You know there are homeless youth and families in your community. You also know how limited the resources are and how hard it is to help these homeless youth and their families.

Here’s how you can help. Complete a survey referred to as the “Point in Time Count” by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD conducts this survey every year, in January, to understand how many individuals are homeless throughout the nation.

In Minnesota, January is the coldest time of year and homeless service providers struggle to find homeless individuals due to the cold temperatures. Help them gather more realistic numbers.

• Complete a survey for each homeless youth and-or family you come into contact with or know of on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016; or

• Complete the Observation Tool if you are unable to collect identifying information, or do not wish to disturb someone.

This survey will be available online at www.lakesandpines.org. If you have any questions, contact Chassidy Lobdell, emergency services program manager, at 320-679-1800 ext. 163 or chassidv.lobdell@lakesandpines.org.

Return all completed paper surveys by Friday, Feb. 5. 2016 to Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, 1700 Maple Avenue E., Mora, MN 55051 and include your contact information.

The Cambridge-Isanti gymnasts are in position for the Mississippi 8 crown after holding off a tough St. Michael-Albertville crew 144-625 – 139.225 at home Jan. 21. The team will host its annual Bluejacket All-Around this Saturday, then Buffalo comes to town Feb. 2 where it’s a winner-takes-all meet for the conference championship.

The Bars proved to be a turning point in the STMA meet when Char Morke (9.55), Hannah Haight (9.35) and Morgan Urness (9.275) swept the top three spots to create distance on the Knights. Madi Douglas (9.3) and MollyAnn Harvey (9.225) opened the meet by taking first and second on Vault.

A good night of sticking Beam routines followed for the Bluejackets, with fine scores turned in by Morke (9.35), Urness (9.325), Harvey (9.15), AnnaGrace Nelson (8.95) and Kayla Rakowiecki (8.95). The Floor work was not as splendid to close out the meet; Morke (9.25) and Haight (8.875) had the top C-I scores on the rug.

Mississippi 8 Gymnastics: Cambridge-Isanti 7-0; Buffalo 6-0; North Branch 4-2; Big Lake 3-3; St. Michael-Alb. 2-2; Monticello 2-3; St. Francis 1-4; Chisago Lakes 1-4; Princeton 0-7.

Jacket Wrestlers 1-3 at C-I Duals

The Bluejackets wrestlers went 1-3 to place seventh at their own Cambridge-Isanti Duals on Saturday. Pierz, ranked fourth in Class A, defeated Rocori in the championship match that afternoon.

Rocori opened by topping the C-I boys 39-30 where Bluejacket pins came from Luke Seafolk, Monty Fredriksen, Josh Schuster and Drake Frikken. The next Bluejacket match was a 33-31 loss to Mora where Fredriksen, Kaleb Bucks and Schuster posted falls.

Moorhead took seven of the eight final matches to work past Cambridge-Isanti 35-33 in the consolations. Tate Torgerson, Fredriksen and Jake Olson earned falls for C-I to go with Spud forfeits in the first two weights. The Bluejackets’ final match was a 75-6 win over Rogers where Jared Doty, Mason Friesz, Martin Puttbrese and Bucks stuck their Royal foes.

• The Bluejackets placed first at the Minnesota Ninth Grade Wrestling League (MNGWL) Section 6 tournament. Placing first at their weights for C-I were Levi Wilkens (138), Travis Drews (145) and Austin Cantrell (170). Taking second were Ryan Droubie (126), Tyren Lachney (189) and Wyatt Cruz (285).  The MNGWL State tournament will be the Jan. 30-31 weekend at Champlin Park H.S.

Mississippi 8 Wrestling: St. Michael-Alb. 4-0, 14-3; Cambridge-Isanti 4-0, 14-7; St. Francis 3-1, 12-4; Monticello 3-1, 8-8; Chisago Lakes 2-2, 14-5; Big Lake 2-2, 11-12; Princeton 1-3, 9-7; Buffalo 1-3, 5-10; North Branch 0-4, 4-10; Rogers 0-4, 5-15.

C-I Swimmers beat Cardinals

Cambridge-Isanti defeated section-partner Coon Rapids 98-77 in a Jan. 19 dual meet at home. Adin Nelson at 2:34.6 and Zach Toms at 2:35.0 swept the top two spots in the 200 IM to create an early buffer on the Cardinals.

