The Shoreview Library has undergone multiple changes over the years. Now, the library welcomes a new library manager, Marcus Lowry. The newly renovated 38,000-square-foot library opened in 2017. Previously, it was located at what is now the Mounds View Public Schools District Office. Lowry has been a librarian for 25 years. He was the library manager at the Mounds View Library before coming to Shoreview in the fall of 2024. Before joining the Ramsey County library system, he worked for the St. Paul Public Library.
Lowry is responsible for creating teen services in the St. Paul Public Library. In 2008, he introduced the services to Ramsey County. He was also a part of the team that brought video games to the Shoreview Library.
“We had different groups of people, teenagers, who were often not welcomed as much as younger children or adults, so I took it as an opportunity to say ‘Hey, we want to serve all ages,’” he explained. Teen services includes homework help, practice tests and shelf help where teenagers can connect with a teen librarian to help find their next book or movie. Also included in the program is activities such as MakerTeen classes and weekly get-togethers such as Gaming Wednesdays or AniMondays that happen year-round.
“What I really feel my role is, is to build an environment to serve the public with, I like to call it, radical hospitality,” Lowry said. “I work with my staff to make sure there’s no barriers, that we’re welcoming. We are always looking to extend the invitation to use the public library to all ages.”
“Personally, my favorite thing to
Residents take in the sunshine
Lake Johanna Fire Department station in the works
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
A new Lake Johanna Fire Department (LJFD) headquarters station is in the works after the city council approved the construction and financial plan for the building. The new station will be located at 3535 Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills.
The LJFD provides fire, emergency medical response and emergency management services to the cities of Shoreview, Arden Hills and North
Oaks. The station will be paid for and owned by all three cities under a joint power sharing agreement. The new headquarters has been in the works since 2018, when the Lake Johanna Fire Department conducted a needs study and found that the expected growth of the area outpaced the capacity of its Station 140 (also known as Station 4), located at 3615 Victoria Street in Shoreview.
“Over the last nine years, calls have increased (by)
over 54%, about 6% a year,” said City Manager Brad Martens. “Last year alone was a 5.4% increase. These increased call loads have
required some long-range planning for staff and facilities.” The study recommended
Shoreview residents Kelly Swanson and Ginny Kremer spend a Sunday
Joyce Traczyk on White Bear Lake.
The new Lake Johanna Fire Department headquarters will feature offices for administrative staff, living quarters and bedrooms
part-time shift personnel and more.
Marcus Lowry is the new library manager for the Shoreview Library.
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
do is build relationships,” he added. “(We) are always looking to co-create programs.”
Lowry is also responsible for collecting world language materials for the system. The living collection includes books in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Turkish and more. He added that, recently, a request for books in Cantonese came in and they will soon be added to the collection.
“We’ll collect what people want,” Lowry said.
The library offers a variety of services, including online tutoring for all ages, technology help, free faxing and more.
According to Lowry, the library system has a Minnesota State Park pass that library users can check out for a week. The pass allows them to get into any state park for free. It is available to
check out at the North St. Paul location. There also is a Library of Things, located at the White Bear Lake Library, that patrons can utilize. Items featured in the Library of Things include board games, cookware, power tools and
more that users can check out. Library patrons can request the item they want and pick it up at the Shoreview Library.
The library also sponsors Knit for Good, which meets on Thursday nights. Attendees can either learn to knit or help create knitted items to be donated to charities and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Lowry added that other activities include a book club that meets once a month and take-home art projects for adults.
There is also a community room that can hold up to 125 people. A book club room is available to rent, along with a small conference room for groups of two to eight people. Lowry said the library is looking toward adding digitization equipment to the library and may add more small conference rooms.
“It is always a work in progress,”
Lowry explained when asked what his favorite part of the job is. “I love that there is a flexibility to go, ‘What are we interested in? What is a resource that people like?’”
He also enjoys the idea that the library is always looking to expand and grow, along with curating new ideas.
“The library is a work in progress, and it will always change on community interests and needs. We always want to be useful and reflect what people are interested in.”
The library is located at 4560 Victoria St. N. For more information, go to https://www.rclreads.org/locations/sv/.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Shoreview Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com.
MADELINE DOLBY PRESS PUBLICATIONS
The Shoreview Library is located at 4560 Victoria St. N.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
EASY PAINTING: FUN WITH WATERCOLORS
When: 1-4 p.m. Monday, March 10
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Use easy to learn one-stroke painting with acrylics. Class includes step-by-step instruction and painting supplies. Register one week before class.
Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
ONGOING EVENTS
DROP IN MAH JONGG
When: 1 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Bring your tiles and your friends for drop-in play. All levels welcome. No registration required. Contact: 651-490-4700
500 CARD CLUB
When: 12:30 p.m. Mondays
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Cards and conversation. No partner required. Contact: 651-490-4700
CURRENT EVENTS
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church (rear entrance, Door G), 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview
Details: Dawn Cook Runnigan will be sharing fabric and technique used over the years. Collector with a Needle: Charm Quilts Trunk Show. Visitors are welcome
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
NORTHERN LIGHTS JURIED ART EXHIBITION COMMUNITY RECEPTION
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: View selected works in a variety of mediums from local artists and hear from judges on their selection process. Exhibit runs through March 27.
Contact: whitebeararts.org
BABYSITTING 101
When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 1
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: This class will cover first aid, sitter safety, crafts, toys and childproofing and nutrition. Register a week before class through the Parks and Recreation website.
Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
TEN MINUTE FUNCTIONAL BALANCE SCREENING
When: 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, March 4
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Hosted by OSI Physical
Therapy. Make an appointment for an in-person screening to measure your fall risk and identify areas to strengthen. Register one week before class through the Parks and Recreation. Suitable for ages 50 and older.
Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
AARP SMART DRIVER
When: 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Thursday, March 6
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.
Details: Taught by AARP trained instructors. Learn safe driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Register a week before class through the Parks and Recreation website. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov.
