The Citizen

Four Acre Farm: Provides unique lifestyle for Hugo family

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

“It’s been an amazing journey,” said Hugo resident Aaron Zellmer, noting that this December will mark five years since the Zellmer family began operating Four Acre Farm, their lifestyle farm in Hugo. Aaron was born in Hawaii but moved often because he grew up in a military family. After graduating from Fridley High School, he enlisted in the Air Force for four years. He eventually moved back to Minnesota — specifically, to Lino Lakes — where he met the

love of his life, Kelly. She had grown up on a farm in Hugo and, she says, “was itching to get back to farm life” once they started having children.

“We wanted our kids to experience something unique and different that most kids don’t get to experience,” Kelly explained.

While residing in Brooklyn Park, the family would often visit and help with Kelly’s family farm. The children sold the harvested produce at a barn stand in their driveway.

While driving through Hugo, the Zellmers spotted a home and fell in love. The only prob-

lem: it wasn’t on the market. Aaron and Kelly wrote a letter to the homeowners years before they purchased the home, letting them know about their vision for the property.

“We told them about our intentions,” Aaron said. “We are actually still really great friends with them.”

The name Four Acre Farm pays homage to the couple’s four children: Lillias, 10, Theodore, 6, Genevieve, 8, and Wendell, 3.

City of Hugo ‘streamlines’ fence approval process

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

HUGO — City staff are hoping that some recent changes to its fence approval process will make things a bit easier for residents.

“Right now, there are some processes outlined in city code for approving fences that really have not been practiced administratively at the city for some time, if ever,” explained Associate Planner Max Gort. Current city code states that homeowners who want to install a fence must receive a permit through the city’s building department. If the fence is located within a drainage and utility easement, the homeowner is also required to get a conditional use permit. Gort explained that the city of Hugo has not issued fence permits for some time. If a fence sits over a drainage and utility easement, he said, it requires an encroachment agreement.

“An encroachment agreement is much less intensive than a conditional use permit,” Gort said. “The process for requesting an encroachment agreement is pretty time-consuming for applicants, mainly because it is based around the schedule for City Council meetings.”

SEE FENCE APPROVAL, PAGE 8

FOUR ACRES FARM: Hugo couple establishes ‘lifestyle farm’ for children’s futures

FROM PAGE 1

When they moved to Hugo, they had three children. “We just knew in our heart that we were going to have four kids someday,” Aaron explained. Kelly and Aaron experienced a few losses in early pregnancy, but eventually Wendell completed their family.

Aaron describes the farm as a “lifestyle” farm.

“It’s a lifestyle that we’re doing. It’s not a hobby or a job, but it’s a

mindset that we are tirelessly trying to change amongst our friend group and our community,” he explained. “In today’s society, it does take intentionality to seek healthy alternatives. We have become so complacent with convenience. The pillar of our lifestyle farm is that we are trying to create products that are free from chemicals, they have intentionality behind them, and we want to make sure that we’re respectful and good stewards of the land.”

The farm produces raw honey, pasteurized eggs, poultry and seasonal produce — all grown with care and a focus on sustainability. Aaron said he has always been fascinated by bees. “If it weren’t for pollinators, we wouldn’t have the food diversity that we have today. Pollinators pollinate one out of every third bite of food that we have,” he said.

The farm started off with three colonies and grew up to 20, but over

the winter of 2024-24 the farm, like many other beekeepers across the country, experienced significant losses. The farm currently has five colonies, but eventually hopes to get to 100. In addition to Four Acre Farm, the couple has access to over 200 acres in Hugo (Kelly’s family farm) as well as a farm in Aaron’s family in Staples, Minnesota. Aaron is an accountant by day, while Kelly homeschools the children. Aaron said he enjoys the “balance” between working at a desk all day and being active on the farm before and after work and on weekends. Sometimes, he said, his day job offers a “nice break” from

the daily grind of the physical labor and farm chores he experiences at home.

In addition to educating their own children, the couple often host community Junior Beekeeper events for other homeschooled children.

“It’s such a great opportunity for our kids to learn some really unique skill sets with not only the hard work that they are doing on the farm and the manual labor they are putting in, but also seeing the tangible benefits of all their hard work when it comes to receiving money for the product that we grew and provided to our community,” Aaron said.

Within the next couple

of years, Aaron said he hopes the farm can have a presence at more community events, such as Marketfest.

The hope is that years from now, when Aaron and Kelly are ready to step back a bit from the farm, their children will want to continue its operation.

“Our long-term goal for the farm is to establish something that our kids can really take over and grow beyond what

we could make it grow to,” Aaron said. “We are really hoping that this is something our kids will run with and be able to be successful with everything that they have learned from us.”

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs. com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ONGOING EVENTS

MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturdays, starting June 28

Where: Veterans Memorial Park

Details: Local vendors offer fresh produce, honey, artisan breads, handmade crafts and much more. Contact: mahtomedifarmersmarket@gmail.com

WHITE BEAR LAKE FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Fridays

Where: Clark Ave., between Second Street and Third Street

Details: A tradition since the 1970s, the farmers’ market features more than 50 vendors. Contact: whitebearlake.org or 651-429-8526

HUGO SENIOR CITIZENS PLAY ‘500’

When: 12:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4; the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of every month

Where: Rice Lake Centre, 6900 137th Street N.

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: 12:45 p.m. Aug. 25 and Sept. 2 (due to Labor Day) and the 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

CURRENT EVENTS

LUNCH AND LEARN

When: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21

Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines

Details: Featuring Sami Peluso, founder of All Things Social. Learn how to create genuine social media engagement, practical way to plan and manage your social media presence and the secrets to building and sustaining a network that works for you. Registration is required through the Centennial Area Chamber website.

Contact: centennialareachamber.com or president@ centennialareachamber.com

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: David LaRochelle and illustrator Colleen Muske will sign copies of their new book “How to Draw a Tree.” Contact: 651-426-0918

Forest Lake Masons to hold breakfast drive-thru

The Forest Lake Masons will host a Sunday brunch drive-thru or dine-in from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The Masons will serve European breakfast wraps, crepes, pancakes and sausage. They will also match funds donated to the

Forest Lake Children’s Fund, whose mission is to provide new coats, boots and snow pants to children in need within the city’s school district. The event will be held rain or shine at the Masons’ lodge, located at 119 SE 8th Ave. For more information, contact Public Relations Officer Tom Croce at victom1@ hotmail.com or 651-3950918.

