theft by a former employee.
• A motorist in the 15000 block of Forest Blvd. N. was cited at 2:53 p.m. Feb. 13 for speeding and issued verbal warnings for other violations by deputies on directed patrol. A second motorist was cited at 1:26 a.m. Feb. 14 on Frenchman Road at Victor Hugo Blvd. for failure to provide proof of current insurance, following a traffic stop for light issues on the vehicle. A third motorist was cited at 6:50 a.m. Feb. 14 on 122nd Street N. and Keystone Avenue N. for running a stop sign. A fourth motorist was cited at 9:16 p.m. Feb. 16 on Frenchman Road and Forest Blvd. N. for speeding and other offens es. A fifth motorist was cited on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Heritage Parkway N. at 9:35 p.m. Feb. 16 for moving violations.
• In the Case of the Busted Bovines, deputies responded to a complaint of cows out loose in the 6000 block of 170th Street N. at 9:22 p.m. Feb. 13, identified the owner and en sured that the animals were safely returned.
• Suspicious people reported near a business in the 14000 block of Forest
and released. Both drivers indicated they were sore after the crash but declined ambulance transport.
Rachel Marie Welsch, 42, of Hugo is accused of threats of violence after allegedly threatening Min nesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Rep. Patti Anderson via voicemails. According to court documents, Welsh allegedly called Demuth and Anderson almost daily, leaving voicemails regarding several different political issues that were described as angry sounding and that made vague indirect threats.
Welsh allegedly said things like, “I will find you,” or “I will be there where you are.” In a petition for extreme risk protection order, it states that Welsh left a voicemail for Demuth referencing that she had been attending permit to carry classes and would like to see Demuth “fall at the end of a barrel.”
Welsch’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 25.
Blvd. N. at 10:14 p.m. Feb. 13 turned out to be only juveniles out to take pictures.
• Vandalism was reported in the 4000 block of 158th Street N. at 11:34 p.m. Feb. 15.
• After deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a disturbance in the 4000 block of 158th Street N. at 12:56 a.m. Feb. 16, they found a group of individuals sitting in a truck. There were multiple vehi cles involved in the disturbance, and one of them had sustained damage.
• Theft was reported in the 15000 block of Granada Avenue N. at 8:16 a.m. Feb. 16.
• A motorist was nearly arrested at 2:31 a.m. Feb. 17 on Fiona Avenue N. and 137th Street N. after a traffic stop led to a vehicle search for narcotics when a baggie with trace amounts of admitted narcotics was seen in plain view. No contraband was located, and the driver was issued a verbal warning for traffic violations.
• Deputies on routine patrol on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Blvd. N. at 3:05 a.m. Feb. 17 ob served a vehicle without a rear license plate light and initiated a traffic stop. The driver was cited for the offense. A second motorist was cited for driving after revoca tion at 2:51 a.m. Feb. 19 on French man Road and Elmcrest Avenue N. after being pulled over for an improper turn signal. A third mo torist was issued a written warn ing for speeding at 9:02 a.m. Feb. 19 on 122nd Street N. and July Ave nue N. A fourth motorist was cited for speeding at 4:58 p.m. Feb. 19 on 170th Street N. and Fenway Avenue N. following a traffic stop for loud exhaust and speed.
Loretta Harding
• Approximately 20 students were expected to attend the Minnesota Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference in St. Cloud last week. The conference serves as a key platform for HOSA members to grow their leadership skills, connect with peers and explore the ever-evolving world of health care. Throughout the conference, participants take part in interactive workshops, hands-on sessions and guest lectures led by professionals and educators in the field. From emerging medical technologies to career prep and personal development, the topics are designed to inspire and inform. Students demonstrate their knowledge, skills and creativity in a wide range of health care-related competitive events.
• Forty-four students involved in the WBLAHS Black Student Union are expected to attend the Historically Black Colleges and Universities tour from April 11-18. The experience is designed to connect students with colleges, peers, staff and faculty. Students will take part in dynamic guest presentations and immersive opportunities. Throughout the tour, students will engage in guided reflection and journaling to make meaning of their experiences, deepen self-awareness and capture personal growth.
• Approximately 70 students in the high school jazz
bands will travel to the University Wisconsin – Eau Claire Jazz Fest April 17-18. The event will offer workshops and clinics along with live performances.
• Ayan Ibrahim, assistant director of educational equity and achievement; John Leininger, Matoska International principal; and Ang Nelson, Otter Lake Elementary principal, provided an update on the Elementary Spanish Dual Immersion Program.
• The district proposes to issue up to $17,680,000 of facilities maintenance bonds to fund projects included in the district’s long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan. The proposed issue will also finance the current refunding of the 2027 through 2032 maturities of the general obligation facilities maintenance bonds, Series 2018A, in the amount of $14,070,000 for a total issuance of $31,750,000. This issuance serves the dual purpose of funding critical LTFM projects and reducing existing debt service costs through the strategic refinancing of existing debt.
Every other year, the district issues LTFM bonds to fund deferred maintenance projects across its multiple sites. The last district LTFM issue was in 2024.
The district is required to approve its LTFM plan annually in July and submit the plan to the Minnesota Department of Education for approval by July 31.