CREATING ART WITH MIXED MEDIA
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 6
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N
Details: Explore texture, color and creativity by using epoxy, resin and other media to create pieces of art. Register a week before class through the Parks and Recreation website. Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov or 651-490-4700
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD
SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8
Where: Ramsey County Library –Shoreview, 4560 Victoria St. N. Details: Join the Lakeshore Quilters Guild for a drop-in sew-in. Bring your own project and sewing machine. Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
Secretary of Defense
Peter Brian Hegseth is the first Minnesotan to become Secretary of Defense of the United States. The tie vote was broken by Vice President JD Vance.
Sec. Hegseth was raised in Forest Lake. He served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Major. He received the Bronze Star while in combat in Iraq in 2005. He voluntarily deployed to Afghanistan in 2014.
We know his parents well. His father, Brian, was a basketball coach and athletic director of Centennial School District. His mother, Penny, worked for an Omaha-based company which assisted corporations and churches using the StrengthsFinder assessment to evaluate their management teams. She was helpful to me at the Press with our leadership team.
About the Town
Sec. Hegseth earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 2003. At Princeton, he joined the Army Reserve Officers Training Corp. In 2013 he earned a Masters of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His career path has included being a host on Fox News, an author and an executive of organizations that benefit veterans programs.
New idea for skateboarders
Recently at our Florida rental home in Cape Coral, we noticed a new power for skateboarders. Our young neighbor powered himself on his skateboard with a leaf blower. He was careful to watch for oncoming traffic on our residential street.
State government slow to start
The Minnesota legislature is finally up and running for the new year. A lot of time was wasted in trying to decide party leadership. There continues to be some questions about issues related to the election. Let’s hope there is a more cooperative spirit and results will be beneficial to all Minnesotans.
Online basketball
Spending time in Florida as a snowbird, we miss out on the spirit of attending our grandson’s Mahtomedi basketball games. It’s a great experience when all four grandparents can be with the parents in support at the live games. We loved it. However, thanks to technology we can get the games on our laptop.
It’s a small world
Last fall we were looking for a home or condo in the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area to rent this winter. Scott and Bridgette McConnell, who rent our boat slip at Sunnyside Marina in Stillwater, gave us a lead and connected us with Steve and Wendy Markert. They had just completed renovating a 1960s home in Cape Coral, which would be available Jan. 1.
We were pleased to find this four-bedroom home with a pool in a very quiet neighborhood. The landscaping and four tomato plants keep Kathy happy with gardening duties.
One day we had a problem with the pool pump circulating. I called Steve and he sent Mark Braun over the next day. I tried to introduce myself and Mark said, “You don’t need to do that, Gene. I’ve been reading your column for the past 20 years.”
Mark grew up on a vegetable farm in Vadnais Heights, went on to be a diesel mechanic, and now operates his own business and spends winters in Cape Coral.
Read the fine print
You already know that home and auto insurance rates have been climbing rapidly. The hurricanes and fires have been the major cause of insurance premiums rising faster than inflation for homes and business. I recommend you talk with your insurance agent and go over the policy details. Throughout the year insurance companies send out changes, but 90% of the policy holders don’t read the details.
Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications
Spring is coming with groundbreaking news
AMovers & Shakers
Sue Denkinger
fter years of planning, the new Lake Johanna Fire Department’s fire station is moving forward. The fire station will be built at 3535 Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills, just south and east of County Road E and Snelling. The fire department serves the cities of Arden Hills, North Oaks, and Shoreview. This fire station positions the fire department for better access to some of its service area and replaces the station currently located at County Road E and Victoria. The new fire station provides the ability to house larger fire equipment and training facilities, which is an ongoing need for the fire department. It will also provide enhanced health and safety spaces for our firefighters. Groundbreaking for the new station will take place this spring with completion scheduled for 2026.
Thanks to the efforts of State Representative Kelly Moller and Senator John Marty, we were able to secure over 6 million dollars of
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state funding for the station. The timing of building this station was fortuitous based on the availability of state funding and because we received favorable bids from multiple construction companies for the project. The remainder of the station will be financed by Shoreview, Arden Hills and North Oaks. Project updates will be available at ljfd.org.
As part of the city’s master parks plan, improvements to Bobby Theisen and the Commons Park projects will be completed mid-summer. Bobby Theisen’s park building includes a meeting space so that future programming may take place in that location. A new playground and additional improvements are also being completed at Bobby Theisen. The Commons Park building will provide restrooms and additional seating areas and shade. The city’s master park plan includes long term improvements to all of the city parks over time.
There are still openings for the resident leadership academy (formally the citizen’s academy). This program is offered to provide Shoreview adult residents with the opportunity to learn about all of the city departments over a series of Tuesday nights between April 1 and May 13. There is no cost to
this program and participants will learn directly from the city staff and leadership about what they do. Past participants have been enthusiastic about their experience. Registration information is available on the city website. I encourage anyone interested to apply to attend. To end this month’s column, I want to share a story that most readers won’t hear about. One of our Ramsey County deputies recently assisted a driver whose car had broken down. The driver was a new mother with an infant in the car. The car needed a tow, and the driver did not have the funds to pay for it. The deputy, without hesitation, personally paid for it until the mother could pay him back. With all the news and the noise about discord and division in the country, this reminded me of the human kindness that exists all around us and how fine the public safety officers who serve our community are. No cameras, social media posts, and comments—simply kindness from one human being to another. It’s inspiring.
Sue Denkinger is the mayor of Shoreview.
SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Wednesday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
Gene Johnson
Column inspired me
I’ve always enjoyed Managing Editor Shannon Granholm’s opinions and articles.
I was very sad to read about her dad and what he and her family went through in her latest column, “30 the new 50?” Her father died way too young. And now she’s dealing with prediabetes.
I was encouraged and inspired by Shannon to pay more attention to my weight and what I eat. My blood sugar level is above normal, so I’m risking prediabetes myself. After reading several scary articles on how America’s diet is killing us, and the amount of sugar and artificial ingredients that is in highly processed food, I’ve cut out almost all processed foods and sugar where possible, including alcohol. My breakfast usually consists of fruit and a microwaved egg. Coffee with oat milk.