Justin Bailey (1:08.3) and Thomas Cameron (1:09.2) followed suit with a first/second sweep in the 100 Butterfly. The Bluejackets kept rolling with the three low times in the 100 Freestyle turned in by Jared Zacharias (55.3), Hunter Hannan (57.9) and Jack Hennen (58.1). Cameron and Hennen later went first/second in the 100 Backstroke.

• The Bluejackets had their overall dual record evened at 3-3 when defending champ St. Michael-Albertville took a 109-72 conference meet on Jan. 21. C-I’s Stephen Smith won both the 100 Butterfly (55.6) and 100 Breaststroke (1:02.2). Garrett Luke was second in Diving with 161.6 points, and Zacharias was second in the 100 Free (54.7) for the Bluejackets (1-3 in M-8 duals).

The 19th annual banquet of the Isanti County chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Assocation will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Cambridge Armed Forces Readiness Center. Social hour & raffles begin at 5 p.m., turkey dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and program starts at 7 p.m. The $40 ticket includes dinner, one-year MDHA membership and entry into door prize drawing. Sponsor levels are available. For ticket information, contact Chris Barnes (763-843-6092).

Rum River BMX will host 2016 National

Rum River BMX was selected to host the 2016 Land o’ Lakes National on May 13-15 at the Isanti Indoor Arena. While Rum River BMX has hosted previous national meets, this will be the first in the new arena. Because of the dates selected, and the incredible growth being experienced by the association, the 2016 national will likely be the largest event they have ever hosted. In past years, the Land o’ Lakes National has drawn riders from around the U.S.A, as well as from Canada.

BASKETBALL UPDATES:   The Braham boys won their 80th and 81st consecutive home games over a four-night stretch. A key victory came Jan. 25 when the Bombers swept the season series with Pine City in an 88-51 game after leading by 15 at the half.

John Larson led the Bombers with 20 points, followed closely by Chris Olson (18) and Ryan Larson (17).

“Pine City shoots a lot of three-point shots. We wanted to make every shot difficult for them. They were without their starting point guard, Noah Adams, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.  Kole Juszak, their 6’5” wing, is a great player. We weren’t going to stop him from scoring, we just wanted to make everything difficult for him,” described Bomber Coach Jeff Eklund. “I felt as a team we did a good job of that.”

Braham will host closest GRC competitor Hinckley-Finlayson in another Monday night game Feb. 1.

• On Jan. 21, the Bombers downed Ogilvie 114-30 when Alex Olson hit 3-of-4 three pointers to lead with 15 points. Six Bombers scored in double figures.

Braham also swept the season series with rival Rush City in an 82-43 victory Jan. 19. C. Olson put up 23 points to go with seven rebounds and seven steals. R. Larson finished with 19 points, seven assists and five boards, while A. Olson scored 12 more points.

Great River Boys Basketball: Braham 12-0, 18-1; Hinckley-Fin. 9-1, 12-5; Rush City 7-3, 8-7; Pine City 7-5, 11-7; East Central 5-6, 7-8; Aitkin 5-6, 7-9; Isle 4-7, 5-12; Onamia 0-10, 0-16; Ogilvie 0-11, 0-15.

Bomber Girls go 2-3 over stretch

The Braham girls are searching for more consistency on offense after going 2-3 over their past five games. Back on Jan. 14, the team did take care of business in a 58-39 win over Onamia where Emily Lindquist hit seven ‘3s’ to finish with 25 points and Lizzie Altendorf scored 24 to go with four steals.

Section-partner Foley held off Braham 57-49 in a Saturday matinee game Jan. 16 despite 16 points from Altendorf and 11 from Sierra Giffrow. Lindquist added seven points and McKenna Grams had six points in the road loss.

Rush City paid back an earlier loss to the Bomber girls with a 57-42 victory on Jan. 19, netting three players scoring in double figures. Altendorf paced the Braham attack with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Alexis Hasser was next in scoring  with eight points.

“Defensively we haven’t given up tons of points. We just can’t go several minutes without scoring and expect good results,” said Bomber Coach Brittany Lakeberg. “We have some things to iron out before the playoffs, but I do strongly believe we will get there.”

Braham’s offense clicked a little better in an 88-32 win at Ogilvie on Jan. 22. The Bombers’ long road stretch continued with a 64-48 loss at Siren, Wis. on Jan. 25.

Great River Girls Basketball: Aitkin 9-1, 14-2; Braham 7-3, 9-7; Pine City 7-3, 9-7; Isle 7-3, 8-8; Rush City 5-2, 7-2; East Central 5-6, 8-8; Onamia 2-7, 2-10; Hinckley-Fin. 1-8, 2-9; Ogilvie 0-10, 1-13.