The board also approved its 2026-2029 Achievement and Integration Plan.
• A second reading of School Board Policy 211 (Criminal or Civil Action Against School District, School Board Member, Employee, or Student) is scheduled for the April 13 meeting.
The proposed changes are in the title, and sections I, III and IV. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance about the school district’s position, rights and responsibilities when a civil or criminal action is pending against the school district, a school board member, a school district employee or a student.
• A second reading is also scheduled for School Board Policy 212 (School Board Member Development) and School Board Policy 809 (Naming School Buildings or Facilities) for April 13. No changes are planned for Policy 212, but there are some changes proposed to Policy 809 in in sections III, IV, V, and VI.
The next school board work session will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 23. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13.
and sewer services in 2026, which equates to $168.50 per quarter or $56.17 per month, reflecting a monthly increase of $2.17 compared to 2025 rates.
Wicklander thanked the council for always being as fiscally responsible as possible and said his reason for visiting the council was not to complain, but to gather information.
“We keep raising rates. I’d like to know, is any of this related to the White Bear Lake lawsuit?” Wicklander asked. “I read in the pro forma that the base rates went up because your rates were increased. Who is increasing your rates, and who do we need to talk to to stop that from happening?”
He added, “I’d just like some more information on what’s driving the cost factor behind it and what can we do to get other agencies to lay off you and stop them from driving your cost up?”
“As the council knows, the White Bear Lake issue is very impactful to the city, but the city of Hugo has been very aggressive in challenging the outcomes of the White Bear Lake case. The outcomes of that have not come to fruition yet. They have not been actualized here in the city of Hugo,” Bear explained. “We do have expenses related to legal fees and so forth, but we do not apply those to our water bill. That comes out of our general fund, so it is not tacked on to water rates. So far, the White Bear Lake case has not affected water rates; that’s not to say that it won’t in the future.”
An outcome residents will notice of the lawsuit, if nothing changes, is an irrigation ban.
“There would be a total irrigation ban, particularly for residential properties in the city of Hugo,” Bear said. “The city derives income from people using water, so the irrigators do pay for a substantial portion of our water utility budget. So, if irrigators stop using water, that could impact water rates for the rest of the community.”
As for the 2026 rates, Bear noted that if you look at the total combined bill, an average resident should expect about a 5% increase compared
• All water users will see a base rate increase of $12 annually, or $3 per quarter.
• Water users whose irrigation that is metered separately will see their usage rate increased to $9.25 per thousand gallons (for all gallons used), up from $8.40 per thousand gallons.
• Residential sewer customers will see a base rate increase of $14 per sewer availability charge (SAC) unit annually, or $3.50 per SAC unit each quarter.
• Commercial, industrial and institutional sewer customers will see a base rate increase of $4 per SAC unit annually, or $1 per SAC unit each quarter.
to 2025.
“Those increases are directly related to operating the water utility. It might be increased maintenance costs, increased costs for supplies and chemicals and electricity,” Bear noted. “When it comes to our sewer, we have a pass-through that comes from the Met Council. Those fees have been increasing at double-digit percentage increases from year to year, and that’s been difficult for us to absorb in our sewer fund.”
Bear explained that the rate the city was expecting to have to pay the Met Council for 2026 was “extremely high,” but thanks to diligent work by city staff that determined there was a faulty meter that was registering sewer flow coming into the city from Forest Lake, that is no longer the case. “(The meter) was providing us with a sewer flow that led the system to believe we were delivering more sewage than we actually were,” he said. It was caught and corrected in time for 2026, which Bear described as “a good success story.”
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.
FROM PAGE 1
completed with the ALDI project that included the two proposed lots. The study analyzed the Main Street and I-35E southbound and northbound ramps, the Main Street and Otter Lake Road intersection, and the Main Street and the Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Boulevard intersection as well as Otter Lake Road and the access to the industrial building.
The study analyzed a Phase 1 development scenario that included a supermarket (ALDI), fast food (Taco Bell) and retail spaces. Phase 1 of the development is expected to generate 1,658 new weekday daily trips.
“We’re excited about keeping this
(development) moving,” said Paul Schreier, president of Tyme Properties. “We have some very interested users in the future commercial strip. It is probably going to be two users.” Schreier said in the next few months Tyme hopes to have plans ready for the Third Addition to present to the board. He also said ALDI is doing really well and continues to push activity in the area.
The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 6-0.
Quad Community Press Editor Madeline Dolby can be reached at 651407-1226 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
Spring is noted for the sense of rejuvenation it inspires when temperatures warm up and flowers begin to bloom. But in the United States, the onset of spring is followed shortly thereafter by tax season, which typically generates entirely different feelings than the first sight of spring blooms.
The deadline to file tax returns in the U.S. in 2026 is Wednesday, April 15. With that deadline looming, now is a good time to consider these three basic tax preparation tips, from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
1. Access your IRS account. Individuals can access or create their IRS account at irs. gov/account. That ensures taxpayers have the latest information about their federal tax account and enables them to see information about their most recently filed return. A visit to the website also allows individuals to make payments and apply for payment plans, among other options.