Congratulations on losing 30 pounds — that’s awesome and now my goal. Despite the abuse to my body over the years, I’m still relatively healthy, so I consider myself very fortunate. I don’t want my daughter going through what Shannon did, so thank you for sharing your story. Yes, I’m sure it was hard to write and share. But you touched a lot of people besides me. And hopefully inspired them, too. I think that’s the highest honor of any writer…
Lloyd Keller Circle Pines
PAID LETTER
Vote Gottfried for House 40B
Dear Shoreview neighbors who live in Minnesota Legislative District 40B (mostly east of Lexington Avenue): Please vote for David Gottfried in the special election on Tuesday, March 11.
As Minnesotans, we value and cherish the outdoors and all that it has to offer. David is an environmental champion. He will fight for policies that defend us from the ravages of climate change, promote health care for all, and spur innovation and entrepreneurship among small businesses within the state. David will uplift your voices to support our shared values of care, compassion and looking out for our neighbors. The result of this important election will either produce a 67-67 tie in House membership or increase a Republican advantage to 68-66. Vote for David Gottfried!
Kate Winsor North Oaks
PAID LETTER
Special election for House 40B
A special election to elect a representative for Minnesota House District 40B has been scheduled for March 11 to fill a vacancy after Curtis Johnson, the DFL candidate who won in November, was later disqualified by a Ramsey County District Court judge who determined that Johnson didn’t reside in House District 40B as required by state law. When allegations that Johnson didn’t live in the district were raised by Paul Wikstrom, Johnson’s opponent, prior to the November election, fellow DFLer David Gottfried told the state’s largest newspaper that he was aware of the residency allegations but didn’t bring them up in his own endorsement contest with Johnson because he felt they were untrue and also said at the time, “To the best of my knowledge, the claim that Curtis doesn’t live in the district is false.” Just prior to Election Day, Gottfried posted a selfie touting that he was door-knocking for Johnson. Wikstrom later filed suit in Ramsey County District Court, presenting the overwhelming evidence of Johnson’s non-residency that led to Johnson’s disqualification. In recent years, more and more accounts of fraud in programs administered by Minnesota state government agencies have emerged, cumulatively totaling over $600 million by one estimate. How can taxpayers trust Gottfried to support efforts to uncover such fraud when election fraud was occurring right under his nose and he did nothing to stop it? Voters in 40B who care about fighting the fraudulent use of their hard-earned tax dollars should vote on March 11 for Paul Wikstrom, the candidate who called out the fraud in the prior 40B election.
Kathy McCarthy Shoreview
Test and report phthalates in Packaged Food Bill
One year ago, Consumer Reports conducted a study that tested grocery items for phthalates, a chemical used in plastic to make it soft and flexible. They found that 84 of the 85 items tested contained phthalates, some at concerning levels. Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli had the highest level of all items tested. Cheerios also had elevated levels.
Phthalates are found in a wide variety of products such as vinyl flooring, personal care products, cosmetics, kids’ toys and air fresheners, but the
main way people are exposed is through food. That is concerning, because phthalates are endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs) and can interfere with our hormone system. The potential health impacts from phthalates exposure include reduced testosterone levels, infertility, liver and kidney toxicity, diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer. Exposure to EDCs is particularly concerning during vulnerable periods of life, such as pregnancy. Babies and kids are most at risk because their bodies are still developing.
Senator Heather Gustafson and Representative Brion Curran have taken the first step to address this issue by introducing the Test and Report Phthalates in Packaged Food bill (SF188 / HF44). It would require food manufacturers to test their products for phthalates and make the results public. This bill will encourage companies to reduce phthalate levels in their food products and help consumers avoid food with high levels of harmful phthalate chemicals. Until recently, few people realized that plastic is not inert and that chemicals in plastic can leach out and get into our food and drinks. But now we know, and it’s time to do something about it. We all want to feel confident that the food we eat and serve our families is safe.
Lori Olinger North Oaks
Spending
The $18 million surplus was spent, and taxes increased to a total of about 30% increase in spending. This is outrageous! Where did the dollars go?
New state flag and seal is wasteful spending. Cities, counties and school boards were required to replace these items immediately, which added more additional waste to the taxpayers.
Free breakfast and lunches to all students regardless of ability to pay. This has put school budgets in crisis.
Hiring of 173 new government employees at a salary and benefits price tag of $16 billion for DEI positions, which are nonproductive employees who bring in no revenue.
Spent $729 million on a new office building, including a private balcony that only the politicians in control are allowed to use.
National Loon Center at the cost of $18.5 million dollars. The loon is more important than Minnesota citizens.
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spent $186,000 to research “to determine current distribution and habitat associations of northern and southern flying squirrels to fill key knowledge gaps in flying squirrel status in Minnesota.” Waste of dollars! These are just a few examples of bad fiscal decisions made by the Minnesota government.
I recommend we ask Elon Musk to come to Minnesota next to examine the books and expose all the waste, fraud and abuse.
Joyce Thompson Shoreview
Coverage of House 40B election
Over the past several months the Shoreview Press has missed multiple opportunities to report on the fraud and peculiarities of the open seat in HD40B despite a deadlocked Minnesota House and major media attention focused on our little slice of the world.
To wit, in the February 11 edition under Political Brief, Shoreview Press states “ …writ of special election to fill a vacancy in the House District 40B in Ramsey County following the resignation of Representative-elect Curtis Johnson.” That’s an awfully kind way of putting it. Curtis Johnson was found ineligible for HD40B by a Ramsey County Court District judge because he never lived in our district. He committed election fraud and voter fraud. Shoreview Press should stick to the facts and not run cover for politicians.
Sharon Peterson Shoreview
PAID LETTER
Dear neighbors in 40B
We have a rare opportunity to restore a balanced government in Minnesota. Fraudulent residency representation by Curtis Johnson, the 2024 DFL candidate in 40B (Roseville/Shoreview), has resulted in a special election on March 11, and your vote is now more important than ever. Truth has a second chance in Minnesota!