Tickets for C-I Boys at Target Center

On Saturday, Feb. 6, the Cambridge-Isanti boys basketball team will play at the Target Center against Coon Rapids in a 12:30 p.m. Each ticket is $25 each which also gets the holder in to the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Chicago Bulls at 7 p.m. that evening. Please contact C-I Coach Mike McDonald for tickets (763-689-6481); checks can be written to Bluejacket Basketball.

• The Bluejackets fell to host St. Michael-Albertville 66-57 on Jan. 22. Luke Johnson put up 23 points and eight rebounds for C-I, with Henry Abraham scoring 13 and Ray Abraham 12 points.

Mississippi 8 Boys Basketball: EAST) Chisago Lakes 5-2, 12-6; St. Francis 3-3, 9-9; Princeton 2-5, 6-11; Cambridge-Isanti 2-4, 5-12; North Branch 0-7, 4-13.  WEST) Rogers 6-0, 12-6; Monticello 6-1, 13-6; Big Lake 3-3, 7-10; Buffalo 3-4, 4-14; St. Michael-Alb. 3-4, 4-11.

Warrior teams sweep Hope Christian

Cambridge Christian girls basketball earned a 44-29 win over Hope Christian on Jan. 22, netting 13 points from Kristin Bergman and 11 by Sebla Swensen. Julia Newton (7), Amelia Cole (6) and Jerusalem Solomon (6) added more key points in the CAL victory.

On Jan. 19, the Warriors downed First Baptist of Rosemount 45-40 behind 26 points from Bergman.

• The CCS boys also posted a 58-35 victory over host Hope Christian on Friday night when Micah Bonkoski scored 17, Jacob Tschumper 12 and Syfah Doble had 11 points. Jordan Roble added six points for CCS.

Tech tops Jacket Girls

Lainie Cox doubled up with 17 points and 15 rebounds, but it was host St. Cloud Tech pulling out a 55-42 non-conference win over the Cambridge-Isanti girls Jan. 19. Anesia King added 10 points for C-I.

In M-8 action Jan. 22, visiting St. Michael-Albertville pulled away early for a 49-14 win over the Bluejackets.

Mississippi 8 Girls Basketball: EAST) North Branch 4-0, 11-3; Princeton 4-1, 9-5; St. Francis 2-3, 5-10; Cambridge-Isanti 1-4, 3-13; Chisago Lakes 0-5, 2-13.  WEST) St. Michael-Alb. 5-0, 15-2; Rogers 4-1, 8-9; Buffalo 2-3, 5-11; Big Lake 1-3, 7-7; Monticello 1-4, 8-7.

BRAHAM BOMBERS

Boys Basketball

Thursday, Jan. 28 • 7:30 p.m.

Barnum AWAY

Monday, Feb. 1 • 7:30 p.m.

Hinckley-Fin. HOME

Girls Basketball

Saturday, Jan.30 • 2:00 p.m.

Mountain Iron-Buhl AWAY

Monday, Feb. 1 • 7:30 p.m.

Hinckley-Fin. AWAY

Wrestling

Thursday, Jan. 28 • 7:30 p.m.

Mille Lacs HOME

Tuesday, Feb. 2 • 5:00 p.m.

Aitkin w/Hibbing AWAY

CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

Boys Basketball

Friday, Jan. 29 • 7:15 p.m.

Big Lake AWAY

Girls Basketball

Friday, Jan. 29 • 7:15 p.m.

Big Lake HOME

Gymnastics

Saturday, Jan. 30 • 12:00 p.m.

Bluejacket All-Around HOME

Boys Hockey

Saturday, Jan. 30 • 7:00 p.m.

Chisago Lakes AWAY

Tuesday, Feb. 2 • 7:15 p.m.

vs. Becker-BL @ Princeton AWAY

Girls Hockey

Thursday, Jan. 28 • 7:00 p.m.

Henry Sibley HOME

Satuday, Jan. 30 • 7:00 p.m.

St. Francis-NB AWAY

Boys Swim/Dive

Thursday, Jan. 28 • 6:00 p.m.

Monticello HOME

Saturday, Jan. 30 • 9:30 dive/1 p.m.

Bluejacket Invite HOME

Wrestling

Friday, Jan. 29 • 4:00 p.m.

M-8 Conf. Tourney @ St. Michael AWAY

CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN WARRIORS

Girls Basketball

Tuesday, Feb. 2 • 5:00 p.m.