HUGO TREE CARE

DROP-IN NATURE INVESTIGATION: POND CRITTERS

When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

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

Details: Join a naturalist any time during the session to explore more about a nature topic through handson activities and nature artifacts. All ages; free. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

WHITE BEAR CRAFT FAIR

When: 10:00 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23

Where: Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4886 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Shop over 70 booths of Minnesota’s best crafters, artisans, boutiques and vendors. Food trucks on premises. Contact: 763-269-2166 or sunriseeventsandcraftshows@gmail.com

SUMMER PLANT AND MUSHROOM FORAY

When: 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24

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

Details: Experienced foraging instructors Ariel Bonkoski and Maria Wesserle will guide you in this in-depth foraging workshop. Bring your own bags or

Washington County Library hosts storytime in Hugo

Save the date. The Washington County Library will host a storytime at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Lions Volunteer Park in Hugo. Storytime will

include stories, songs and movement. The event is meant for children and their caregivers and designed for all ages. Registration is not required. For more information on Washington County Library events, visit WashCoLib.org/Events.

Bald Eagle Waterski Shows

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

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

baskets to pick. Except to walk about two miles. Contact: anokacountyparks.com

WHIMSICAL WIGS WORKSHOP

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26

Where: Centennial Library, 100 Civic Heights Drive, Circle Pines

Details: Create beautiful yarn wigs for children with cancer or who are experiencing hair loss. No crafting experience necessary. Registration required. Contact: Whimsicalwigsmn@gmail.com

WEEKLY WAG

CHURCH DIRECTORY

CHURCH DIRECTORY Find

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Find the church that fits your needs

6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  Sunday at 8:30 am St. John’s Site  14383 Forest Blvd N, Hugo  Sunday at 10:30 am Parish Community Center  6995 Centerville Rd, Centerville  www.stgens.org 651‐429‐7937

If you are looking for a sweet little cuddle bug to keep you company, then Blanco is the dog for you. He is a 3-yearold Chihuahua mix that weighs about 10 pounds. He is house- and leash-trained, and he knows his basic commands. Blanco is a bit leery of new people at first, but once he gets to know you, he is a buddy for life. His foster reports that Blanco is very well-mannered and polite, and he hasn’t gotten into anything he shouldn’t have. Although Blanco is an affectionate lap dog, when he is not cuddled up next to you he enjoys roaming the house with his favorite stuffed animal. He has a moderate playful side, and he is social with other dogs. But Blanco is always happiest when he is with his person or people. He even likes to go for car rides. Blanco arrived at Ruff Start Rescue from a local impound. If you are interested in learning more about Blanco or adopting him, please fill out an application at www.ruffstartrescue.org. Once your application has been received, Ruff Start Rescue will contact you as soon as possible.

Accountability: What it’s good for

Do you ever wonder if we’re too unwilling to own up to our mistakes?

In an earlier column, I discussed how we as people can be stubborn when it comes to apologizing for our missteps. But what about the extra steps we can, and should, go to to fix what we break?

Honestly, does being sorry mean we have to stop at just saying “sorry?” I don’t always think so. Yes, it’s basic human nature that we ought to, as the saying goes, “fess up when we mess up.” An offering of apologies will always go a long way in the short and possible long-term. But isn’t there more we could be doing?

Suchy’s Scoop

Erik Suchy

Among married couples, this is a prominent part of the reconciliation process between husband and wife. After one apologizes for their grievance, there is almost always an effort by the offender to “woo” the offended back to their side with chocolates, jewelry, reservations to fancy dinners, etc. Personally, it’s a small example I’d like to see extended to not just relationships, but family members and friends.

For clarification’s sake, I’m not suggesting you go and get your friend a brand new Corvette for accidentally breaking a family heirloom, or offer your great-aunt a new house for saying something rude at Thanksgiving dinner. Buying purely for the sake of emotional manipulation (especially when it’s disguised as an apology) is one of a thousand different ways to spell “gross.” But to give something back, beyond just “sorry,” is not something I see a lot of, and want to start seeing again.

It can come as a handwritten letter not only expressing remorse, but a vow of appreciation for the friend/family member’s connection and love (in the case of the friend, brotherly or sisterly). To take it a step further, why not invite them to a small one-on-one at a coffee shop or restaurant where you could say it in person? Just the act of discussing connection in a positive and meaningful way can mean a lot to those we offend. It shows we’re willing to rebuild trust in a setting where we can’t hide behind a wall of emojis and misspelled expressions.

There are examples, however, where this route doesn’t always work. If we break something valuable, hand-written notes and meet-ups won’t do much compared to paying for the object itself. Other times, when we go farther than usual to insult someone and still don’t feel like we were in the wrong, weeks after it happened, it’s often a catalyst for that person to block us out of hurt. Naturally, this can cause rebuilding trust to take months, if not years.

I’m no psychologist, so I can’t speak for what the right answer is in this situation. My advice? Either make right with someone immediately, or never allow your temper or triggering action to reach this boiling point. In short, be humble, not humiliating.

A great quote that popped into my head as I was writing this comes from the famed Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu: “To lead the people, walk behind them.” That said, it shouldn’t always be up to the geniuses and sages of centuries past to tell us how to be a better person. We alone are responsible for making the best of how we rectify ourselves. To you all, I say this: change costs nothing but a little of our time and effort.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications..

HCenterville summer update

ello Centerville!

Movers & Shakers

Nancy Golden

I hope you’re all enjoying a fantastic summer. Can you believe it’s already mid-August? Funny how we never say, “Wow, winter just flew by!” July was a whirlwind of excitement as we celebrated our 34th annual Fête de Lacs. The week-long festivities included Music in the Park, Safety Night, the kickoff of our bustling Main Street Market, our beloved Bald Eagle Waterski Show, dazzling fireworks, a parade with more than 50 entries and plenty of kids’ activities in Laurie LaMotte Park.