For the past two years, one-party control has made Minnesota less affordable for all Minnesotans. Fraud due to lack of oversight and accountability has ballooned to over $610 million. The $18 billion surplus was recklessly spent, and we are now facing a $5 billion deficit. Businesses and higher-income residents are fleeing our state in droves, which is leaving us with a higher tax bill. Seniors are being taxed out of their homes and Minnesota, with ever-increasing property taxes, high income taxes, taxes on Social Security and other fees. All while our tax dollars are funding
so-called “affordable housing” projects, which are anything but affordable.
The governor’s new tax proposal, while nominally lowering the sales tax rate, will expand goods and services that are subject to sales tax, resulting in a net tax increase of $184 million for the next two years. During the League of Women Voters forum, the new 2025 DFL candidate for our district proposed even more taxes on interest earned, investments and estates. This will hit all Minnesotans hard, but especially seniors, as many rely on investment income for daily living expenses.
That is why I am voting for Paul Wikstrom. Paul has a record of exposing fraud and is committed to holding government agencies accountable. He will fight on our behalf to restore trust and oversight in our state government and fight to make Minnesota affordable once more. Please make a plan to vote and consider voting early, as absentee ballots will be available for this special election.
Changes need to be made to election laws
There needs to be a change to our election laws, which are currently written to benefit cheating. If someone is found to have cheated in an election, they shouldn’t get a “redo,” which is pretty much what is happening in Roseville and Shoreview with this special election March 11 in HD40B. As it stands now, there is no penalty for election fraud — if you get caught, no problem; we’ll keep having elections until we get the predetermined result.
Special election for House 40B
Special elections like the one scheduled for HD40B, which includes the southern part of Shoreview, happen from time to time for legitimate reasons. This is not one of them. A candidate lied about his residency during the general election despite calls from his opponent and the media to come clean with the voters and correct the situation. As a result of shenanigans, the voters of HD40B have to do it all over again, the Minnesota House has been thrown into chaos and we, the taxpayers, are stuck with the bill and the inconvenience. Unbelievable.
Lisa Elvidge Shoreview
Election has not received enough coverage
We have a special election in Shoreview March 11 because a candidate in the general election lied about his residency and was given support and cover by other elected officials and activists with firsthand knowledge of the fraud and deception. This story has not received enough coverage, and the people responsible have been given a pass. What a shame!
Kristy Hubbard Shoreview
PAID LETTER
Vote Paul Wikstrom for House 40B
Voters in House District 40B (southern Shoreview and most of Roseville) will be choosing their representative in the Minnesota House on March 11 because the purported winner of the November election was disqualified for not living in the district. Now voters can choose between Paul Wikstrom, a candidate who has lived in the district for the past 28 years and, with his wife, has raised three children who completed all of their education in one of the two public school systems in 40B, and his opponent, David Gottfried, who has lived most of his adult life far outside 40B, including years out of state in New York City. Wikstrom has consistently pledged that, if elected, he will make restoring academic proficiency to public education one of his top three priorities, a commitment that evolved from his hard-fought campaign for the Mounds View School Board in 2023. His opponent only occasionally references education among a litany of items in his campaign materials and couldn’t even vote in the school board elections for Mounds View or Roseville in November 2023 because he first moved into the district in December 2023, just in time to register his campaign committee less than two months later for the House District 40B election. (He lost the endorsement to the candidate who he knew didn’t live in the district but has now been endorsed as the replacement for the special election.)
I’m voting for Paul Wikstrom, the candidate for House District 40B who has been a long-time member of our community who we can trust to make improving academic proficiency in public education a top priority.
Jodi Thurner Shoreview
Denise Kruse Shoreview
Dale Oden Shoreview
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• A resident in the 4700 block of Cumberland Street on Jan. 9 reported being scammed out of $28,000 by someone who was supposed to help her fix her computer.
• A New Brighton man on Jan. 9 reported tools stolen after someone broke into his work truck while it was parked in the 500 block of County Road E.
• A Shoreview man, 58, was mailed a citation for misdemeanor damage to property after a Schifsky Road resident on Jan. 12 reported the security camera he installed to catch people committing criminal property damage recorded the man damaging the camera on purpose on Jan. 8.
• A Bloomington man, 40, and a Brooklyn Center woman, 24, were arrested for burglary and receiving stolen property Jan. 12 at the Loden Apartments in the 1000 block of Gramsie Road after deputies received a suspicious vehicle report from the scene. Deputies recovered the stolen property, and the two suspects were both booked at the law enforcement center without resistance.
• A St. Paul man, 22, was cited Jan. 12 in the 3600 block of Victoria Street
N. for operating a motor vehicle on public roadways while displaying expired registration.
• A Kia Soul was reported stolen Jan. 13 from the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies collected evidence and began an investigation.
• Deputies hastened to the scene of a stalled vehicle in the middle of the intersection of Victoria Street and County Road E that was creating a dangerous hazard at 7:07 a.m. Jan. 14. The vehicle was abandoned with a dead battery and keys still in the ignition. After failing to reach the vehicle’s registered owner, deputies arranged for the vehicle to be towed away from the scene.
• A pickup truck was reported stolen Jan. 15 from the 5800 block of Hamline Avenue N.
• A Little Canada man, 44, was cited and issued a trespass warning Jan. 15 after he was caught stealing merchandise from the Target store in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N.
• A Shoreview woman, 73, was cited Jan. 16 in the 4000 block of Victoria Street N. for failure to obey a traffic control device.
• A Shoreview man, 75, was arrested Jan. 16 in the 400 block of Horseshoe Drive
• The City Council approved a minor subdivision located at 720 and 725 Timber Lane after neighbors Rod Ives and John Dykstra applied for a proposed boundary adjustment between their two properties. The property owners, in collaboration, will realign their common interior side property line to allow for the conveyance of approximately 2,273 square feet from 725 Timber Lane to the 720 Timber Lane property.