Willmar Community Christian HOME

Boys Basketball

Tuesday, Feb. 2 • 6:30 p.m.

Willmar Community Christian HOME

TUESDAY, JAN. 26 UPDATES:  Cambridge-Isanti-Mora-Pine City had five different players knock home goals, ending a long scoreless streak, in a 5-1 win over Chisago Lakes on Jan. 26. The win upped the Bluejackets’ Mississippi 8 record to 5-5-1 on the season (11-11-2 overall).

CIMPC closes out the regular season with a final home game Jan. 28 against Henry Sibley, then the Jackets travel to St. Francis-NB on Saturday, Jan. 30. The Section 7AA playoffs will follow next week.

MORE JAN. 26 AREA SCORES:  Cambridge-Isanti Boys Basketball 59, Buffalo 47 (Luke Johnson led with 18 points/9 rebounds)

Cambridge-Isanti Boys Basketball 38, Buffalo 50

Cambridge-Isanti Boys Hockey 6, Pine City-RC 3 (2 goals each for Jack Goodmanson, Mitchell Ziebarth & Cullen Osen)

Braham Girls Basketball 55, Pine City 56 (Emily Lindquist 15 points, Sierra Giffrow 13 points)

The City Center Market is turning 37 this week and the store is holding a birthday party to celebrate. From Jan. 29-31, the store will hold a sale and serve birthday cake, host a local musician and give out prizes.

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A selection of homemade soaps available in the health and beauty section at City Center Marke contain ingredients such as mint, lavender, cinnamon and coffee.

The business began nearly four decades ago in the old school house in Grandy. A group of a dozen community members decided they needed a conveniently located store to buy organic and locally grown foods. The store was then named Mom’s Food Co-op.

Nine years ago, the store moved to Cambridge and changed its name to City Center Market.

General manager Gayle Cupit has worked at City Center Market for seven years.

“I believe in co-ops,” she said. “Cooperatives have a lot to offer to our community, to our grocery system (and) our system of selling and distributing food. I think we can offer a lot in that regard.”

Cupit believes co-ops support sustainability while taking care of the earth and its people by buying from local growers and farmers.

City Center Market will hold a three-day sale with more than 37 discounted items, including organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats and other all-natural items. Birthday cake will be served daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drink of the month, Arctic Mint Mocha, will be on sale for $2 throughout the celebration. There will be daily drawings for cake from the deli, free chair massages from noon to 2 p.m. and a performance by local musician Kenny Krona on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We provide great food,” Cupit said. “A lot of it is organic, sustainability raised. It contributes to our community and to our earth. We contribute to our community every chance we get by making donations to various causes, by donating food to the food shelf (and) by having events here at the store that we think help enrich the community.”

The store held an Earth Day celebration last April and a tent sale featuring local food last August.

“When you shop at a locally owned business, (approximately) 60 percent of the proceeds stay in the community, where if you shop at a national retailer, only about 30-40 percent stays in the community,” Cupit said.

City Center Market not only supports local growers and farmers by buying their products but also purchases natural soaps, lotions, shampoos, lip balm and deodorant from local craftsman and independent business owners. Two of the store’s most popular items are the locally made honey and maple syrup that is kept in stock regularly.

After nearly four decades of providing the community with great, sustainable food, the cooperative has reason to celebrate.

“We’re one of the oldest co-ops in the state,” Cupit said. “We’ve had our struggles as a business in the past and we’ve always overcome them.”

Beginning in February, City Center Market is holding a We Love Our Owners drive. Anyone who becomes an owner during Feb. 1-14 will receive an extra $10 gift card to City Center Market, a free lunch at The Green Table and complimentary chocolates. Owners also receive discounts at the market.

For each new owner that joins during the drive, City Center Market will donate $10 to New Pathways.

“As a co-op we’re owned by anyone who purchases shares. We have about 2,600 owners,” Cupit said. “If we didn’t have our owners, we wouldn’t be able to be here. They make us happen, they make us strong. The more owners we can get, the stronger we’ll be as a business.”

The store aims to gain 60 new owners during the two-week drive.

Cupit said the store hopes to continue to grow and open a bigger store or second location in four to five years.

“We hope to grow the number of locally grown and made goods that we carry,” Cupit said.

City Center Market is located at 122 N. Buchanan St., Cambridge, and can be reached at 763-689-4640. For more information, visit www.citycentermarket.coop.

Isanti is moving forward with plans to develop a new park in the southwest corner of the city.