2. Organize your tax records. The IRS urges taxpayers to wait to file their returns until they have all of their records, including:
- Forms W-2 from employer(s)
- Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and others payers, including unemployment compensation, dividends, pension, annuity or retirement plan distributions
- Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2, or other income statement if you worked in the gig economy
- For 1099-INT if you were paid interest
- Other income documents and records of digital asset transactions, including convertible virtual currency and cryptocurrency, stablecoins and non-fungible
tokens (NFTs)
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claim Premium Tax Credits for 2022
Marketplace coverage
- IRS or other agency letters
- CP01A Notice with your new Identity Protection PIN
3. Check your Individual Tax Identification Number. The IRS notes that an ITIN only requires renewal if it has expired and is needed on a federal tax return. An expired ITIN can delay the processing of a return, which in turn can delay tax credits and refunds.
Taxpayers filing with the help of a licensed tax professional are urged to contact that individual to inquire about any additional information they may need to file a return on time. Make such an inquiry well in advance of the deadline to file so you have sufficient time to gather all of the necessary documentation. More information about filing taxes is available at irs.gov.
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The first grass dancer was a Native American boy with a disability. When the boy told his grandfather that he wished to be rid of his disability so that he could ride horses and play with the other children, the grandfather responded, “I can tell your spirit means this; you are speaking in a good way.” He directed the boy to a sacred bed of sweetgrass and commanded him to fast for four days, saying, “The creator will give you something for your efforts.”
The boy found the sweetgrass bed, and, on the fourth day, a thunderstorm came upon him. As the boy left the bed to find shelter, a deer approached him, asking, “What are you doing here?” The boy again wished to be rid of his disability. The deer saw the boy’s sincerity and called upon the creator, who sent down a song through the deer, the first grass dance song, about a buffalo being able to trek through the same storm. No matter how bad the storm, the buffalo continues walking, knowing a rainbow will be at the end.
The boy received the song and returned to his grandfather, who threw a
PAUL DOLS PRESS PUBLICATIONS
powwow the next day. The boy donned a regalia and performed the first grass dance.
“TThis is the version of the story White Bear Lake Area High School Senior Hezazac Adams, Ho-Chunk, recounted. “If you ask every single grass dancer to answer,” Adams explained, “it's going to be that same story as the base, but they have some different things, some different characters.” Regardless, this story is why many grass dancers wear deer skin, buffalo hide or rainbow cloth on their regalia when they dance.
Adams began grass dancing at an early age. “My parents, ever since I could walk, threw me in regalia,” he said. “We’d end up in the Dells or Black River, just at powwows all over the place.” Though he dances competitively, Adams has recently been dancing at local events, most notably on Indigenous People’s Day during last October’s school board meeting and last month at the Black Student Union Showcase. Adams’ category of grass dance is contemporary. “A traditional grass dancer might move around the powwow circle, like, one time fully during the song. Contemporary? We’re always moving, and it’s fast. It’s definitely more of a performance,” Adams contrasted. While the traditional grass dance is many centuries old, Native Americans developed the contemporary style as a
‘THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST’ IS FOR ALL
be all over social media.”
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
he Importance of Being Earnest,” the 1895 comedy by Oscar Wilde, satirizes Victorian-era high society and its rules using characters that hold double identities, who verbally fence with pointed wit. Encyclopedia Brittanica even states the play to be Wilde’s greatest dramatic achievement. Now through March 22, one can see why by attending Lakeshore Players’ production of the play. “It’s a timeless comedy that’s been performed for ages and ages, and one of the reasons it’s endured this long is because the writing is spectacular,” Lakeshore Players Executive Director Megan Pence said. Pence also stated that, though the play takes place in a different time and space from ours, audiences will easily draw parallels to their own lives. “You pretend to have this other life … I mean, if these people had phones in this age, they’d
IBY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
n 1904, the Twin Cities Rapid Transit Line expanded their system of electric streetcars from Mahtomedi into Birchwood, around the lake and into the Village of White Bear. For a time, as many as 15 tracks crossed Highway 61, allowing White Bear residents to traverse the town in any direction.
While the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society has highlighted this era before, Executive Director Sara Hanson has recently conducted another wave of research. “We got a grant to dig a little deeper,” Hanson stated, “which allowed us to get some additional photos and lots of records of what was going on when.” Hanson will present her findings to the public in next month’s Armory program,
The play’s director, Craig Johnson, believes that every age has rules for high society, but that social gatekeepers ultimately make those rules up as they go. “At the very end of the play, Lady Bracknell, the ultimate gatekeeper of high society in London, you come to realize, ‘Oh, these are all constructs. These are all things you made up to stay in power and keep everyone in their place.’” Johnson continued that every character in the play is welcomed by the end, mirroring the feeling of community that each audience member feels when they attend the theater.
Concluded Johnson, “It’s just like Oscar Wilde always said, ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.’” Lakeshore Players presents “The Importance of Being Earnest,” now through March 22 at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake. For tickets, visit lakeshoreplayers.org.