• Magic Turf will be responsible for the reconstruction and repair of the McCullough Park ballfields 1 and 2 and Bucher Park ballfield 2 after council accepted its quote of $119,015. As ballfields age, they develop depressions from use and weather factors that can create safety hazards for players. The work needed to correct these issues entails stripping out and replacing sod and aglime followed by regrading and crowning the fields. The project will be funded through the city’s capital asset replacement fund and is scheduled for completion in the late summer of 2025.
• The council approved the revocation of a rental license for the property located at 1078 Glenhill Road, pursuant to section 30-91 of the municipal code. The council has the authority to suspend, revoke, deny or not renew a license for any reasons listed in section 30-91. The property owner has failed to provide an adequate timeline for compliance in getting a 2025 rental license. The owner also has a history of noncompliance, including a 2024 rental license revocation due to outstanding property maintenance violations. The council also approved a second revocation of a rental license for the property located at 5784 Ridge Creek
E. for violating a harassment restraining order (HRO) after deputies performed a welfare check on a woman at that address who held the HRO against the suspect.
• A Shoreview woman on Jan. 16 reported her purse rifled through and debit cards stolen while she was using the Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N.
• A Coon Rapids woman reported her cell phone stolen Jan. 18 while she was using the Shoreview Community Center.
• A West Salem, Wisconsin, man reported his work truck broken into overnight Jan. 20-21 while it was parked outside the Hilton Garden Inn in the 1000 block of Gramsie Road. A laptop computer and monitor, along with $300 in cash, were stolen.
• A resident in the 3900 block of Gramsie Court on Jan. 21 reported receiving unexpected messages on WhatsApp that instructed her to pay $700 to the United States Post Office to have a package delivered. The complainant sent $200 in Apple Gift cards to the scammers before Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies could intervene.
• A resident in the 3400 block of Kent Street on Jan. 22 reported her vehicle broken into while she was on vacation. Various
Road Court. The property owner has failed to provide an adequate timeline for compliance in getting a 2025 rental license.
• The council approved an ordinance summary for publication that will amend Sections 101.2 and 107.67 of the Shoreview Municipal Code to create a definition for ground-mount solar arrays and standards for such arrays in the R1-Detached Residential zoning district. According to the proposed text amendment, a ground-mounted solar array means a “solar energy system mounted on a support system that rests or is attached to the ground. Groundmounted system must be accessory to the principal use.” Updated language to Section 107.67 now states that “no ground-mounted solar arrays shall be located in the front yard of any lot, except for a riparian lot which shall comply with the provisions of section 103-96.” City staff used the Minnesota Solar Model Ordinance from the Great Plains Institute as a guide for crafting the text amendment.
• The construction of a new headquarters for the Lake Johanna Fire Department will move forward after council approval. The headquarters is scheduled to be built at 3535 Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills. BCI Construction Inc. will be responsible for the construction of the headquarters after the council accepted its bid of $13,619,069. (See full story in this week’s issue).
The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, in council chambers.
Madeline Dolby
license plates, photo identification, a pair of boots and electronic devices were stolen.
• A woman from the 4700 block of Kent Street stopped by the patrol station Jan. 22 to report government documents stolen.
• Deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a domestic assault in progress at the Amoco gas station in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. on Jan. 22. However, the suspect fled before deputies arrived on scene. A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued on the subject, after his information was obtained.
• A Roseville man reported his wallet stolen Jan. 24 while he was using the Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N. Another theft was reported from the community center on Jan. 25.
• A St. Paul man, 21, was cited at 11:49 p.m. Jan. 24 at the intersection of I-694 and Rice Street for driving without a driver’s license in his possession.
• A Shoreview woman, 38, was cited for theft Jan. 25 at the Target store in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N., after she was caught stealing merchandise. Deputies responded to another shoplifting report from Target on
• Irondale High School has created a new club called Women in Law. Girls that attend Irondale High School will meet every Thursday to learn about the different careers in the field of law.
• There were 10 gifts received this period for schools and programs amounting to approximately $29,674. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf received 18 gifts this period for a total of approximately $19,080.
• An update will be made to the district’s electronic technology use and safety policy. The update will include additional language regarding student cell phone use and possession during school hours. The policy will state that students shall not access or use cell phones during scheduled academic class time or during activities/assemblies when instruction or information is being delivered. Students at the elementary level shall not access or use a cell phone any time during school hours. Students at the secondary level may access and use cell phones during non-academic or unscheduled time during school hours. The board will officially adopt the new policy at next month’s meeting.
• An update was provided by Karl Brown, director of community education, and Snail Lake Principal Ryan Lang regarding adult and summer programs. Programs include academic, enrichment classes, camps and clinics. Lang said that academic summer school will run from July 7-July 31.
Jan. 28 about an unknown suspect. They collected evidence and opened an investigation.
• Deputies recovered an unoccupied vehicle that had been stolen out of Brooklyn Center and left abandoned in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. at 2:01 a.m. Jan. 26. No arrests have been made.
• A resident in the 4700 block of Kent Street at 7:24 a.m. Jan. 26 reported hearing a crash and seeing a city light pole that appeared to have been damaged by a vehicle.
• A White Bear Township woman reported her vehicle broken into while it was parked in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. overnight Jan. 27-28. Three quarters, valued at 75 cents, along with a bike lock, were stolen.
• A resident in the 1000 block of Westcliff Court on Jan. 28 reported his garage broken into and his vehicles rummaged through. Miscellaneous items were stolen during the burglary.
• A resident in the 5700 block of Prairie Ridge Drive on Jan. 28 reported an attempt to scam her by a person pretending to be an Amazon representative and demanding money for products and services that have not been delivered.
Loretta Harding
Kindergarten summer school will take place at Pike Lake Elementary. Extended targeted services will continue at each district elementary and middle view schools. Adult education summer school will be offered at Silver View Education Center. Brown said that there will be playdate meet-ups for early childhood programs. Summer day camp will also continue at Turtle Lake Elementary and Chippewa Middle School for eight weeks. For high school students, driver’s education will be available online and in person. He added that summer registration will begin on March 18.
• Diane Glasheen, board chair, and Heidi Danielson vice chair, met with Superintendent Chris Lennox to perform his mid-year evaluation. This evaluation covers Lennox’s progress towards the district’s operational goals (DOP) and their outcomes. Danielson reported that the board found that Lennox and his team do a great job with strategic, long-range and intentional planning, specifically with DOP goals surrounding enrollment and technology security.