During the Isanti City Council meeting Jan. 19, the council approved a resolution by a 4-0 vote approving funding for the development of a 38-acre parcel of parkland obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Council Member Dan Collison abstained from the vote, noting his property abuts the park property.

Isanti Mayor George Wimmer explained the park improvement total is $107,526, of which $18,331 will be funded through the park dedication fund and $89,194 will be funded through an interfund loan from the general fund to be repaid as the park dedication fund is replenished by city development.

Wimmer explained the city purchased the parcel and received permission from the DNR to develop a park within the Wild and Scenic River Easement Area in 2015. The future park will include a community garden, restored native habitat, and trails with access to the Rum River (including a dock structure to provide trail linkage to Martin’s Landing to the north). The park will have handicap-accessible fishing on the Rum River and trail.

The costs are as follows:

• Community garden total, $31,567.

• Trails total, $15,200.

• Dock total, $11,254.

• Parking lot total, $42,471.

• Contingency costs (not to exceed), $7,034.

According to the resolution, the community garden total includes costs for fencing, water access, soil preparations, gardening tools and marketing the garden. The trails total is provided by city engineer Bolton and Menk and includes the costs of grading to the Rum River, clearing and grubbing to the Rum River and erosion control. The dock total is one estimate for an 8-foot dock with railings, ramps at both ends and two benches. The parking lot total was provided by Bolton and Menk.

The other resolution passed by the council relating to the park was a resolution establishing rental fees for community garden plots. City residents will be allowed to rent ground plots or raised bed spaces. The recommended cost for such rental will be $15 per 100 square feet and $20 per raised bed. A priority system will be developed for returning renters in good standing to reserve plots. A final layout will be determined to maximize space available for renters and to fit renter needs. The community garden will be constructed in the spring of 2016.

When council members questioned the costs associated with the park, Wimmer noted the park will be funded through park dedication funds.

“This park will be paid for by developer park funds and not city property tax dollars,” Wimmer said. “As projects come in, the dollars in our park dedication fund will be replenished. Park dedication funds can only be used for new parkland acquisition or development of parks.”

Wimmer said part of the parkland will be set aside for use by students at Isanti Middle School-Minnesota Center, and Isanti Intermediate School-School for All Seasons. He noted after the community garden starts thriving, he would like to see some of the fresh produce from the garden donated to Isanti Senior Dining. He said master gardeners will also be involved with the community garden.

“Priority for the community garden will be given to city of Isanti residents,” Wimmer said. “If needed and we have plots to fill, we can then open this up to residents outside the city limits.”

When Council Member Steve Lundeen said he has a hard time spending $107,000 for another city park, Wimmer replied: “Not everyone wanted Legacy Park either, but it has been a huge success. I have gotten more positive comments on Legacy Park than on anything else the city has done, including commercial projects.”

Wimmer said the park will feature amenities not currently available in city parks.

“The features are different in this park,” Wimmer said. “This park will have trails for all ages. We will be involving master gardeners with our community garden. We will have handicap-accessible fishing along the Rum River. This is a way for people in the community to use the Rum River and make it accessible for everyone. We were able to get the 38 acres from the DNR for this specific purpose.”

Wimmer said around $120,000 was spent for the development of Legacy Park and noted it costs around $75,000 to $80,000 just for equipment for the standard play park.

“The number of amenities we are getting with this park are pretty significant and they are amenities we don’t have right now,” Wimmer said. “We had great success with Legacy Park and an overwhelming response to that. When people go down there, it’s a great experience for them. We have spent the better part of last year planning for this and have had the DNR out there several times as well. The ongoing maintenance costs with this park will be very minimal; just like with Legacy Park. This new park will have established amenities that have low, ongoing maintenance costs, and provide something our area doesn’t have. We are doing this in a reasonable and responsible fashion.”

One of the main topics of discussion for the Cambridge City Council at its Jan. 19 meeting was whether or not the council should honor its word on building a new tennis court at Central Green Park, or if it should instead use that space to build four pickleball courts.

The tennis courts were defended by many members of the public, including members of the Cambridge-Isanti High School tennis team. In their eyes, the courts have already been agreed upon and should be considered a done deal. They noted how there are not enough public courts for people to use, and with the amount of scheduled events on the existing courts, it is nearly impossible to find an open time to simply show up and play.

The discussion for the pickleball courts was presented by Dick Welch. The Pickleball Club is being sponsored by the Allina Neighborhood Health Connection Grant.

According to Welch, pickleball is a way for senior citizens to stay active, something he claims is not readily available in this area.