A huge round of applause goes to Bridget LeMire for flawlessly organizing the parade, and a heartfelt thank-you to the Centerville Lions, the Centennial Lakes Police Department and the Centennial Fire Department for their dedication and support in making this event such a success.

The fun isn’t over yet! Main Street Market continues through

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Thursday, Aug. 21, from 5—6:30 p.m. on Centerville Road across from Centerville Elementary. It features local artists, a variety of vendors and food trucks. Our final evening will be a special Kids’ Night, so mark your calendars!

We’re also exploring development opportunities for Block 7 along Main Street and in our commercial district. Plus, thanks to a grant from the University of Minnesota, we’re seeking your ideas for Community Engagement. Please visit our city website to complete the survey—your input

THE CITIZEN | LETTER GUIDELINES

letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

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will help shape Centerville’s future.

As we gear up for the 2025–26 school year, I wish all our students a wonderful year ahead, and I extend my gratitude to our incredible teachers and school staff for their dedication to our children.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I hope to see you around town!

matter will not be published.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Motorized bicycles

I am a resident of Creekview Town Homes in Hugo. I live on Fenway Boulevard, where I frequently walk my dog on the walkway. The walkway is used by other dog walkers, seniors, families with children, and exercise walkers and joggers.

This summer there has been an increased presence of children on motorized bikes using the walkway. The issue is the speed with which these children operate their machines. My estimate is speeds of 15 to 20 mph are common, although I understand they can reach 28 mph or more. And I have not witnessed any courteous or considerate behaviors such as slowing down near pedestrians they are passing.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Many Faces to host immigration education series this fall

I have also witnessed children on motorized bikes using the pedestrian walk along Victor Hugo with the same speed and behavior. I am concerned that it is inevitable an incident will evolve, one involving injury to a pedestrian, a pet, or one of these children.

It would seem reasonable that motorized traffic, other than wheelchairs and scooters for individuals that need them, should not be allowed. If there are currently no laws or ordinances regarding this, perhaps something could be drafted.

Will Perry Hugo

We’ve come so far

I was 13 when Alzheimer’s disease crept its way into my life for the first time. My grandmother, with whom I was very close, began to forget who we were and have vivid delusions that put her and my grandfather’s safety at risk. Her downward trajectory was steep and fast, and she passed soon after she started receiving care for her fading memory. Today, my grandfather is heading down the same path.

Caring for my grandmother inspired me to learn more, and I began working as a caregiver at a local memory care facility here in Hugo. During my time in this job, I have seen the tragedy of Alzheimer’s touch our community. No one should have to go through this unique type of grief, yet more than 102,000 Minnesotans are currently living with the disease, and more than 166,000 family members are serving as their caregivers.

The good news is that things are changing. Cutting-edge research recently shared at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto provided valuable new insights into factors impacting brain health – from environmental risks and medication use to lifestyle and genetics. In the U.S., research is made possible thanks to bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress. That is why I am urging Rep. Pete Stauber, our 8th district congress member, to support a $113.485 million increase in funding for Alzheimer’s research in FY26. This increase will move the science forward so we can better prevent, diagnose, treat, and eventually cure this devastating disease.

As a community, we must reach out to our leaders to let them know the impact their support could have on the people they represent. We must continue to fight for funding for Alzheimer’s research so scientists can continue to do their work. We’ve come so far - we can’t stop now.

If you or your family is impacted by Alzheimer’s, you can turn to the resources and support that the Alzheimer’s Association’s Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter provides. Visit alz.org/mnnd or call the 24-7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.

Many Faces, a collaboration of 30 local organizations “working to create a community where everyone feels they belong,” will host two public educational events this fall to explore the complex issues surrounding immigration. The organization said the events’ goal is to provide factual, accessible information to help the White Bear Lake area community better understand the challenges of the U.S. immigration system and the impact those challenges have on immigrant neighbors and friends.

at the University of Minnesota, will follow with a presentation on immigration and human rights, connecting laws, policies and facts to the experiences of immigrants.

On Oct. 28, Many Faces will host a panel of experts from diverse backgrounds. The organization said the speakers will offer perspectives on immigration, providing a deeper look at current issues and their local implications.

Both events will take place at Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Road F E. To register, visit manyfaceswblarea.org.

MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week beginning 8/17/2025 Metro

Both events will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On Sept. 23, Julia Decker, policy director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, will open the evening by outlining the principles of U.S. immigration law, the various immigration statuses, and the rights and responsibilities associated with each. Christopher Roberts, associate professor of law and affiliated faculty in sociology

POLITICAL BRIEF

University of Minnesota Master Gardener program welcomes new members

specific interests while helping the state.

Priorities for the program include providing information about horticulture skills, local foods, pollinator health, plant biodiversity, green spaces, clean water and climate resilience.

To become an active Master Gardener volunteer, participants are asked to complete a core course in horticulture and 50 hours of volunteering in the first year. After that, volunteers are asked to commit to 25 hours of annual volunteer work and five hours of continuing education.

MDAN ads to run ONE TIME, the week

The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program is accepting applications through Oct. 1. Becoming a Master Gardener volunteer lets participants explore their

Senator Gustafson honored as 2025 Legislator of Distinction

The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 28 state lawmakers, including Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL - Vadnais Heights), as 2025 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts to Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session. Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s board of directors. The League said

The core course begins online in January 2026. On Tuesday nights from January through May, the course includes optional Zoom Q&A sessions with University of Minnesota and extension educators and faculty.

To learn more about the program and apply, visit extension. umn.edu/master-gardener/ become-master-gardener or call 612-625-9864.

in a news release that the awards recognize the collaboration among state and city officials needed to successfully serve communities and meet the needs of rural, urban and suburban Minnesotans.

The League said Gustafson was instrumental in working with the League on zoning and land use issues. “Not only did she and her staff consistently make themselves available to League staff and the cities [she] represents,” it said, “but she worked diligently to convey city positions on a myriad of key issues. Sen. Gustafson checked in with League staff and her own cities on a weekly basis and helped provide key insight into city positions to colleagues on both sides of the aisle as a member of the Senate State and Local Government Committee.”

For more information, visit lmc.org.