The next Mounds Views Public Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.
Madeline Dolby
CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS
MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS
NEW FIRE DEPARTMENT: Includes offices, living quarters and more
the eventual closure of Station 140 and construction of a new station that could accommodate full-time staff, larger trucks, more training space and extra room for future expansions.
Send us your photos for possible inclusion in Spotted Around Town. Please email your best shot to shoreviewnews@presspubs.com. Please include information about when and where it was taken and who is in the photo.
The new station will include offices for administrative staff, living quarters and bedrooms for part-time shift personnel, fitness and wellness spaces and a classroom. It will also provide
spaces for proper decontamination of gear and equipment, reduction in exposures to carcinogens and toxic materials, and provide proper ventilation to reduce exposure to harmful fumes.
A joint powers board was established in November 2021 to purchase the property located on Pine Tree from Bethel University and to apply for state funding to help cover the costs of the new station. In the 2023 legislative season, Shoreview — on behalf of the fire department — was successful in securing approximately $6.37 million in funding toward the project.
Costs for this project beyond those funds will be paid by the three cities in accordance with a cost-sharing allocation formula. The 2025 formula shows Shoreview will pay for approximately 61% of the project; Arden Hills will pay around 24%; and North Oaks will contribute around 14%.
The bid recommended for approval came from BCI Construction Inc. in the amount of $13,619,069. The total construction cost — including permits, fees, furniture, equipment and other expenditures — is estimated to be $18,303,376. Shoreview’s share is estimated at $7,339,026.
“This is significantly less than we
had planned,” Martens said. Last March, Martens presented the council with an update on the project that showed a much higher number. “This is actually $4 million less than we anticipated for Shoreview.”
Shoreview’s portion of the project costs will be paid by proceeds from an upcoming debt issuance. The debt will be repaid from the debt levy, which is supported by property tax dollars.
“This isn’t a 10-year plan. This is something for 50 years or more,” explained Martens.
Council Member Paul Gardner shared his support for the project.
“This seems like a logical cumulation of a long thought-out process to serve our communities in a cost-effective way,” he said. “I look forward to supporting all of these resolutions.”
Construction of the new station will begin in the spring of 2025. According to Martens, construction will last approximately 14 months.
For more information about the new station, go to www.ljfd.org/stations.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Shoreview Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com.
Metro Fire Buff, contributed
Congratulations to Ann Danielson! Carrier for Press Publications. Thank you for all your hard work.
- CREATE YOUR LEGACY BUILD THE FOUNDATION
Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving
IRA Charitable Distribution
Make a tax-free gift to the Shoreview Community Foundation from an IRA in 2019
The Shoreview Community Foundation’s mission is to maintain, enhance, and enrich the quality of lives in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of our residents with the community’s evolving needs. Thanks to the generosity of our residents and stakeholders, in 2024 we were able to grant over $37,000 to various organizations in the areas of human services, arts and culture, historical preservation, recreation, and places for
Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving
Individuals who are age 70 up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to one or more qualified charities, without paying federal income tax of the withdrawal. This option provides tax savings to donors even if they do not itemize deductions.
Details:
By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.
• Donors must be age 701/2 or older at the time the gift is made.
By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.
There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.
Stay tuned for a new and improved SCF website and be sure to “like” our Facebook page. You may donate to SCF at any time by scanning the QR code below or by sending a check to our NEW mailing address: Shoreview Community Foundation, 4600 Victoria Avenue N.,
• The funds must be transferred directly to a qualifi charity. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making a gift.
• Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.
• Each donor may give up to $100,000 per year.
There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.
• Gifts can be used to satisfy the donor’s required minimum distribution.
• Donors can exclude the distribution from income on their federal tax returns. If they do, they will not receive a charitable income tax reduction.
• To qualify for tax-free treatment, donors cannot receive goods or services, or a personal benefit (such as tickets for events) in return for the IRA charitable distribution.
Contact the Shoreview Community Foundation at: www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org
The Shoreview Community Foundation does not give tax or legal advice. We recommend that donors consult their own professional tax advisor before making a gift.
For further information visit: www.shoreviewcomunityfoundation.org Facebook.com/theshoreviewcommunityfoundation
The station will be located at 3535 Pine Tree Drive in Arden Hills.
1. LJFD: The Lake Johanna Fire Department held a swearing-in ceremony for Captains Gaulke, Whitcomb, Spates and Eickelberg. North
North metro woman’s quest for hope through new treatment
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Kathy Ingebrand started to notice something was off when she found herself being short with her family. She was becoming easily agitated, forgetting things and misplacing items.
The 60-year-old Mahtomedi resident thought perhaps some of those things could be attributed to her ongoing hormone treatment for menopause, but it turned out something else was going on.
“Her daughters started noticing some changes,” Pete, Kathy’s husband, explained. “They play a lot of games at the lake … they said she was forgetting things she should know.”
So, when Kathy went in for her checkup, she brought up memory issues. After a couple of failed memory tests, she was referred to a neurologist. At the age of 59, Kathy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. (Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.)
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s has no cure, but there are two new treatments, Kisunla and Legembi, that can reduce cognitive and functional decline in people living with Alzheimer’s. Legembi was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 and Kisunla in July 2024.
Kathy started taking Donepezil after diagnosis, but she heard about the two new treatments from her neurologist. She started calling various clinics to see if they had the infusion. “I called so many,” she recalled.
She eventually found a clinic that
offered Legembi, but her insurance would not approve it. Her insurance did, however, accept Kisunla, a monthly injection produced by Eli Lilly. Kisunla is for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. In a clinical study at 18 months, people treated with Kisunla showed a significant slowing of decline of an average of 22% compared with a placebo.