After hearing from both sides, the council heard from Cambridge-Isanti boys tennis coach, and Parks, Trails and Recreation Commissioner Thea Lowman.

Lowman supplied the council with information regarding tennis and pickleball courts from Blaine and Shoreview. Noting that both of those communities offer far more in terms of available recreation space, she suggested a compromise. Instead of the council deciding between a tennis and pickleball court, she said they should look into using more space at Central Green Park to create both.

Council Members Tiffany Kafer and Howard Lewis urged the council to go with this plan under the condition that existing funds go to the already agreed upon tennis court.

The city, as well as the Pickleball Club, will further pursue funding so both proposals might eventually become a reality at Central Green Park.

According to Mayor Marlys Palmer, the goal of the agreement is “to do the most good for the most people.”

In other news:

• The Bike Isanti County Committee requested a council member be appointed to join the committee. Following discussion, Kafer was selected and will attend their meetings.

• The City Council has agreed to become the fiscal agent for the Pickleball Club, allowing them to accept the grant from Allina.

• Lewis pitched the idea of the council writing a letter to the YMCA, inviting them to open a location in the Cambridge area. Lewis presented the many amenities offered by the YMCA and added how he believes it would be welcomed by the community.

• The final order of business presented by the council was how to be more efficient with council members’ time and reduce the length of their meetings. All members agreed the meetings should be shortened if and when possible.

The following are news briefs from the Jan. 25 Braham Area School Board meeting:

• Nine donations were accepted with appreciation. The donations will be used as designated by the donors. In addition, Braham Activities Director Shawn Kuhnke announced a Minnesota State High School League grant for $962 was received to offset student activity fees.

• High School Principal Matthew Lattimore reported the East Central Minnesota Learning Academy is working on a program that will allow students to earn college credits without leaving the high school to take the classes.

• The School Board passed a resolution directing the administration to review revenue and to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions if needed.

• Three 2015-2017 SEIU Union contracts, the Title One contract and eight other individual contracts will be ratified.

• The seniority list was approved with one addition.

• The Board increased the rate of pay for substitute teachers to $125 for a full day, plus $5 for Braham retired teachers. Lunches will no longer be free for substitute teachers.

• The Board agreed to let the baseball team do a fundraiser from Jan. 11 through Feb. 11.

• The 2016-2017 calendar was modified and approved.

• The Board agreed to allow the district to apply for the Minnesota Twins “Fields for Kids,” grant which may fund improvements made to baseball and softball fields.

• The next regular school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 in the BAHS Community Room.

Dr. Ray Hoheisel, chairman of the Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars, recently announced a co-sponsored endowed scholarship with Scholarship America. The scholarship is titled, Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars/Scholarship America Renewable Scholarship.

A $10,000 grant from Scholarship America and a match by Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars created this newly endowed scholarship. The student who is selected will receive a two-year renewable scholarship. First year award is $750 and second year is $1,000.

This $1,750 scholarship will be awarded to a qualified student with demonstrated leadership or service that benefits others and overcomes an obstacle in their pursuit of postsecondary education as well as financial need. The recipient who meets the first set of criteria will receive $750 during their first year and an additional $1,000 their second year if he-she maintained a 3.0 grade point average during their first year of college.

“Renewable scholarships can play a vital role in a student’s future success. We are excited to join with Scholarship America and offer this opportunity to a graduating senior for years to come,” Hoheisel said.

Cambridge-Isanti High School seniors are encouraged to apply for any of Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars scholarships for which they meet the criteria. Students are encouraged to go to ci.dollarsforscholars.org, click on Students & Parents to build a profile. This profile will be used to match to scholarships.

Since its first award in 1990, Cambridge-Isanti Dollars for Scholars has bestowed over 3,400 scholarships worth approximately $2.5 million.

Joseph W. Neuberger, age 90 of Harris, died on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016 at Ecumen Parmly LifePoints, in Chisago City, MN.
Joseph was born April 7, 1925 in Ellis, KS to John and Francis (Weber) Neuberger. He was a WWII Navy Veteran. Joseph and his family resided in Coon Rapids prior to moving to Harris where he farmed while working at Honeywell in New Brighton, retiring after 30 years. He enjoyed carpentry, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his children, Larry (Angie) Neuberger, Linda (Ed) Pollock, Joe (Viki) Neuberger; grandchildren, Renee (Todd) Rieger, Tina (Tom) Schuberg, Mike Kaiser, Michelle Pollock, Rustin (Kristi) Neuberger, Amber Neuberger, Josh Neuberger, Jordan Neuberger; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters Anna Ellering, Josie (John) Slack; and brother, Robert (Sharon) Neuberger.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; brothers, Carl, Rudy and John Neuberger; sisters, Bertha, Mary, Helen and Isabelle.
There will be a private Celebration of Life at the family farm in Harris followed by interment at Ft. Snelling Cemetery at a later date.

