ABC Newspapers

New website for ABC Newspapers

ABC Newspapers — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 20:08:21 +0000

This week we are launching some exciting changes to our websites. Starting Oct. 19, our online site www.abcnewspapers.com will be completely redesigned. In an effort to update our site and organize stories, videos, photos and all other content in a way that makes more sense for our readers, we have made some significant changes.

You will still access the site using the familiar URL that you already have bookmarked in your favorites, but you will quickly notice the changes that have been made.

One change that will be apparent right away is certain stories will be identified with a gold check mark. Those stories are considered premium content. To access those stories you will need to become a registered user. If you are already a print subscriber to the paper, your subscription provides you with online access at no additional charge, but you will still need to complete the form and include your unique account number, which can be found on your print paper mailing label, just above your name.

If you are not a current print subscriber, you will have three different membership options for online access: daily, monthly or annually. Once you complete the registration form you will be given full access to all stories and content.

If you encounter any issues, you can call our customer service department at 763-712-3544 or email us at: servicecenter@ecm-inc.com.

If you opt not to register, there will still be many stories that you can access, such as breaking news, public safety alerts, top sports scores, calendar items, obituaries and all public notices.

We hope you enjoy the new site.

James “Jim” R. Sundeen

ECM Publishers — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 22:45:41 +0000

Husband, father, grandfather

James passed away on October 16, 2017 down at the U of M Hospital after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn; children Traci Oehmen, Troy Sundeen and Teresa Holzschuh; mother Carol Sundeen of Anoka; sister Joan Quickstrom of Princeton, brothers Jerry (Deb) Sundeen of Anoka; Roger Sundeen of Princeton; and David Sundeen of Foreston James is also survived by 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Sundeen; two brothers, Richard and Michael; and brother-in-law Hayes Quickstrom.
The family will have a celebration of life at Terri Holzschuh’s residence, 407 Third Avenue S., Princeton, 55371, from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017.

Cause of death determined for 2 Coon Rapids men

Olivia Alveshere — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 14:13:22 +0000

Two men found dead in a Coon Rapids apartment last month died of accidental drug overdoses, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office determined.

Police arrived at Loftus Apartments, 3931 Coon Rapids Blvd., around 3 p.m. Sept. 11, after someone with access to apartment 205 called police to report the deaths of Pach Akuei, 26, and Timothy Hofmann, 53.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death was a lethal combination of heroin and methamphetamine.

olivia.alveshere@ecm-inc.com

Girls soccer: Sudden repeat – Andover heading back to state

Patrick Slack — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 06:20:20 +0000

Andover celebrates the Section 7AA game winning goal. Photo by Patrick Slack

Andover could have been forgiven for assuming it would veer off line.

A bump, a divot, a bolt of lightning. Something would prolong the suspense.

Almost 90 minutes in, constant traffic and pressure in front of both nets had yet to result in a goal after a series of sturdy goalkeeping deflections and close calls.

But finally, with two and a half minutes remaining in overtime, there was a loose ball 20 yards from the Blaine net. And there was Erin Becker.

A split second was all it took and the Andover senior attacker pounced, connecting with her right foot just ahead of the Blaine keeper.

There was no missing here.

Becker’s game-winner, off of a long feed from midfield by sophomore Kai Gillespie, gave top seed Andover an exhilarating, exhausting 1-0 win over third-seeded Blaine in Tuesday’s Section 7AA championship match.

“I knew I had to get it in; there’s two minutes left and we don’t want to go to PKs (penalty kicks),” Becker said. “When you shoot, you always have to make sure it goes in. Really, you want to be surprised if it doesn’t go in.

“It’s the best feeling ever. It was the goal from the start of the season.”

A single step, if that, was all she needed.

“That’s something ‘E’ has been doing the last two years,” Andover head coach Tracey Griess said. “Her speed just hits on a dime. And she’s got composure, too, so she just knows how to slot it in. It was fantastic.”

Andover had the bulk of the chances in the first half and early in the second, but then Blaine found a groove and applied progressively more pressure.

“We struggled a little bit in the first half to find our rhythm, but we came out strong in the second half,” Blaine head coach Scott Zachmann said. “I’ve got to give our girls credit – they battled and battled and battled. Andover was putting a lot of shots up toward the net. When that happens you can start feeling a little bit of pressure and we didn’t back down. We kept fighting through it and playing through it. I told them at halftime, we’ll get a rhythm and we did. We created some more opportunities.

“Unfortunately, you know, they talk about football being a game of inches – I guess soccer is too.”

Andover’s potent offense, which has averaged more than four goals a match during the season, also had to overcome watching numerous scoring chances come up empty during regulation.

“It is quite frustrating, but we had possession most of the time in the first half,” Becker said. “We just had to stay composed and keep going.”

The overtime format in the playoffs is a 10-minute sudden death period before potential penalty kicks, leaving no margin for error.

“We talked about just defensively, getting bodies behind the ball,” Griess said. “It’s hard, you want to score, they all want to score.

“But being patient and being confident. Being patient with each other and being composed. We’re a very offensive team, but defensively too we’ve done a very nice job, especially in the last eight or nine games.”