CONTRIBUTED
“Ding! Ding! Goes the Trolley!” Within this program, Hanson will survey how the Twin Cities Rapid Transit Line invested funds in and directed lines to Wildwood Amusement Park. “They wanted people to come out in
the evenings and on weekends to use the streetcars and gave them a reason to go to the end of the line,” Hanson explained. The program will also explore streetcar employees’ lives and why White Bear and
Mahtomedi encouraged the network to be built. “It was a huge economic driver in the sense of getting people to the White Bear area to spend money,” Hanson said.
Streetcars, in tandem with the railroad, gave the White Bear Lake area its resort-town past and helped map what our roads look like today. To Hanson, making those contemporary connections for program attendees is essential. While historians may travel on a timeline to different eras, their aim is not to obsess over the past. Said Hanson, “We’re really just trying to understand the present.”
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society presents “Ding! Ding! Goes the Trolley!” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St. For for details, visit whitebearhistory.org/events.
part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Since then, contemporary grass dance has evolved into a competition, judged in a manner similar to figure skating. Adams finds dance competitions paradoxical, describing, “The actual spirit that goes into the art of dancing, I feel like most of that is stripped at competition powwows because it's just, ‘I’ve got to out dance you.’” Adams resists this attitude by using dancing as education, commenting, “I want to continue to be the best dancer I can be, then also be able to fulfill my responsibility to keep on passing it down.”
Adams plans to attend college in the fall, eventually becoming a history teacher, but he also plans to continue sharing a piece of Native American history through his art to the community at large. He stated, “Dance for the people who can’t dance, who never could dance. Dance for all those ancestors who aren’t here anymore, who had their culture stripped away from them.”
Hezazac Adams will compete during the Circle of Nations Indigenous Association 41st Annual Powwow on April 11 at UMN Morris. The event is open to all members of the public.
ABSTRACT BOTANICAL PAINT NIGHT
Location: Casey Lake Park Building, 2089 17th Ave. E., North St. Paul
Dates: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19
Details: Unwind and get creative at this relaxed, guided paint night inspired by nature. Using stencils and layered color techniques, you’ll create your own abstract botanical artwork. No experience needed; all materials provided.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE ARMORY
Location: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St., White Bear Lake
Dates: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24
Details: Join us for a gathering of the minds, brews and plenty of laughter as we take on local-themed trivia. Includes drink specials and prizes for the top three teams.
WRITERS SPEAK: AN OPEN MIC NIGHT FOR THE COMMUNITY
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Dates: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Details: Share your latest work, test new ideas or soak in the words around you. If you would like to read, register in advance at whitebeararts.org/ events. Readings should be under five minutes.
‘DEAR EVAN HANSEN’
Location: White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center, 5040 Division Ave., Door A
Dates: April 9-12
Details: WBLAHS PAC will be the first stage in Minnesota to produce this musical about a young man with a social anxiety disorder who so yearns to make a connection with his peers that he fabricates a relationship with a deceased student to become closer to the boy’s family. For details and tickets, visit sites.google.com/isd624. org/musical-theatre/tickets.
Centennial had four all-conference picks after an 18-10 season including 9-4 in the Northwest Suburban Conference and a section runner-up finish. They are seniors Nick Carls, Cooper Hehir and Joey Hemr and junior Nolan Border. Getting honorable mentions were seniors Gavin Cunningham and Matthew Siegler, and junior Kaden Johnson.
Team awards went to Border (Most Valuable Player), Macin Hehir (most improved), Tanner Dittrich (hardest worker),
Hemr (most complete player, plus 29) and Kellen Searles (character).
Coaching awards went to Scott Kranz as Section 5AA assistant of the year, and Ryan Kranz as CYHA coach of the year. Carls was the scoring leader with 19 goals and 29 assist for 48 points. Also, over 25 points were Hemr (27-15-42), Border (14-24-39), Cunningham (15-23-38), Johnson (1418-32) and Isaak Adams (11-15-27).
Bruce Strand
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Corey Larson is the new head coach for White Bear Lake boys cross country, succeeding Dan Kovacich, who stepped down after 23 seasons.
“Larson brings a strong combination of personal running experience, coaching expertise, and a decade of service in education, to the program,” stated the school.
Larson was an assistant to Kovacich this past season after coaching the middle school program for one season. He will also be the new distance coach on the track team. He is a paraprofessional, Pupil Support Assistant in the school administration.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Two of the top four teams in the Class 3A rankings clashed in the Section 4AAA finals Thursday in Minneapolis.
The one going to state is No. 2 ranked DeLaSalle (26-3) with a 67-46 conquest of No. 4 Mahtomedi (25-4) on Thursday evening in a packed Islander gym, both fan galleries loud and boisterous.
“We certainly had an amazing season,” said coach Keith Newman, noting that 25 wins tied the school record. Plus the JV team went 22-1.
The swift, swarming, soaring Islanders had Deon Wallace-Johnson with 14 points; Kamar Thomas, Ichima Idoko and Evan Miller with 12 each; and Jaeden Udean with eight. Mahtomedi was within 3531 before Thomas made two resounding dunks that got the Islanders going.
Mark Graff tallied 15 points for Mahtomedi, Willie Roeloffs 11 and Andrew Russell six. The Zephyrs had very few uncontested shots against the tenacious Islander defense.
“We had a great season. We enjoyed it a lot. It went by pretty fast,” Graff said. “It’s definitely unfortunate that we had to go through such a
good team to make state. It was a fun game. It’s always an intense atmosphere in that gym.”
