Lino Approves Interchange Plans
Bid Opening Scheduled For April 12
The Lino Lakes City Council unanimously approved the plans and specifi cations for the $10.35 million I-35W/Lake Drive (CSAH 23) Interchange project. This sets the project on track for an April 12 bid opening - the last major hurdle before construction begins late this spring.
At the council workshop of March 5, Community Development Director Michael Grochala reported that recent highway project bids received by MnDOT have been considerably higher than estimates prepared by highway engineers.
The possibility of higher-than-expected construction costs "is the one thing that scares the heck out of me," Grochala said.
Rendering courtesy of SEH
... MoreThe Prime Of Their Lives
Lino Lakes Lions Serve It Up
By the time the prime rib was out of the oven and ready for carving, those attending the 9th Annual Lino Lakes Lions Prime Rib Dinner were ready to dig in. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd: tickets for the dinner, held at the Great Hall at St. Joseph's Parish in Lino Lakes, sold out weeks in advance of the March 3 date.
"We come every year," said Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, there with her husband, Ran.
Photo by Deb Barnes
The food alone would likely tempt the good souls in the Historic St. Joseph's Church cemetery nearby. Lions members make their own prime rib rub: the smell of the garlic and rosemary wafting out to the church parking lot drew longing looks from parishioners walking to their cars after Saturday night Mass.
... MoreHugo Council Mulls "Town Cop"Concept
Sheriff Proposes To End Deputy Rotation
On March 5, new Washington County Sheriff Bill Hutton received a warm reception by Hugo City Council members, with whom he shared his ideas regarding how policing of the city can be improved under his watch.
Because Hugo contracts with Washington County for its police services, Hutton serves as the de facto police chief of the city.
Hutton, who became sheriff after winning a close election against former Sheriff Steve Pott last November, emphasized the importance of having the same deputies work within Hugo on a daily basis so they can become known figures in the community. He implied that county deputies have had difficulty establishing a rapport with residents because they have been rotating in and out of the city.
... MoreCouncil Says "Leaf Trees Alone"
In parts of Hugo, oak and box elder trees encroach on the city's rights-of-way. Some Hugo City Council members want it to stay that way.
At the March 5 meeting, the council discussed the city's tree trimming and brush removal practices along its byways and concluded that additional work is needed on the current policy to preserve some of the more scenic drives within the city's borders.
Photo by Deb Barnes
After driving down the avenue south of Victor Gardens recently, Council Member Becky Petryk requested that Hugo Public Works crews stop clearing brush and trimming trees in the area.
... MoreLakeside Park Plans Take Shape
Centerville Park Opening Planned For Late July
Imagine water gently flowing from a lazy spring past families enjoying a sun-splashed barbeque picnic on a beautiful summer afternoon.
Imagine children playing on swings as their parents relax under the shade cast by a brand new pavilion. Imagine friends getting together to take a walk while enjoying landscaped views of one of Minnesota's characteristic lakes.
If all goes according to plan, these visions could become realities in Centerville, and a whole lot sooner than one might think. A new park will be constructed at 1601 LaMotte Drive, and the city's hope is that it will be completed in time for Centerville's Sesquicentennial celebration at the end of July.
... More