Jason Sens
Guest Writer

As the president of Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning for over 20 years, William Sherk knows the dangers of carbon monoxide not only as a professional, but also with the loss of a loved one.

“Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and can be deadly. I want to remind everyone how important it is to have at least one working carbon monoxide alarm in your home. With regular check-ups of your heating systems as well as battery replacement every six months and unit replacement every five to seven years, you’ll be well-prepared to prevent tragedy,” Sherk said.

Some residents will remember the Lakes Area experienced its own loss of two residents due to carbon monoxide exposure last January. This event, coupled with his personal history, motivated Sherk to start an awareness and safety drive to combat the problem.

Last year, he headed a drive where over 50 carbon monoxide alarms were donated to Family Pathways Food Shelf in Chisago City. For this year’s drive, Sherk acquired over 450 open-box alarms from a returns broker. Nearly 100 of these alarms will be going to the caring hands at the Family Pathways Cambridge Food Shelf. The remainder will be going to two other neighboring counties to assist those in need.

Upon delivery, Sherk discovered that food shelves are in desperate need of 9-volt and AA batteries for alarms. That is why he’s also asking local residents and businesses to donate new batteries so he can continue the success of the drive and further the safety of the community.

While tragic, carbon monoxide poisoning is a problem that is easily preventable. Remember to keep your alarms and heating systems in proper working order for the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

To receive your own carbon monoxide alarm you can visit the Cambridge Food Shelf at 1575 First Ave. E., Cambridge.

If you would like to contribute, bring new alarms and-or batteries to the Cambridge Food Shelf or to the Isanti County News office at 234 S. Main St., Cambridge.

The president of the board of the Cambridge Center for the Arts, Arne Everson, and Anoka-Ramsey Cambridge Foundation Scholardazzle Fundraiser co-chairman, Roger Anderson, hold a pastel art work by Elof Wedin. It is being donated by the art center to the Jan. 29 Scholardazzle event.

The beautiful and colorful, somewhat abstract depiction of boats on the water, will be part of the live auction during the Scholardazzle festivities.

Elof Wedin was a Swedish emigrant to Minneapolis, who studied art at several different schools before establishing his studio in his north Minneapolis home. His works have been shown in galleries throughout the Twin Cities and throughout the United States. He is listed as one of the “four best Minnesota moderns,” of the 20th century, in a recent book published by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Cambridge Center for the Arts is the home to an extensive collection of Wedin works of art.

Two year old Alexander of Isanti was featured in Minnesota Parent magazine in both November and January.

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In November he was pictured in the toys section which showcased the magazine’s top 30 children’s toys picks for 2016.

He landed the cover of the January issue, sporting a winter jacket to accompany a story on cold and winter outdoor safety.

Alexander is the son of Tony and Kara Byington from Isanti. He is very energetic and friendly. He loves animals and has four pet dogs at home.

His favorite toys are building blocks, ball pits and dinosaurs. He enjoys going on walks with his mom and playing the guitar with his dad.

“A Man Called Ove” by international bestselling author Fredrick Backman has been selected as the Cambridge Community Read for 2016.

The book has been a No. 1 bestseller in the author’s native Sweden and is published in more than 25 languages around the world.

Backman will arrive in Cambridge on Monday, May 16  for a book signing at Scout & Morgan Books at 5 p.m. followed by a reading, presentation, and book signing at the Cambridge Campus of the Anoka Ramsey Community College at 7 p.m. Book group discussions and other arts and cultural activities are also being planned to celebrate the author’s visit.

The book has been a local bestseller and very popular with area book groups. In the novel, Ove is a grump and a curmudgeon, yet loveable man, living in a small Swedish community. His world is turned upside down when a boisterous young family moves in next door. The novel reveals the story and sadness behind Ove’s crankiness and ultimately is a heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship and the profound impact one life can have on countless others.

Backman is a Swedish blogger and columnist. In addition to “A Man Called Ove,” he is the author of a work of nonfiction, “Things My Son Needs to Know About Life,” as well as a second novel, “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry.” His third novel, “Britt-Marie Was Here,” will be released in May of this year. He lives in Stockholm with his wife and two children.