This marked the second time in four years that a No. 4 ranked Mahtomedi team finished 25-4 without a state trip. In 2023 they lost to No. 1 ranked, state champion Totino-Grace in the section finals.
“We have had many outstanding teams that haven’t made it to the state tournament. The teams from 2022–23 and this year were certainly top-five caliber teams in the state,” Newman said.
“I especially feel for the players,” Newman said. While he wished they could have had the state tourney experience, not getting there “does not diminish the incredible seasons they had.”
Regarding those unfortunate section finals matchups, Newman mused, “It would be interesting to consider an approach similar to what a couple neighboring states do.” In that format, the 16 section finalists are seeded for eight duels to decide who goes to state.
Roelofs finished his junior season with 1,346 points, second all-time to Zach Lundquist’s 1,383. Graff ended his career No. 6 with 1,205 points.
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Centennial graduate Jenna Guyer, capping a superb senior season with Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), will lead her team against the Minnesota Gophers this weekend in the NCAA basketball regionals.
With the Gophers hosting two rounds, the game will be played at Williams Arena, so it’s a good chance for locals to see her in action.
UWGB (25-8) is seeded 13th of 16 teams in the Sacramento Regional and drew No. 4 Minnesota (22-8). They will play Friday. Game time has not been determined yet. The other game Friday will be Mississippi vs. Gonzaga.
“I am most excited about our community and look forward to continuing to establish a supportive and fun environment for our runners,” Larson said. “I am excited to see growth in our team — not only as athletes, but as individuals.” Larson was a track and cross country runner at Rochester John Marshall. He earned an elementary education degree from Winona State. He was an assistant coach for two seasons at Bellevue, Washington, before joining the White Bear Lake faculty.
Guyer, previously named Horizon Conference Player of the Year for the regular season, added conference tournament MVP honors after scoring 21 points in the finals 57-49 win over Youngstown State on March 10.
The 6-foot-2 senior forward from Circle Pines is averaging 15.1 points and 6.3 rebounds. Her averages would be higher if not for playing some partial games due to an injury early in the season. She has made 53 three-pointers with a strong .390 percentage.
The Gophers, meanwhile, are enjoying their best season since their last NCAA appearance in 2018 and are hosting a tournament game for the first time since 2005. They were 13-5 in the Big Ten Conference for fourth place among 17 teams.
Mahtomedi Basketball March 19, 2026
Mark Graff, Mahtomedi point guard, averaged 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals, leading a 25-4 team. The 6-foot-2 senior made 90 three-pointers, shooting .357 on three’s and .786 on free throws. His career points total is 1,205. In a close section win over St. Paul Johnson, the Gustavus Adolphus recruit delivered 27 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, “Mark has been a joy to coach. His focus on the team and what we are trying to accomplish together is always his top priority,” coach Keith Newman said, praising Graff’s leadership “around the school and in all his sports.” Graff was an all-conference quarterback/safety in football, passing for 716 yards and five touchdowns and running for eight touchdowns. He is also the golf team captain.
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.
Press Publications suggests that you be aware of advertisers requesting payment for shipping merchandise. Confirm and verify all contact resources prior to sending any money. Take caution when responding to text messages that are not local numbers.
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The City of Hugo is NOW HIRING for seaso nal public works employees These positions are res ponsible for assisting the Public Work s Dept in tasks includ ing park, street and utilities maintena nce. Po sition s ar e from May – Sept and will not exceed 40 hrs /wk. Pay is $18/hr Applicants must have a va lid MN driver s license and be at least 18 yrs old. Applications are available at Public Works, 8220 14 0th St N. Hugo, MN 55038, 651-7626301 or on the City s web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/employment Applications must be completed and returned to Public Work s or emailed to pw @ci.hugo.mn.us by 4:00 p.m., Mar 30, 2026.
The City of Lexin gton NOW HIRING for fu lltime Administative Asst/Premit Te ch Th is position perfo rms se cretaria l & cler ical work with primary responsibility of serv in g residents & businesses of the community Salary range $24.5230.42/hr plus be nefits Application and full job description at www.lexing tonmn.gov or at City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 Complete application and resume must be rece ived by 3pm April 3, 2026.
GREENHOUSE HELP WANTED
Hugo Feed Mill and Hardware is hiring seasonal workers for May and June. Duties include helping customers and plant care. Plant knowledge is helpful. Hours and days are flexible. Employee discount on your own purchases. Great job for flower and veggie lovers!
Call Steve at 651.429-3361
WANTED:
The Public Works Maintenance Worker performs skilled labor in the maintenance of roads, water systems, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater infrastructure, parks, equipment, and Township facilities. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment and power tools, as well as performing physically demanding tasks. This position serves as a visible representative of the Township and often acts as the first point of contact for public inquiries. The role is essential to preserving public assets through timely maintenance and the safe operation of equipment.