“I was scared to get the infusion because of the side effects,” Kathy explained. “I think for a good six months I was like, ‘I’m not going to do it.’ It’s a big time commitment, and in my head I’m thinking, ‘I want to enjoy my family’; if I can’t get this, it could be like 10 years …”
There were a lot of hoops Kathy had to jump through to make sure she would be a good fit for the medication. Kathy was ultimately approved for the infusion, which she started in September. She
was actually the first patient to receive the treatment at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology in Golden Valley. Kathy started out on a half dose and is now on the larger dose. She didn’t experience any side effects on the half dose, but she did have a four-day headache after her first higher dose.
Kathy is one of 3% of people with Alzheimer’s disease who have posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). “I was seeing specks. I pulled over one day because I thought there were spiders and webs on my window.”
Pete recalled, “She was always cleaning off her glasses like she could never get them clean.”
At first, the eye doctor thought Kathy had dry eye, but the drops weren’t helping, so she was referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist. PCA is a rare type of dementia that affects the back of the brain and causes a decline in visual processing skills.
“Every day I have to lay down and rest my eyes because I have to release the pressure,” Kathy explained. Alzheimer’s disease has also impacted Kathy’s cooking, entertaining and social life. She finds herself getting flustered in the kitchen when she is trying to prepare meals. “It takes me forever to grocery shop,” she explained. “I just get overwhelmed.”
On New Year’s Eve, Kathy was invited to attend a party. All she had to do was bring a book with her for a game. “It took me three hours to pick out two books. I went to six stores,” Kathy recalled.
Since undergoing the infusions, Kathy has noticed small differences; for example, she feels less agitated. Pete said her mood seems better. Only time will tell. After 18 months of the infusion, Kathy will do a PET scan to see what impact, if any, the infusion is having.
Kathy says she is undergoing the treatment for her family. “I do feel good about
Know the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality
doing it, because what other option is there?” she asked. “It’s not going to cure you. It’s hopefully going to let you live longer.”
Pete says the hope is that it will slow down the progression and maybe three to five years from now, there will be a drug that can cure the condition. “I don’t want to think long term, I just want to live in the moment, as cliché as that sounds — but it is so true,” he said. “We laugh, we love.”
The Ingebrands have made it a point to travel more. At least once a year, they plan to take a family trip. This summer, they rented a beach house in South Carolina.
“It’s all about making those memories and happiness,” Kathy said.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com.
COMMUNITY
Shoreview Leadership Academy provides inside look
The Shoreview Leadership Academy has been providing residents with an inside look at how government works since 2016. The program includes seven meetings that are a combination of tours, speakers, interactive sessions and Q&A sessions.
The program is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning April 1 through May 13. To learn more and to sign up, go to https://tinyurl.com/35e3xccb.
Churchill St. and Cafesjian Art Trust Museum create partnership
Beginning in March, Churchill St. Restaurant will partner with the Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum to bring the community together over food and crafts. At the restaurant’s family night dinner held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, the CAT will provide attendees with a monthly craft based on the museum’s current collection.
More information about family night can be found at www.churchillst.com/events-calendar. Churchill St. Restaurant is located at 4606 Churchill St., Shoreview.
Decodables offered for emerging readers
Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota and the Ramsey County Library have partnered to provide a new collection of decodable books for beginning readers. Decodable books allow students to practice decoding words in a systematic and cumulative way. Teachers and local librarians can help families select books that match the sounds and phenomes children are learning at school.
White Bear Lake, Shoreview, Mounds View, Maplewood, New Brighton, North St. Paul and Roseville are among the participating Ramsey County Libraries. For more information and to see the decodable books collection, go to rclreads. org/kids.
CALENDAR BRIEF
Scouts can earn merit badge
Scouts have the opportunity to earn their lifesaving merit badge from 5-8:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Shoreview Community Center. Scouts must have completed the swimming merit badge before participating. They must also provide the lifesaving merit badge pamphlet and certification card.
During the class, scouts will learn how to assist those involved in a water accident, gain knowledge in rescue techniques and perform and judge when and how to act in an emergency.
Registration closes on week before class. Register through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog or by calling 651-490-4700.
CITY BRIEF
Mounds View Parks and Recreation asks for residents priorities
The Mounds View Parks and Recreation Department is asking for residents to take a survey regarding the city’s Park Master Plan until Friday, Feb. 28.
The survey will ask residents to review what park amenities may be removed or relocated, review what improvements or redevelopments are recommended, review community center options and rank their priorities for these projects.
To take the survey, go to https://wsb. mysocialpinpoint.com/moundsviewparks. For more information, go to moundsviewmn.org.
COUNTY BRIEF
Ramsey County Library hosts 3rd annual puzzle contest
The Ramsey County Library will host its third annual puzzle contest at the library in Roseville from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1. Teams of up to four will be tasked with putting together a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle as fast as possible. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams.
The Ramsey County Library Roseville extension is located at 2180 North Hamline Ave.
Steven Showalter Brings an Atmospheric Ceramics Collection to the Art Shop
about buying something handmade. Whether it’s handbeaded jewelry, a hand-poured candle, or a handwoven scarf; you’re not just buying an object, you’re acquiring a story and gaining a connection to the artist. That’s certainly the case with Steven Showalter’s unique ceramics collection popping up at White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ann Tousley Luther Art Shop.
arts educator from Eagan, Steven creates each piece using white stoneware clay on the wheel. To add his own touch, he uses slip, a mix of clay and water to create textured grooves and ridges. Instead of dipping his final creation in glaze, he sprays multiple colors of overlapping glaze in thin
But his pieces aren’t just beautiful; his collection blends modern design with
Steven makes his products with purpose. Take his multifunctional wine chiller, which keeps wine cool without the mess of ice, but also adds personality to a space whether it holds a bottle of wine, kitchen utensils, or a bouquet of flowers. His candles also serve multiple purposes. Made in partnership with Sensōrius
Ignite Your Child’s Creativity at Imagine Art Summer Camp
Imagine a summer where creative kids get to use their imagination to craft pottery, paintings, fiber art, and sculpture. Students have a chance to do all this and more at White Bear Center for the Arts’ youth summer camp: Imagine Art.
