Press Publications

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following calls for service in Hugo: • Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an assault at a local park in the 5000 block of French Drive N. at 3:46 p.m. May 17. Callers used 911 to report that a white Tesla filled with juvenile males had opened fire with Orbeez guns, attacking several small children. One juvenile male was identified and issued with a citation on scene.

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For many people, writing a book remains a lifelong dream. For White Bear Lake High School graduate and Hugo native Ben Widmyer that dream became reality with the publication of his debut novel, “The Knock That Never Ends.” The suspense novel follows four friends whose seemingly harmless game of ding-dong ditch sets off a chain of events that continues to affect their lives a decade later.

Ken Wilson, founder of Wilson Tool International, will be recognized with a new honorary street sign designation, Ken Wilson Way, as he celebrates his 95th birthday on July 10. The designation will appear beneath the existing Farnham Street sign near Wilson Tool, honoring Wilson’s role in building a company that began in 1966 as a small Minnesota tool shop and has grown into a global manufacturer serving the sheet metal fabrication industry.

Even though he retired at the end of June, outgoing Centennial Lakes Police Chief Jim Mork couldn’t ride off into the sunset without a proper sendoff first. Mork has been selected as this year’s Fête des Lacs Grand Marshal. "Chief Jim Mork has demonstrated unwavering dedication to our community throughout his career, always going above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.

The Fete Des Lacs Committee has announced the winners for the 2026 Fete des Lacs 5/8K Fun Run & Paddle des Lacs Logo Contest. At Centerville Elementary, Addy Droessler won first place, Graham Saffert won second place and Kendall Morris received honorable mention. At Centennial Middle School, Meilynna Li won first place, Harper Haack won second place and Fatumo Yusuf received honorable mention.

The city of Vadnais Heights’ Music in the Park series will continue this week with a performance by the St. Peter Street Stompers from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday July 8 at Lily Pond Park. Next up will be a special edition concert with Little Canada Parks and Recreation featuring the Kendra Glenn Band from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at Thunder Bay/Westwinds Park in Little Canada. The concert series will return to Vadnais Heights Wednesday, July 22 at Bridgewood Park featuring the Roe Family Singers.

Having good neighbors is wonderful. Who lives next door can make or break a neighborhood. We have probably heard the phrase “a good neighbor is worth their weight in gold,” and it is certainly true! A good neighbor makes life easier, less stressful and more enjoyable. The opposite is also certainly true. Having a bad neighbor can be rough. We probably come to appreciate our good neighbors more after we have had bad neighbors. So what makes a good neighbor?

Lexington has had a big year, and I am proud of the progress our city is making. One of the most important accomplishments is resolving the longstanding water issue with the City of Blaine through a new treated water partnership. This puts both cities in a much better position for the future and gives Lexington a reliable long-term path for treated water. Most residents do not spend a lot of time thinking about treated water agreements, and honestly, that is probably a good thing.

The Centennial Lakes Police Department reported the following selected incidents: • On June 24, officers were dispatched to a vehicle accident. Upon arriving on scene, officers determined a driver, who was under the influence of alcohol, had driven from Lovell Road and crashed into the 700 block of Village Parkway. The driver was subsequently arrested. • On June 25, officers were dispatched to the 2000 block of Michaud Way on a medical call.