Minimum qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years of experience in the operation of power tools, operation of trucks and heavy equipment, completing vehicle/equipment maintenance, or equivalent
• Class A driver’s license is required or must be obtained within 12 months
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License
• Ability to respond to emergency calls within 1 hour
• Anticipated hiring range is $32.98 - $41.05
To apply, complete and submit a White Bear Township Employment Application found on whitebeartownship.org/Jobs.aspx. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026. Submit completed applications to: White Bear Township, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or via email adminoffices@ whitebeartownship.org
The City of Lexington is now accepting applications for a full-time, Administrative Assistant/Permit Technician. This position performs secretarial and clerical work with primary responsibility for serving the residents and businesses of the community. Duties include, but not limited to, customer service; permitting; community communications (SCALA, newsletter and website); and provides administrative support to all departments.
2026-2027 Salary range is $24.52$30.42 per hour plus benefits. Minimum qualifications: (1) high school diploma or equivalent; (2) post high school education or 2 years progressively responsible experience; and (3) experience with Microsoft Office applications.
Desired qualifications: (1) 2 or more years municipal government experience, (2) training or 2 years experience with State of Minnesota Retention Schedules, and (3) experience with elections and/ or permit software. An application and job description are available at www. lexingtonmn.gov or at City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014.
A completed application and resume must be received – Attn: City Administrator - by 3:00 PM, Friday, April 3rd, 2026.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 853009
SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS POSITION. The City of Hugo is currently accepting applications for seasonal public works employees. These positions are responsible for assisting the public works department in a wide variety of tasks including park, street and utilities maintenance. These positions will exist from May through September and will not exceed 40 hours per week. The rate of pay is $18 per hour. Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age. Applications are available at Public Works, 8220 140th St. N., Hugo, MN 55038, 651762-6301 or on the City’s web site at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/employment. Applications must be completed and returned to Public Works or emailed to pw@ci.hugo.mn.us by 4:00 p.m., March 30, 2026.
Part time 6-12 hours/week
Entry level position
Experience with indesign, illustrator and photoshop preferred
Main responsibilities include ad design and newspaper layout
Send resume to artmanager@presspubs.com
White Bear Township NOW HIRING Public Work s Maintenance Work er to per form skill labor in the maintenance of roads water systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm water infrastructure, parks equipment and townsh ip facilities.
Minimum Qualifications: HS Diploma/eq, 2 yrs exp in operation of pwr tools, operation of trucks & heavy equipment, completing vehicle/equipment main tenance or equivalen t. Anticipa ted hiring range $32.98$41.05
To apply, complete and submit a Wh ite Bear Township Employment Application foun d on whitebeartownship.org/J obs.aspx. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday March 27, 2026 at 4:30 pm Submit completed applications to: White Bear Township, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township MN 5 5110 or via email adminoffices@whitebeartownship.org
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lo r,
handicap, familial
or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the
of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Although the total number of reservations for park shelters and community rooms increased by about 100, the overall revenue collected by the city from those reservations was down slightly by $1,300.
City Parks Planner Shayla Denaway said the main reason for that drop is the city is seeing increased reservations by nonprofit users, who get a significantly reduced rental rate, or can even rent some spaces like the Rice Lake Centre, for free.
“88% of Rice Lake Centre use is by nonprofits,” Denaway explained. She noted the city supported Wilson Tool after its December 2024 fire by letting them use both the Oneka Room and the conference room at Peder Pedersen Pavillion.
In 2025, the city of Hugo saw a total of 882 reservations. Of those, 316 rentals were for Rice Lake Centre, 214 for the Oneka Room at City Hall, 185 for the Peder Pedersen Pavillion (building), 88 for the Hanifl gathering room and 32 for the Peder Pedersen Picnic Shelter. The city collected $92,310 in transactions, and 55% of the reservations were made online without staff assistance.
The main park project in 2025 was the reconstruction of Oneka Lake Park. In addition to a pour-in-place surfacing, the park features a large structure for 2–5-year-olds as well as a cozy dome, teeter-totter, swings and independent play features. Removals started in mid-August. The playground was installed in September. New drain tile was installed, and the entry trail was graded to reduce the slope by the public works department. The asphalt looped trail was replaced in November. City staff cleaned up the site and hydroseeded following the trail pavement. Concrete work and
shelter painting will be completed this spring.
A smaller neighborhood park that was also constructed by the developer of Oneka Prairie and includes a playground and benches.
In 2025, Denaway says the city tried a new approach when it comes to willow trees. The city hired a contractor to apply an herbicide. After application, the herbicide had to sit on the trees for at least 30 days and once the willow tree “brown out” public works crews were able to mow them down.
“Along most trails in our city we have stormwater ponds, wetlands etc., which are prone to grow willow trees, and they create a lot of damage on the surface of the trail,” Denaway explained. “We didn’t have any complaints about applications except for later on when (the trees) were brown and people didn’t know why it wasn’t being mowed down. We are hopeful that this will help create more longevity and safety on our trails.”
The treatment was originally intended to be a multi-year project, but Denaway noted that the contractor and city staff were able to take care of all the identified problem areas. She noted spot treatment might be needed for the next couple of years.
Several trails were resurfaced as a part of the 2025 street improvement proj-
ect and pedestrian ramps were added in some spots. Trails were also improved and expanded on the north water tower property, which has not yet been named.
“There was lots of good work there. It is good to see those trails being used and being expanded every year,” Mayor Tom Weidt said.