Andover senior keeper Aly Cole was stellar throughout the night in net, posting the shutout.

Andover reached the finals via a 4-0 win over fourth-seeded Duluth East in Thursday’s semifinals, using a second half flurry to gain control after a scoreless first 40 minutes. The Bengals advanced to the finals via a 1-0 win in penalty kicks at second-seeded Anoka.

Blaine ends the season with a record of 13-4-2.

“I think they’re a resilient group of young ladies,” Zachmann said. “We’ll build on that for next year. We’re losing some really good players, but we have a good core coming back and I think we’ll just keep building on this idea that maximum effort gets results and character gets results.”

The Huskies entered the night brimming with confidence, outscoring their previous eight opponents by a margin of 45-1. Still, following an overtime showdown in last year’s section final, also won by Andover, and a 2-2 draw early this fall, the Huskies anticipated a fierce match.

“Blaine is always tough,” Griess said. “It doesn’t matter. It’s such a rivalry for us. Half our girls play with half these girls out of high school (season) and it’s tough. They came out and played. We knew we had to put everything out there, because this is it.”

Now, Andover advances to the state tournament, with an opening opponent and location to be determined at press time. Regardless of who they play, the Huskies expect to be competitive and in the mix.

“We really believe we’re one of the top teams in the state,” Griess said. “I know we can compete, that’s for sure. I know there are really good teams out there. We know nothing’s going to be a cakewalk, we’re going to have to work for it. We’ve talked all year about how we have to earn it.”

patrick.slack@ecm-inc.com

Anoka targets streets for upgrades in 2018

Mandy Moran-Froemming — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 13:00:21 +0000

Anoka is planning to spend $1.2 million on repaving more than 2 miles of city streets in 2018.

The Anoka City Council Sept. 18 unanimously agreed to order the plans and specs on the project.

The street surface upgrades do not come with an assessment to property owners, unlike street renewal projects.

This project will be paid for with a combination of a transfer from the city’s electric utility fund as well as an advance on municipal state aid funds for 38th Avenue.

Anoka is targeting the northeast corner of the city with this project. Slated to have the street surface replaced in 2018 are:

-12th Avenue (Roosevelt to Cleveland)

-13th Avenue (McKinley to Cleveland)

-14th Avenue (McKinley to Clevland)

-14th Avenue (Roosevelt to McKinley)

-15th Avenue (McKinley to Cleveland)

-16th Avenue (Roosevelt to 15th Avenue)

-McKinley Street (12th Avenue to 14th Avenue)

-McKinley Court (14th Avenue to cul-de-sac)

-Cleveland Street (Sunny Acres Park to 15th Avenue)

-38th Avenue (7th Avenue to east city limits)

-Norwood Avenue (Bryant to Colfax)

-15th Avenue Court (Bunker Lake Boulevard to cul-de-sac)

-Sunny Way Court (Round Lake Boulevard to cul-de-sac)

“These streets were chosen due to the age of the underground infrastructure and based on the pavement condition index system,” said Ben Nelson, Anoka’s engineering technician.

According to the index, 25.1 miles of the city’s streets have poor pavement condition, 9 miles are in moderate condition and 34.4 received a good pavement rating.

Along with reclaiming and placing 3.5 inches of pavement, other work will include curb and gutter repair, spot sidewalk repairs and minor storm sewer reconstruction as needed.

The neighborhood targeted for 2018 was built in the 1960s and 1970s, said Nelson, and the underlying infrastructure is in good shape. But the street surface is not.

Residents within the project area will be notified within the next month.

“It’s a good investment for the city to make in its infrastructure, but it’s not typical for other cities to this type of project without assessments,” Mayor Phil Rice said.

Street renewal

Street renewal is a much more comprehensive process that includes the replacement of the underlying infastructure, curb and gutter, sidewalks and streetlights.

In 2018 Anoka is targeting 0.5 miles for its upcoming street renewal program. This is a significant reduction in project size from the last several years, when Anoka has aggressively tackled one or two large projects each year with total reconstruction.

Affected property owners will be assessed for a portion of this project. Identified for street renewal in 2018 are:

-Eighth Avenue (South Street to Brisbin);

-South Street (Seventh to Eighth avenues);

-Washington Street (Seventh to Ninth avenues).

The feasibility report for this project is currently being prepared.

mandy.froemming@ecm-inc.com

Curt Dollansky

ECM Publishers — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 03:45:26 +0000

Curt Dollansky, age 68, of Anoka, passed away Oct. 12, 2017.

Arrangements by Dare’s Funeral Home, (763)441-1212, www.daresfuneralservice.com.

Life Looking Back for Oct. 13

ABC Newspapers — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 21:25:58 +0000

SLP selling Gophers tickets

Spring Lake Park Recreation Department is offering an opportunity for Minnesota Gopher fans to attend the Minnesota-Michigan game Saturday, Oct. 22. Cost is $4 per person for under 18 and $7 per person for 18 and over and includes general admission and transportation.

– 40 years ago, Oct. 14, 1977

Highway 610 bridge open

A ribbon tying ceremony signified the joining of Anoka and Hennepin counties via the new 610 highway and bridge across the Mississippi.