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Your newspaper has agreed to participate in the Minnesota these ads in the main news section of your newspaper (not per). At times, advertisers may request a specific section. each newspaper. Ads may need to be decreased/increased Please do not bill for these ads. If you have questions, please

COPS&COURTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service:

• Deputies cited a motorist at midnight June 26 on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Frenchman Road for being on a public roadway while displaying registration that expired in September 2023.

• A motorist reported road rage on Forest Boulevard N. and 147th Street N. at 1:48 p.m. June 28, after a northbound male driving a blue compact car threw something at her vehicle and honked at her. The vehicle sped away toward Forest Lake.

• Deputies on routine patrol cited a motorist at 6:09 p.m. June 28 in the 14000 block of Forest Boulevard N. for registration that expired in April. The deputies conducted a traffic stop when the driver ran a red light at a high rate of speed. The driver would likely have been cited for speeding, but deputies’ radar had seized up.

• The driver of a Toyota Camry was cited for speeding 51 mph in a clearly marked 35 mph zone at 5:28 p.m. June 28 on westbound Egg Lake Road N. The driver said he was speeding because he was not familiar with the area.

• The driver of a black Chrysler was cited at 6:56 p.m. June 29 in the 6000 block of eastbound 170th Street N. for driving after revocation and for using a wireless communication device while driving, after he nearly caused a head-on collision with deputies on routine patrol. First, the driver made a U-turn in traffic. Then he overcorrected and headed straight toward the squad car. During the traffic stop, the driver told deputies he was trying to use his phone GPS to get to Maplewood.

• In the Case of the Garroted Goose, a goose with a net around its neck was reported at 6:26 p.m. June 30 on Elmcrest Avenue N. and Heritage Parkway N.

• “A good-hearted individual” in the 12000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 3:47 p.m. July 1 reported finding a wallet. The owner of the wallet was located, and the property returned.

• Deputies met up with Anoka County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 11:39 p.m. July 1 in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Boulevard N. to hand over a person they had arrested on warrant.

• Deputies took two motor vehicle theft reports on July 2, the first at 8:28 a.m. from the 6000 block of 152nd Street N. and the second at 8:49 a.m. from the 4000 block of Empress Avenue N. At 6:25 that day, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported a license plate reader “hit” in their county on the second stolen vehicle. At 12:02 a.m. July 3, the St. Paul Police Department confirmed the recovery of an unoccupied vehicle stolen from Hugo, and the victim was notified.

• A less than truthful motorist was arrested at 10:07 a.m. July 2 in the 13000 block of Forest Boulevard N. for the violations of not wearing a seatbelt, driving after revocation and failing to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for a severely cracked windshield and for a driver not buckled up. During the stop, the driver claimed to be insured through Progressive. Deputies did a little Mobile Data Computer research and found the driver’s license had been revoked for six convictions for failure to provide insurance. The no-insurance tally is now up to seven, after deputies discovered the driver didn’t have insurance this time, either.

• A resident in the 4000 block of Rosemary Way at 1:56 a.m. July 3 reported that her vehicle, containing personal belongings, was taken without permission. A Keeping Our Police Safe alert was issued for the vehicle, and the complainant was advised to contact deputies with any updates.

• A motorist was cited at 6:25 a.m. July 3 in the 7000 block of 137th Street N. for speeding 60 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Eastbound deputies clocked the vehicle on radar at 71 mph.

• Deputies who were dispatched to the scene of a noninjury motor vehicle accident at 2:52 p.m. July 3 on Oneka Parkway N. cited a driver on a learner’s permit for poor driving skills. “The driver had decided to not utilize their lane but use the oncoming traffic’s lane to drive,” the report said. The driver’s conduct nearly caused a head-on collision.

• Another motorist was cited for poor driving conduct that led to a three-vehicle noninjury accident at 4:43 p.m. July 3 on Forest Boulevard N. at 141st Street N.

of the owner matched the general appearance of the person behind the wheel, the vehicle was pulled over.

• Deputies were dispatched to the scene of a can of bug spray that caught fire at 11:37 p.m. July 4 in the 4000 block of Victor Path.

• The driver of a Jeep was cited at 9:59 p.m. July 4 for speeding 67 mph in a 55 mph zone on northbound Forest Boulevard N., after deputies observed the vehicle in the roundabout on 170th Street with no rear lights. As deputies followed the vehicle to observe more closely, they noticed the reading on their own speedometer creeping upward as they tried to keep up with the vehicle.

• The driver of a Chevrolet Trax was cited for speeding 47 mph in a 35 mph zone at 10:10 p.m. July 4 on 137th Street N. and 137 Street Court N. by westbound deputies. The driver was also verbally warned for expired registration.

• Deputies responded to a report of lit fireworks being deposited down sewer drains in the 15000 block of Fanning Drive at 10:13 p.m. July 4. Deputies found several parties cleaning up remnants of fireworks and advised them to finish up and never put anything down the sewer drain.

• A driver with a rear license plate out was arrested for DWI at 12:16 a.m. July 5 in the 15000 block of Forest Boulevard N. Deputies in surreptitious fashion got behind the vehicle without lights or sirens and watched it pull into a closed elementary school lot. On contact with the driver, deputies noticed signs of impairment. They conducted standardized field sobriety tests and a portable breath test, which yielded a .15 blood alcohol content.

• A motorist along Forest Boulevard N. and 147th Street N. was cited at 6:18 p.m. July 5 for speeding 51 mph in a 35 mph zone and for failing to wear a seat belt while doing it.

Another motorist was cited at 7:41 p.m. July 5 in the 6000 block of Egg Lake Road N. for using her cell phone while driving. The driver admitted to checking her emails.

An eastbound motorist was cited at 8:18 p.m. July 5 on 122nd Street N. and Keller Avenue N. for speeding 64 mph in a 50 mph zone.

• A tailgater was cited at 11:19 p.m. July 5 on Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Boulevard N. for expired registration, after deputies, responding to a report of a vehicle following another vehicle, found the offending vehicle.