The parks commission made the decision to postpone trail improvement planning within Clearwater Creek Preserve after successful wood chip trail restoration work. The city’s master plan calls for putting gravel on the trails, but the parks commission has decided to postpone that effort considering how “well the project turned out.”
“With the city-wide efforts to remove dead ash trees in the last few years, we had a surplus of wood chips. The wood chips were utilized to stabilize the trail surfaces to an extent that we have never been able to,” Denaway said, noting that the wood chips trail surface is anticipated to last more than five years. “When the wood chip surface is no longer functioning, gravel or other materials will be evaluated again.”
The city also continues to work with Washington County and other partners on regional trail projects, including the Hardwood Creek Trail and the Glacial Hills Trail. Washington County has has been notified that it received some
funding to construct the missing link of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail from 130th Street to 120th Street within the city of Hugo. “We are continuing to work with them and will provide more updates on what the timeline will look like and what that project will entail soon,” Denaway said.
The parks commission had to say goodbye to one of its longtime members, Ranell Tennyson. “It’s been a great community, and I love living here. I just got a little busy,” Tennyson said, adding that she joined one of her daughter’s athletic boards.
City Council Member Becky Petryk said, “I cannot imagine a better person for the parks commission because our parks are about giving people happiness, pleasure and positive experiences and that’s kind of you.”
Last summer, four new park monument signs were installed. In the fall, the commission and council gave the green light to purchase new signs for all the remaining city parks. The signs will be installed this spring to replace the existing signs that are deteriorating or missing.
A Veterans Memorial Committee, which was established at the end of 2025, has been tasked with designing the monument and planning for its fundraising and long-term operation. Denaway noted the committee is conducting a visual preference survey, which will guide the memorial’s design. The committee will eventually present its recommendation to the City Council.
In addition to the annual Good Neighbor Days celebration slated for June 5-7, several concerts are planned at the Peder Pedersen Pavillion, including A Hard Day’s Night May 27, M.T Pockets and Loose Change June 8, R.O.C.K. Aug. 5 and Folk Revival Sept. 2.
CITY OF HUGO
SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2026-547
NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS
HOURS.
TITLE:
An ordinance adding Chapter 82 Utilities, Article IV Right-of-way. SUMMARY OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ORDINANCE: Chapter 82, Article IV, to amend Section 82-301 DEFINITIONS: This section is revised to add the definition of construction specifications. Chapter 82, Article IV, to amend Section 82-312 other obligations and construction specifications.
This ordinance includes the following construction specifications related to Chapter 82, Section 82-312:
• Requirements for communication with property owners including local points of contact for the facility owner and contractor, and advanced construction notification.
• Reference to the City Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements and erosion control expectations.
• Traffic control requirements per Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD)
• Winter season requirements to minimize right-of-way permit work during times of hazardous road conditions and low visibility. This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and publication according to law. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hugo this 2nd day of March 2026. Tom Weidt, Mayor Attest: Michele Lindau, City Clerk Published one time in The Citizen on March 19, 2026.
CITY OF HUGO
SUMMARY ORDINANCE 2026-548
AMENDING THE 2026 CITY OF HUGO FEE SCHEDULE
NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS
HOURS. The City of Hugo City Council does ordain the following:
Section 1. Findings. Pursuant to Minnesota Law, the City of Hugo City Code, and upon a review of a study conducted by City staff, a fee schedule for City services and licensing is hereby amended for the following: 2026 FEE SCHEDULE
Engineering Fees:
Right of Way (ROW) Related
Section 2. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be effective upon publication.
This is a summary of the amended ordinance. A full printed copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall; a full listing of the city’s fees is available on the City Website. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Hugo this 2nd day of March, 2026. Tom Weidt, Mayor
Attest: Michele Lindau, City Clerk
Published one time in The Citizen on March 19, 2026.
CITY OF HUGO
ASSESSMENT NOTICE
Important Information Regarding Property Assessments
This may affect your 2027 property taxes.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeal and Equalization of the City of Hugo shall meet on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in the Oneka Room at Hugo City Hall at 5:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and also to determine whether corrections need to be made.
If you believe the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally, an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before an appeal can be taken to your county board of appeal and equalization. For more information, call the Washington County assessor’s office at 651-430-6175.
Given under my hand this 10 day of March 2026.
Michele Lindau, City Clerk
Published one time in The Citizen on March 19, 2026.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
2026 BALD EAGLE INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
SAP 224-101-003, SAP 224-108-003 AND SAP 224-110-003
GENERAL NOTICE
The City of Hugo (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the 2026 Bald Eagle Industrial Park Area Street Improvement Project. Bids for the construction of the Project will be received online through QuestCDN vBid™ until Monday, April 13, 2026 at 2:00 pm local time. Immediately following expiration of the time for receiving bids, representatives of the City of Hugo will publicly view Bids at an online Bid opening meeting. Those interested in viewing the online Bid opening are welcome to join the meeting by logging on to https://zoom.us/join or calling 1.312.626.6799 and entering Meeting ID 993 2894 1423 and Passcode 803924. The as-read online Bid results will be available at www.questcdn.com following the Bid opening.