Now in its ninth year, the Cambridge Community Read is an annual literacy event hosted by the Cambridge Friends of the Library. The goal of the program is to encourage community members to come together through the reading and discussion of a common book and to strengthen the community while supporting literacy.

The Community Read committee is grateful to the author’s publisher, Simon & Schuster, for agreeing to send the author to Cambridge for the program’s grand finale’ event. It is a testament to the many readers in the community  who have supported the program over the past nine years that is now recognized by a national publisher.

Books and additional information are available at the Cambridge Public Library and Scout & Morgan Books. All Cambridge Community Read events are free and open to everyone.

APA Consulting Engineers and Surveyors (formerly Anderson Land Surveying) is pleased to announce the transition of its surveying services to LHB.

The surveyors can still be contacted at 763-689-4042 and will remain at 200 Third Ave. NE, Suite 100, Cambridge, as part of LHB’s new office in Cambridge.

The transition allows staff more surveying opportunities for growth and to expand their surveying services, currently serving east central Minnesota, to a broader region. APA has served the Cambridge area since 1983.

APA’s local engineering presence will transition to Roshell Engineering, LLC, where Principal Engineer Brent Roshell can be reached at 763-286-0521.

“We are excited to continue services to our clients, while also expanding our capabilities and service area by transitioning our staff to LHB,” noted Kyle Roddy, former Principal Surveyor of APA.

LHB is a multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, and planning firm. They specialize in public works, pipeline, industrial, housing, health care, government, education and commercial design.

For more information visit www.LHBcorp.com.

Kevin L. Sukola (Suki), age 52, of Isanti passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side on Friday, January 29, 2016 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
Kevin was born September 17, 1963 in Sandstone, MN to Daniel and Eleanor (Bader) Sukola. Kevin attended Cambridge schools, and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1982. He worked as a machinist at Ideal Industries in Princeton, MN for the past 19 years.
Kevin had a great love for the outdoors. His first passion was for hunting, deer, bear and Turkey. Kevin went on many hunting trips with friends to Montana and Wyoming, hunting for elk, mule deer, and antelope and to Iowa deer hunting. Kevin went on one hunting trip to Texas to hunt for wild hogs. His second passion was riding his Harley, going on annual road trips out west for the past 8 years with friends. And riding all around Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Kevin was well known for his annual Bear B Ques at the Outback in Stanchfield.
Kevin was preceded in death by his father Daniel Sukola, and niece Becca Sukola.
He is survived by his loving wife Kaye Sukola, step children Ashley Daniels of Isanti, Timothy Daniels of Bradford, Richard Daniels of Isanti, grandson Damian Lien, mother Eleanor Sukola of Cambridge, brothers Chuck Sukola (Connie) of Prior Lake, Dan Sukola of Cambridge, sister Gail Keeley of Rush City as well as nieces Nikki Sukola, Abby Sukola, Ellice Sukola, Katlyn Keeley and many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at New Hope Community Church in Cambridge. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements are with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

WINTER SPORTS UPDATES FROM JAN. 30 WEEKEND:  Cambridge-Isanti girls basketball was in a tight battle throughout the Jan. 29 home game with Big Lake. The Hornets snuck past the Bluejackets 37-36 in overtime for the conference win. Lainie Cox led C-I with 9 points, and Jana Swanson pulled down 16 rebounds.

Bluejacket Girls Hockey was seeded in the No. 7 slot for the Section 7AA tournament which kicks off this week. Cambridge-Isanti-Mora-Pine City (11-11-2) will travel to No. 2 Forest Lake (15-7-3) for the section quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.  The winner will take on either No. 3 Grand Rapids-Greenway (16-8-1) or No. 6 Duluth (9-12-3). In the other bracket half, Elk River-Zimmerman (17-4-4) is the No. 1 seed.

The Bluejackets closed the regular season by beating Henry Sibley 6-3 Jan. 28 and falling 5-2 to St. Francis-North Branch Jan. 30.

More area scores from the weekend:

Cambridge-Isanti Boys Hockey 4, Chisago Lakes 2

Cambridge-Isanti Boys Swim & Dive placed fifth at their own Bluejacket Invitational won by Elk River

Cambridge-Isanti Wrestlers finished in third place at the Mississippi 8 Individual Tourney at St. Michael

Cambridge-Isanti Boys Basketball 47, Big Lake 52

Braham Boys Basketball 86, Barnum 64

Braham Girls Basketball 31, Mountain Iron-Buhl 85