• A motorist pulling a trailer was arrested for DWI at 2:13 p.m. July 6 on 170th Street N. and Jeffrey Avenue N., after deputies pulled the vehicle over for speeding 70

Upcoming Games

• A motorist was cited at 8:57 p.m. July 3 on Frenchman Road and Leopold Lane for driving without a valid driver’s license, after deputies conducted a random license plate check on the vehicle. The registered owner showed an identification-only status. Because the photo

mph in a posted 55 mph zone. On contact with the driver, deputies noticed signs of impairment and conducted standardized field sobriety testing. The portable breath test resulted in a .21 blood alcohol content reading.

• Kids riding scooters and electric motorcycles on a baseball diamond were reported at 5 p.m. July 6 in the 6000 block of 145th Street N. Deputies found the youths in the area riding on private property, warned them about city ordinances and advised them to stay off the baseball diamond.

• An intoxicated female reported for urinating in the kitchen of a residence in the 16000 block of Ingersoll Avenue N. at 6:57 p.m. July 6 was escorted off the premises after deputies mediated the dispute. Deputies gave the female a ride to the Holiday gas station on Manning Avenue N. and Interstate 94 so a friend could take her to his residence for the night.

• After Kwik Trip staff in the 14000 block of Victor Hugo Boulevard N. reported “a suspicious motorist” for sleeping in the lot at 1:24 a.m. July 7, a welfare check determined he was a tired man who wanted to sleep before driving home.

• A resident in the 12000 block of Fondant Trail N. at 4:59 p.m. July 7 reported an ex-boyfriend from 20 years ago for contacting and harassing her. Deputies spoke to all parties involved and advised them of their options.

• Copper theft resulting in property damage was reported at 12:12 p.m. July 8 in the 13000 block of Fenway Boulevard N.

• A motorist turning right on a red light was cited at 3:36 p.m. July 8 on Frenchman Road and Elmcrest Avenue N., after deputies waiting at the light at the intersection of Frenchman Road and Victor Hugo Boulevard observed the maneuver nearly causing an accident.

• License plates were reported stolen at 11:38 a.m. July 9 from the 6000 block of 151st Street N.

• “Suspicious people” reported for “doing things” to a telecommunications box in the 12000 block of Ethan Avenue N. at 12:46 p.m. July 9 turned out to be city-approved contractors.

• A resident in the 15000 block of Forest Boulevard N. at 3:39 p.m. July 9 reported a camera belonging to a neighbor perched on a telephone pole. The camera was not obviously looking into the complainant’s house, but it could move—and did so while deputies were on scene. They advised the complainant to speak with park management.

• Two suspicious males, seen on a surveillance camera in the 8000 block of 147th Street at 4:04 p.m. July 9 appearing to try to break into a cell tower area, turned out to be contractors performing maintenance at the cell tower

Revolved looks to make an impact by providing aid on the ground

BY CJ WRZESIEN PRESS INTERN

Grant resident Michael Stoebner has spent the past 13 years doing nonprofit work, traveling everywhere from Haiti to Cuba to Zimbabwe. A recent trip even put Stoebner near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. Stoebner, along with Chris Newhouse and Katie Johnson, teamed up to form a nonprofit organization called Revolved. With Stoebner’s background in nonprofit work and Newhouse’s and Johnson’s backgrounds in medical device sales, Resolved seeks to get medical devices and equipment to regions where they are needed most.

In August 2024, Newhouse, Stoebner and a partner of theirs made their first trip to Ukraine, delivering medical supplies to the front-line field hospitals.

“They just don’t have the system set up to get those supplies there,” Stoebner said. “They don’t have the money. They don’t have the infrastructure to get it there.”

On that trip, the group delivered supplies to a warehouse in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Stoebner said part of Revolved’s mission is being present in the areas the nonprofit is trying to reach.

“Eighty percent of the mission is to meet people, know them, walk with them,” Stoebner said. “And understand how to help, how to be a part of what they’re already doing.”

In April 2025, New-

house and Stoebner returned to Ukraine. This time, Johnson also was able to make the trip. The trio arrived on a train to Kyiv from Warsaw, Poland, and settled into their hotel near Independence Square. At 2 a.m., they heard air raid sirens warning of a Russian drone attack.

The group turned on the news to see that the drones had hit a few miles from their hotel, collapsing a nearby apartment building. The attack allowed the group to get a first-hand look at the devastation of the war and the resiliency of the people who clean up and rebuild in the aftermath.

“It’s one of the most resilient cultures I’ve ever experienced,” Newhouse said. “Not only do they immediately clean up and rebuild, they memorialize.”

For the group, he said, experiences like these remind them that medical supplies are at the heart of what they do.

“It’s about showing up in places where aid is needed and being present for people,” Newhouse added.

The group agreed that they are so passionate about the organization’s mission that they are taking a year without salary to get Revolved going. They will spend six months working in places such as Ukraine and Zimbabwe, and six months after that spreading the word about their work and mission to the public. They are planning a third trip to Ukraine in September.

Johnson stated that the goal of Revolved is to break the mold and do

nonprofit work differently than it has been done for decades. “Part of that involves being on the ground exploring, finding stories and people, and connecting that back to people in the United States,” he said. In addition to traveling to find people in need, the group plans to start a podcast as a way of getting the message of their work out to the public.

FENCE APPROVAL: Hugo simplifies process for homeowners and staff

Say someone reaches out to city staff on Friday and wants to install a fence that weekend. The person would likely have to wait a couple of weeks for the encroachment agreement to be added to a council meeting agenda and approved.

“In pretty much every case, these agreements are getting approved on the consent agenda, so it seems like a little bit of a formality to make [applicants] wait that long,” he said.

Gort added that homes in new developments have been required to have easements around the perimeter of the property. Although most easements do not have infrastructure underground, some of them do. If the city ever needs to access that infrastructure, the fence may have to be removed.

The city has run into a few instances of fence contractors installing a fence without the homeowners seeking approval of encroachment agreements, because the city doesn’t require a building permit and inspection.

“We average 150 to 200 homes in the community every year, but we only get

about 20 encroachment agreements approved every year,” Gort noted. “A lot of these fences that are going up around town are being placed in easements, and there isn’t an agreement on file for that fence to be removed if it needed to be.” In addition, he said, residents may not understand that fences atop infrastructure might require removal at some point.