– 30 years ago, Oct. 16, 1987

Toth named SLP Police Chief

Although they might be big boots to fill, Sgt. Dave Toth will be following in the footsteps of former Spring Lake Park Police Chief Bruce Porter in more ways than one. Toth was appointed as the city’s new police chief by the Spring Lake Park City Council and administered the oath of office by Mayor Harley Wells Monday night. Like Porter, who retired as Spring Lake Park’s police chief effective Sept. 2, Toth was promoted to chief from within the city’s police department.

– 20 years ago, Oct. 10, 1997

• Compiled by Eric Hagen

Editor’s note: “Looking Back” is reprinted exactly as the items first appeared.

Thomas D. Fichtel

ECM Publishers — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 22:45:01 +0000

Thomas D. Fichtel, age 86, of Annandale, formerly of Anoka and Underwood, died Friday, October 13, 2017 at his home while under hospice care knowing he was loved by all his family.
Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Thomas Duane Fichtel was born April 18, 1931 in Alta Vista, Iowa to Harry and Elsbeth (Klammer) Fichtel. After graduating as Valedictorian of his class at Alta Vista High School, Tom furthered his education at Wartburg College and the University of Minnesota, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. He began his extensive education career as a classroom teacher in Iowa. After a few short years, Tom and his family relocated to Anoka, Minnesota. He taught math education until becoming the Assistant Principal, and then became Principal of Anoka Junior High, where he provided instruction and leadership for 30 years with the Anoka-Hennepin School District. On December 26, 1975, he was united in marriage to Darlene Walls in Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon his retirement in 1986, Tom and Darlene moved up to Underwood, where he helped build their log home. Due to his handyman skills, Tom took it upon himself to do most of the inside work of the home. He and Darlene continued to make their home there, until moving to Annandale approximately 15 years ago. Also during his retirement, he was an insurance home inspector and consultant for the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed gardening, traveling, dancing, and refinishing antique furniture. Tom truly enjoyed spending times outdoors, whether it be camping, hunting, fishing, or playing golf. He also enjoyed the winter months, when he and Darlene spent time at their home in Mesa, Arizona. Above all, Tom treasured the time he was able to spend with his family.
Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, Darlene of Annandale; children, Steven (Elaine) Fichtel of Golden Valley, Michael (Caren) Fichtel of Plano, TX, Julia Tollgaard of Coon Rapids, Cindy (Randy) Jacobson of Underwood, Candy Lake of Mesa, AZ, and Colleen (Randy) Sonsteby of Annandale; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elsbeth, and his brother, Dale.
www.dingmannfuneral.com

Singers wanted for North Suburban Community Choir

Olivia Alveshere — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 13:00:56 +0000

Adult singers are invited to join the North Suburban Community Choir for the Christmas season.

The choir joins with the Twin Cities Youth Chorale and the North Suburban Concert Band to give performances at Andover High School Dec. 9 and 10.

Duayne Malewicki, former Park Center High School choir director, leads the North Suburban Community Choir in its music-making.

Rehearsals start Sunday, Oct. 22, with weekly rehearsals from 6:30-9 p.m. until after performances. Rehearsals are held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 7217 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park.

The ensemble is capped at 120 singers. To register, email grandma_kate@yahoo.com or call 763-427-3938. No auditions are required.

olivia.alveshere@ecm-inc.com

County health premiums to increase

Peter Bodley — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 13:00:55 +0000

An 8.5 percent health insurance premium increase was accepted by the Anoka County Board when it approved the 2018 contract Blue Cross Blue Shield Sept. 26.

There will be no changes to the coverage provided for county employees, including deductibles, by the four health plans available through the Blue Cross Blue Shie tract the county signed with Blue Cross Blue Shield effective 2016. The premium increase from 2016 to 2017 was 4.9 percent.

The county’s negotiating team “worked very hard to get below 8.5 percent, but it was impossible,” said Anoka County Board Chairperson Rhonda Sivarajah.

According to Bill Keller, county central services director who led the negotiating team, the increase was due to a “pretty bad experience in utilization” this year.

“We are working to lower that,” Keller said.

Two new programs are being implemented – Doctor on Demand and WalletDoc, he said.

Under Doctor on Demand, employees can save money by visiting a doctor via online video, rather than in person at the clinic, for such problems as strep throat, while through WalletDoc, employees will be encouraged to look at different possibilities to save money on health care and prescriptions by shopping for cheaper options, according to Keller.

According to County Commissioner Matt Look, the 8.5 percent premium increase may seem high, but some people are facing a 30 percent increase.

The Well to Work Clinic available to county employees at the Anoka County Government Center has been a great benefit and he encouraged employees to take advantage of it as well as the work out area at the government center, Look said.

Staff at the Well to Work Clinic is great, he said.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield package approved by the board also proposes a 12.5 percent cap on premium increases for 2019 and 2020.

But County Commissioner Scott Schulte said that would be the maximum cap and the current contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield ends in 2018.

The County Board also approved a dental insurance contract with Health Partners. There is no premium increase, nor any plan changes.