The Project includes the furnishing of all labor and materials for the construction complete in-place, of the following approximate quantities: 44,000 S Y Remove Bituminous Pavement
5,350 L F Remove and Replace Concrete Curb and Gutter 3,000 C Y Excavation – Common (P)
5,300 TON
The provisions of MINN.
16C.285 Responsible Contractor are imposed as a requirement of this contract. All bidders and persons or companies providing a response/submission to the Advertisement for Bids of the City of Hugo shall comply with the provisions of the statute.
Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at www. questcdn.com. Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the website for a nonrefundable fee of $55 by inputting Quest project #10106626 on the website’s Project Search page.
The website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the website www.questcdn.com. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if
any, obtained from other sources.
Bids will only be accepted via the electronic bidding service through QuestCDN.
The City Council reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive any Bids received without explanation. No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days.
For all further requirements regarding Bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
DATED: March 19, 2026 BY THE ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
s/s Michele Lindau
City Clerk
City of Hugo
Published two times in The Citizen on March 19 and April 2, 2026. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
Pet Memories AquaCremation
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
4016 Lady Slipper Rd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Pet Memories Cremation LLC
4016 Lady Slipper Rd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: February 18, 2026
Signed: Justin Terbeest Published two times in The Citizen on March 5 and 19, 2026. OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name,
• The American Indian Education Indian Parent Advisory Committee gave its annual presentation to the board. Within the Centennial School District, there are 181 students who self-identify as Native American and represent 89 Nations. Some achievements highlighted in the presentation included attendance, grade-point average (GPA) and graduation rates. So far, 59.6% of students missed less than 5% of school for the first semester. About 38% of middle school and highschoolers received a GPA of 3.0 or higher and the graduation rate in 2024-2025 was 94%, a 10% increase from last year.
• Superintendent Jeff Holmberg will join the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) staff as an adjunct instructor following board approval. Holmberg has been invited by SCSU to instruct a graduate course for aspiring educational leaders. The course is structured over three weekends total during late February and March. As this is a weekend cohort model, the instruction time will not interfere with Holmberg’s regular district business hours or his responsibility as superintendent.
• The 2025-2026 budget will undergo revisions following board approval. According to Executive Director of Busi-
The White Bear Lake League of Women Voters will host a panel discussion focused on how election security experts from the state of Minnesota and local governments work together to ensure safe, secure and trustworthy elections. The event will take place at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Doors open at 6 p.m. Experienced election officials will explain the safeguards in place before, during and after elections as well as how voters can have confidence in the integrity of Minnesota’s election process. Featured speakers include Bill Ekblad, election security navigator at the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State; David Triplett, deputy director of Property Tax, Records and Election Services for Ramsey County; and Robin Johnson, head election judge for White Bear Lake.
Donations needed for community book sale
Neighbors are invited to turn books into real community impact. This spring while cleaning off your shelves, collect unwanted book and media donations for the Hugo Book Sale scheduled for June 13 at the Water’s Edge Community Center, located at 15290 Farnham Ave. N. Donations can be dropped off at the community center through June 12. All proceeds from the sale will be given to the Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf to help support local families. For questions, contact
ness Patrick Chaffey, the revisions reflect updated assumptions and estimates based on new information regarding future enrollment, new settlements, staffing adjustments and prior year audit results.
• Schwab, Vollhaber, Lubratt (SVL) will provide the necessary equipment to replace the chillers at Centennial, Golden Lake and Centerville elementaries after the board accepted its bid of $535,600. The board also approved the other project bids: Boiler Services Inc. will install the chillers for $498,600; Humeratech will provide the controls for $47,406. The chiller improvement
To register, go to lwv-wbla.org. The Ramsey County Library–Roseville is located at 2180 Hamline Ave.
Stoss receives Republican endorsement for house seat
Sebastian Stoss has received the Republican endorsement for House District 36A. According to a press release, Stoss said he is committed to lowering taxes, protecting schools from radical agendas, securing state borders and defending the Second Amendment.
District House 36A covers Circle Pines, Lino Lakes, Centerville, North Oaks and White Bear Township. For more information about Stoss and his campaign, go to stossforhouse.com.
redeemedpickup@gmail.com or 651-293-3973.
The Salvation Army Northern Division has launched its sixth annual Meals4Minnesota Food Drive to restock nine Twin Cities food shelves as demand remains high. The drive runs through March 27, with 50 drop-off locations across the metro area. These include participating Blaze Credit
replacement project is included in the district’s long-term facilities plan for renovation.
• Holmberg and Chaffey provided the board with an update regarding the district’s long-range plan. The plan, also referred to as Centennial Forward, will ensure schools remain vibrant, safe and ready to meet the needs of current and future students.
• The board accepted several contributions made to Centerville Elementary, Rice Lake Elementary and Centennial High School.
Union branches, Warners’ Stellian stores and Salvation Army sites. A $25,000 matching gift from a local family foundation will double early financial donations. Cub Foods will also do a round-up campaign at its Minnesota stores in March to support the effort. Officials say food shelf visits have nearly tripled since before the pandemic as grocery and housing costs remain elevated. For more information or a full list of drop-off locations, visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/it-takes-an-army.
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