City staff worked with the city attorney to draft amendments to the fence ordinance. The amendment:

• States that any fence placed within an easement may be removed if work needs to be performed within the easement

• Requires any fence placed within an easement where public improvements are located, or access to public improvements is located, to receive administrative approval from the public works department and be recorded at the county

• Removes the requirement that a fence must receive a permit from the city building official

• Simplifies the height and setback requirements table to better reflect current zoning districts

Centerville man involved in southern Minnesota crash

Planning Commission Member Cindy Petty asked, “How would I, as a new homeowner who is putting a fence up, know that I need an encroachment agreement?” Although the information is published in the newspaper and on the city website, Community Development Director Rachel Juba said that often the only way a resident will know is by asking city staff.

“Hopefully, we can get the word out that they need to check and make sure that they don’t have any easements on their property. If you don’t know, come in and talk to staff and we will let you know,” she said.

Juba added that, although city staff aren’t out policing fences, public works staff or building inspection teams that are out on city streets and notice something that may pose an issue will report that to city staff.

Planning Commission Vice Chair Matthew Derr asked who is responsible for footing the bill if a fence has to be removed. The removal cost, and the cost to replace it, would fall on the homeowner.

Planning Commission Chairperson Bronwen Kleissler wanted to know how

the city of Hugo’s requirements aligned with those of other communities. Gort explained that many communities require inspections and formal fence permits from their building departments. Gort said Hugo hasn’t done that because the process is a bit more intensive. “That would involve using staff time to perform inspections, certifying where property lines are, and we don’t really have the capabilities or people who are trained to do that,” he said.

The Planning Commission ultimately recommended approval of the changes to the City Council, which also approved the changes.

“I think this makes a lot of sense from a staff standpoint,” said Planning Commission Member Phil Klein. “Making these amendments is going to make it a lot cleaner and easier to understand.”

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or citizennews@presspubs.com.

According to the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office, 63-year-old Jeffrey Magdik, of Centerville, was involved in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of County State Aid Highway 6 and County State Aid Highway 4 on Monday, Aug. 11.

Authorities said the crash occurred at about 10:23 p.m., when a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Magdik, was traveling eastbound on County Road 4 and failed to stop at a stop sign. Magdik’s vehicle then struck a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 26-year-old Thalia Calderon Rodriquez of South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Magdik, Calderon Rodriquez, and the three passengers in Calderon Rodriquez’s vehicle were transported by ambulance to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Redwood County Sheriff’s Office. PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Top 5 at PressPubs.com:

August 10 – 17, 2025

these most-visited stories

Upcoming events

“Futuros Posibles / Possible Futures” Opening Reception

White Bear Center for the Arts

September 11, 6:00-8:00 PM

American cultures had developed, all the way through our contemporary times, without the impact of colonization? Hear insights about the process from artists and curators during a curator and artist panel.

Charanga Tropical

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

September 13, 7:30 PM

sounds of Cuba to life with a dynamic blend of violins, flute, rich vocals, and a sizzling Latin rhythm section--perfect for listening and lighting up the dance

Meet the tree sculpture connecting humans with their memories of nature

Nature Plein Air Competition & Exhibition” season, visitors are invited to share a memory about a place in nature they return to, either in real life or in their mind.

You can find a full list of classes in WBCA’s quarterly printed catalog and online at WhiteBearArts.org/ classes.

whole community was invited to

shared fond memories, whispered

WBCA’s upcoming exhibit explores a reimagined Latin American future

White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery currently houses the “Into Nature Plein Air Competition comprised of plein air paintings created during the Into Nature Plein Air Competition, which runs for a few weeks every year in July.

As the summer season winds down, a new exhibit will take its place, offering viewers a reimagined vision of Latin American cultures. What might they have looked like had colonization not interrupted the natural evolution of indigenous civilizations across the Americas? How would their languages, traditions, and spiritual beliefs have developed through the passage of time and the advent of new technologies?

Opening on September 11 and running through October 31, the exhibit goes beyond asking questions; it seeks to preserve and reimagine ancestral knowledge. The featured artworks explore how indigenous cultures might have approached

contemporary themes, such as modern medicine, sports, and language, confronting historical narratives to create ripples in our present and echo well into the past and future.

Curated and created by artists with roots in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and other regions in Latin America, the exhibit honors the artists' cultural backgrounds while offering a fresh contemporary perspective to re-engage with their cultural heritage and personal stories to envision a possible future.

Don’t miss the chance to see this exhibit in person. The opening reception will take place on September 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with a special curator and artist panel at 7:00 PM. Hear from the artists and curators as they share insights into their cultural backgrounds, inspirations behind their works, and offer a glimpse into a reimagined Latin American future.

Larkin dancer wins ‘Best Dancer’ award, takes her talent to USC

BY TYLER QUATTRIN NEWS INTERN

Keira Redpath earned one of the most prestigious honors in preprofessional competitive dance this summer, winning The Dance Awards 2025 Senior Best Dancer title in Las Vegas with her jazz solo, “All That Jazz.”

This week, the 18-year-old Mahtomedi High School graduate moved to the University of Southern California to join the highly selective Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. She’ll continue to take dance classes and perform, but not on USC’s dance team.

Redpath has trained at Larkin Dance Studio since age 3, and her family’s connection to the studio runs deep. Her great-grandmother lived near Shirley Larkin, who started the studio in her basement in 1950. Larkin Dance received national recognition when it won The Dance Awards Studio of the Year award in 2016 and 2023.

When Redpath’s older sister, Cami, took up dance, joining the studio was a natural choice, said Tara Redpath, the girls’ mom. Keira Redpath followed in her sister’s footsteps, moving from recreation classes to competitive dance at 5.

Tara Redpath said she saw her younger daughter shine on stage from a young age. “She was really shy at school, and we had to hold her hand in the classroom,” she said. “Then she'd get on that stage, and you are like, ‘Who is this child?’ Maybe the skill might not have been there, but you were like, ‘OK, the stage is where she belongs.’”

Keira Redpath competes in nearly all styles of dance: ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, tap and ballroom. She said she can’t pick a favorite.

“I just like putting on a show for other people, like getting into character as a dancer. I can express my emotions through performing,” she said.

She said that performing wasn’t always easy. As a young competitor, she was a perfectionist who sometimes became physically sick from nerves. Over time, she said, she learned to manage the nerves differently.

“I get nervous, but I realized that

it's not like I need to be perfect all the time, like it's more doing it for myself,” she said. “I get excited to go on the stage, honestly, because I like to perform for big audiences. I like the adrenaline and stuff now.”

Redpath competes in about six competitions a year, performing solos at each and participating in group dances at roughly half of them. The season typically runs from January through May, with nationals in late June or early July, she said.

This summer, she achieved a longtime dream by winning the Senior Best Dancer title. She has competed for the award nearly every year since she was 10, placing among the top four finalists in recent years, she said.

In November, Redpath was named a 2025 YoungArts “Winner with Distinction” in modern/contemporary dance. The program selects winners across art disciplines and invites those earning distinction to spend a week together in an immersive arts experience.

This past year, Redpath also served as one of three captains of Larkin’s senior line. She co-choreographed a large routine performed at Mahtomedi High School’s pep fest and homecoming football game.

Tara Redpath said she has seen her daughter become a leader at Larkin and a role model for younger dancers. “She's got some good God-given talent, but you can't just have that,” she said. “She's one of the hardest workers I know.”

Keira Redpath described the studio as “a second family” where she

has made her best relationships. She also teaches private lessons and assists in other teachers’ classes at Larkin.

Even on days off and weekends, she can be found practicing in the studio.

Despite spending so much time in the studio, Redpath says she has balanced dance with the rest of her life.

“As long as at school I stay on track … If I actually get my work done, then I can come to dance and be fine,” she said. “As long as I am able to know my schedule for the week, I’m able to manage everything.”

Her mother said balancing school and dance helped Redpath build a discipline that helped her succeed. After a rigorous audition and college application process, she opened her USC acceptance email while at Larkin, surrounded by teammates and teachers.

“I started crying, I was so happy,” she said.

Redpath said she’s excited to start at USC and be part of a community of dancers who share her passion. She’s also eager to be in Los Angeles, where there are many opportunities to build a career in dance. She plans to spend the next few years figuring out what she wants to do, whether it be commercial work, concert dance, teaching or something else.

She said USC is just the next step in doing what she loves most. “I just want to dance forever,” she said.

O’Neill nabs 5th Chomonix title, edging Lee

Nick O’Neill claimed his fifth Chomonix Golf Club championship on Sunday and this one was hard work, by one stroke over Brandon Lee after a tense final hole.

O’Neill shot 72-79-151, Lee 72-80-152, Carter Anderson 79-73-162, Gino Salay 79-79-168 and Carter Korkowski 76-82-168, for the top five spots among 14 in the championship flight.

“I had a five-stroke lead at the turn and managed to hold on,” O’Neill said, who is the president of the men’s leagues.

O’Neill and Lee each shot even par on Saturday. O’Neill pulled five strokes ahead in the first nine Sunday. Lee, seeking his first club title, closed within three strokes going into No. 18, on which he came through with a par. O’Neill, meanwhile, had his second double-bogey of the tournament.

“I would have liked to cruise to the win, but it didn’t happen that way,” O’Neill said. “I had to make a four-foot putt to win it.”

O’Neill won by 11 strokes in 2024 and by eight strokes in 2022. “It was exciting,” he chuckled about his latest club title.

Lund wins Seniors

John Lund snagged the seniors championship, shooting 74-81-155. Dave Hensel was runner-up with 84-74-158 and Craig Jurich third with 84-82-166 among eight contestants.

Dylan Zuk won the first flight, Bill Norberg won the second flight, and Phil Laskey won the third flight.

Senior health fair to offer resources, flu shots, lunch and a dog

BY TYLER QUATTRIN NEWS INTERN

Press Publications will host its annual senior health fair from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the former White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E. County Road F.

The event will feature resources geared toward seniors and their caregivers, including free flu shots from Cub Pharmacy with no appointment necessary.

“This is a great opportunity to get all the resources you need under one roof,” said Patty Steele, general manager

of Press Publications.

Participating vendors will include Twin Cities Pain Clinic, Caretta Senior Living, Advanced Dermatology, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cerenity Senior Care, Canvas Health, North Star Medical and Round Lake Senior Living. See page 14 for a full list of vendors.

Lunch will be provided by Donatelli’s, Jimmy John’s, Pizza Man and Pine Tree Apple Orchard.

Longtime emcee Gary LaRue will return to sing and announce vendors throughout the afternoon. “I know some

people come just to hear him sing,” Steele said.

Dog lovers can look forward to meeting Twinkie, a Pembroke Welsh corgi owned by Press Publications Managing Editor Shannon Granholm.

“Twinkie regularly visits senior residences around the Twin Cities,” Granholm explained. “She soaks up all the attention, and it is so sweet to watch the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see her waddle into the room.”

A search is underway for a new venue for next year’s event.

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CITY BRIEFS

Clearwater Commons final plat moves to council

The Clearwater Commons final plat will move to the Lino Lakes City Council for review after the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval 7-0. The final plat is for three commercial lots north of Main Street, west of Interstate 35E, east of 21st Avenue N., and south of the park and ride.

The development would include a stand-alone Chipotle and, in the future, a retail store and auto service business. The final plat will be presented to the council at its meeting Monday, Sept. 8.

Final plat for Natures Refuge North receives board approval

The final plat for Natures Refuge North, proposed by M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, will move to the council for review after the Lino Lakes Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. The development would be located north of Natures Refuge. The site contains two parcels totaling approximately 60 gross acres.

The final plat shows 94 single-family lots. According to Lino Lakes City Planner Katie Larsen, the proposed development would be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 would develop 45 lots, Phase 2 the remaining 49.

Centerville participates in U of M program

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

53-62 WMD proposes to collect charges of $219,397. Remote monitoring will also be possible using Zoom. Zoom instructions can be found at www.ricecreek.org or contact ehurley@ricecreek.org. RCWD, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive, Suite 611, Blaine, MN 55449. 763-398-3070. Published one time in The Citizen on August 21, 2025.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that under Minnesota Statutes §§514.18–514.22, ATR Inc. located at 15183 Freeland Ave N 103 Hugo, MN 55038, claims a lien against the following described watercraft for unpaid storage fees: Boat Make/Model: 2015 Tracker – 17 Foot VIN #: BUJ02954F415

Registration #: MN 2161MH Boat Trailer: 2015 Trailstar VIN #: 4TM11EH13FB001098

Outstanding Balance: $9,500.00

The watercraft will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder to satisfy the lien. The sale will be held as follows: Date of Sale: Monday, 9/15/2025

Time of Sale: 10AM

Location: 15183 Freeland Ave N 103 Hugo, MN 55038

Terms of the sale are cash or certified funds only. The seller reserves the right to bid and to refuse any or all bids.

Dated: 8/12/2025

ATR Inc Jeff Schmidt 15183 Freeland Ave N 103, Hugo, MN 55038

651-384-2278

Published two times in The Citizen on August 21 and September 4, 2025.

Common financial scams that target seniors FINANCIAL PLANNING

Financial scams are as old as the concept of currency. But consumers’ vulnerability to scams has seemingly increased in the twenty-first century, when the Internet and devices like smartphones have enabled scammers to gain access to potential victims’ financial information and even gain virtual entry into their homes.

Seniors are targeted by financial scammers with such frequency that the term “elder fraud” has entered the English lexicon and is now widely recognized as a notable threat to individuals age 60 and older. In recognition of that threat, the Elder Justice Initiative aims to support and coordinate U.S. Department of Justice efforts to combat financial fraud that targets older adults. Those efforts are ongoing and include a number of initiatives to educate older adults about elder fraud, including warning seniors about some notable scams that criminals use to target older adults.

• Social Security Administration Impostor Scam: When perpetrating this scam, criminals typically contact prospective victims via telephone and falsely claim that suspicious activity has prompted the suspension of their Social Security number. Scammers may also indicate money must be withdrawn from a potential victim’s bank and stored on gift cards for security’s sake. It’s important to note caller ID spoofing is often utilized when perpetrating this scam so an incoming call appears to be coming from the Social Security Administration.

• Tech Support Scam: This scam involves criminals claiming to be representatives from widely recognized companies who are calling to inform seniors that viruses or malware have been detected on their devices. Some also may claim a target’s computer has been hacked. The Federal Trade Commission notes perpetrators of this scam pretend to be tech support and request victims enable them to remotely access their devices or computer. Granting such access provides an avenue to view sensitive information, but scammers also may diagnose nonexistent problems and charge a fee. But the scam does not always stop

there. Some call back later and offer a refund to account for services that can no longer be rendered or to correct an overcharge. The scammers then request victims’ specific banking details under the guise of “correcting” these alleged oversights.

• Lottery Scam: The lottery scam involves scammers calling potential victims and informing them they have won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes. Perpetrators of this scam typically identify themselves as lawyers, customs officials or lottery representatives. The telemarketers behind this scam may be based in Jamaica, but the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica warns that those behind the scam will ask winners to pay various fees, including shipping and customs duties, until victims’ funds are exhausted.

• Romance Scam: The FTC warns that wildly popular dating sites, social networking platforms and chat rooms provide opportunities for scammers to identify and exploit potential victims. The aim of these scams, which many victims are too ashamed to report even after they realize they’ve been victimized, is to convince targets to send money in the name of love. But the EJI warns that online love interests who ask for money are almost certainly scam artists.

These are just a handful of the many ways that modern scammers target seniors. More information about these and other scams is available at justice.gov/ elderjustice.

Kayla Schiltgen is one of six recipients of the 2025 McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers. The grants recognize dance artists whose work demonstrates a sustained commitment to artistic excellence.

Originally from Hugo but now based in Two Harbors, Schiltgen grew up dancing at 4th Street Dance Center in White Bear Lake. She has been choreographing White Bear Lake Area High School musicals since 2008. The fellowships provide each artist with $25,000, enabling recipients to take time for study, reflection, experimentation and exploration— whether to pursue a new opportunity, begin a project, or deepen their practice. As a Choreographer Fellow, Schiltgen will be offered additional support for research and development of her work. The opportunity includes a supported trip to New York City during the Association of Performing Arts Professionals conference, as well as funds for dedicated space and/or engaging collaborators in the creative

process. Chances to see Schiltgen’s work include: • “The Little Match Girl Passion,” presented with Duluth’s Borealis Chamber Artists at the American Choral Directors Association Conference at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at St.

Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi

• “Cinderella,” with White Bear Lake Area High School Theater, Nov. 14-15 and 20-21 at the White Bear Lake Area High School Performing Arts Center

For more information, visit mcknight. org/artistfellowships.

Youth represent Hugo at national gathering

Four high school students and two adults from the Hugo area recently traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, to represent Hugo and New Life Church – Lutheran at the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Youth Gathering. The event is held every three years for high school youth in the Lutheran Church –Missouri Synod church body.

The group from Hugo joined about 20,000 other high school-aged Christians from around the

world July 19-23. At the gathering, the students listened to nationally and world-renowned performers and special speakers. The gathering included time for Bible study and worship each day, as well as for volunteering at a local school for underprivileged students. The group helped clean the school and make it a welcoming place for students and teachers.

County Board receives $814,000 for family homelessness prevention, assistance

The Washington County Board of Commissioners has accepted $814,000 in grant funds to prevent family homelessness and secure housing for families experiencing homelessness. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency recently awarded Washington County $814,000 in funds for the two years beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and ending Sept. 30, 2027. The program provides supportive services and/ or financial assistance to families, youth and single adults who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. The county has received such funding since 2007. It has contracted with community providers to use the funds to stabilize families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that families spend in emergency shelters, and help families secure transitional or perma-

nent affordable housing. Agencies that will receive funds to use in the 2025-2027 biennium are: Solid Ground, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington County, Valley Outreach, and Greater Twin Cities United Way 211. County Board reviews 2024 financial audit results

The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently reviewed the 2024 financial audit results. The auditing firm reported a clean opinion on the county’s financial reports. The audit showed that the county has a strong fund balance. Revenues exceeded expenditures and increased the balance of the general fund by $29.0 million. The county’s Other Postemployment Benefits Trust account increased in value by $18.6 million over the previous year. The county earned over $3.5 million more in investment revenues over the previous year, and County Program Aid funding increased by $3.5 million.