Running for six weeks throughout the summer, Imagine Art offers an immersive arts experience for kids to explore their creativity in a supportive environment. The camp, which has been a community favorite for years, has been reimagined for 2025. For
younger campers in grades 1-5, the theme is exploration. Each week, students will experiment with different art forms—from crafting fairy gardens, building their own books, or painting with wool, to give kids a chance to experiment with different mediums while fostering a love for the creative process. For middle schoolers in grades 6-8, Middle School Art Labs offer a deeper dive into artistic expression. A single afternoon session allows students to zero in on one medium, giving them the time and space to not just dip their
Upcoming Avenue of the Arts Events
A Taste of Italy: Veneto
White Bear Center for the Arts
March 4, 6:30-8:00 PM
Learn
toes into something new but refine the skills they learn.
Imagine Art has something for every creative kid, no matter their skill level. This summer, the focus is not just on creating but on planting a seed for the lifelong practice of using your imagination.
Parents can take advantage of this month’s early bird discount and take 5% off Imagine Art registrations through February 28.
Spring Equinox Sound Bath & Planting Ceremony
White Bear Center for the Arts
March 20, 7:00-8:00 PM
Join Terrie Arfi for a peaceful sound bath meditation. Experience crystal singing bowls and allow the healing vibrations to reduce your stress, release emotional tension, and promote deep relaxation.
The Book Club Play
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center
March 14-23, 2025
The Book Club Play is a delightful new comedy about life, literature, and the side-splitting results when friends start reading between the lines. Don’t miss out on the unexpected drama that ensues when real life meets reality TV!
The Shape of Things
The Hanifl Performing Arts Center Black Box
February 21-March 2, 2025
Presented by the Century College Playhouse, The Shape of Things is a comic drama about the nature of love and art, and what happens when the two collide.
Contributed
Students crafting sock monkeys in last year’s Imagine Art Youth Summer Camp.
Photos by Steven Showalter | Contributed
Students crafting sock monkeys in last year’s Imagine Art Youth Summer Camp.
about the romantic Shakespearean town of Verona and Venice while tasting wine and watching a demonstration on how to make fresh regional gnocchi pasta.
Cool down, power up: Practicing cold water therapy
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
What comes to mind when you think of improving yourself mentally and physically? Exercising?
Reading a good book? For Johnnie Schmidt, his method involves something more based in the water—and several degrees colder.
“It’s about self-empowerment,” says Schmidt. “It’s about awe and being out there every day. Usually, I’m out there for two to two-and-a-half hours sometimes.”
That method is called cold water therapy, also called cryotherapy, which involves using cold water to treat health conditions or stimulate health benefits. For Schmidt, it is a practice that includes these and some mental benefits. “It’s about separating my mental craziness from my body,” Schmidt adds.
Schmidt, who is originally from Litchfield, said his love of cold therapy was an interest he admits came from curiosity, starting with a video from Swedish YouTuber Jonna Jinton. “I saw her do it, and there was something so beautiful and peaceful about the whole thing,” said Schmidt. “Plus, she had this awesome saw.”
After buying this saw, used primarily by ice fishers to cut holes for spearing, angling and sight fishing, Schmidt’s next move was to use it to cut out a 2-foot hole into a lake of his preference—which happened to be none other than White Bear Lake.
Rather than discarding the excess ice, Schmidt arranged these chunks around the hole. “It was sort of honoring what comes out of the lake,” he said. “The only other option is to slide it under the ice. You can only do it if you cut it so long. As water circulates around, it all sort of erodes, and because of how it’s sloped, when you shove it under it tends to come right back in.”
In describing cold water therapy, Schmidt said he often sees the process as experiencing it without considering the temperature. “When it comes to the self-empowerment side of it, it’s about experiencing it not as cold,” he said.
“If you’re only thinking about that water as a temperature, it’s more of a sensation, like a cold
shower, which is kind of miserable. You have water droplets hitting you everywhere, and it’s not very comfortable. If you can quiet yourself in a cold shower, that’s one thing. When you go into that ice water, it’s one sensation, which is what’s so amazing about it.”
According to Schmidt, cold water therapy often comes with its own challenges, especially beginning with the hole’s setup. “It’s a lot of work,” Schmidt said of using his saw to cut out the hole. “By the time I’m going into that hole, I’m soaking in steam. I have to bring an entirely different change of clothes for when I get out, because everything I’ve worn is frozen by the time I get back into it. Mentally, though, doing it is a huge depression killer. When you come out of it, the dopamine high you get from it comes on and builds slowly, then keeps growing throughout the day. It’s multiple times higher than what you get from cigarettes, one that’s actually beneficial and healthy.”
For warmer, ice-less weather, Schmidt practices cold water therapy in a specially-built chest freezer in his house, modified to include both water and a thick layer of ice over the top.
Schmidt is a member of the Lake Johanna Ice Dippers, a social group of cold water enthusiasts
that meets at the titular lake in Arden Hills on Sundays from November through April. According to Schmidt, this group frequently sees newcomers join, which allows him to guide them through being a first-time lake-dipper.
“The reaction your body is going to want to have is to tense up,” said Schmidt, who recommends that newcomers should be in the water for no longer than two minutes for their first dip. “The first 15 to 30 seconds is where you kind of freak out. Even if you’re in for just 15 seconds and come out, you’re still going to feel great, and you’ve accomplished something.”
Schmidt said that he also tries to pursue mental and physical relaxation through other means. However, none come quite as close as pursuing cold water therapy, first and foremost. “Meditation and yoga are important things. But I find that during the winter, ice-dipping covers a lot of that. So that’s always going to be a part of me.”
Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229 or email at lowdownnews@presspubs.com.
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Schmidt uses a specialized saw to keep an opening in White Bear Lake free of ice for his cold water therapy plunges.
CONTRIBUTED
Johnnie Schmidt is a practitioner and strong advocate of cold water therapy.
Candidates decided for House 40B special election
The candidates for the State House District 40B special election have been announced. David Gottfried is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) candidate. Paul Wikstrom is the candidate for the Republican party.
House District 40B is compromised of the cities of Shoreview and Roseville. The entirety of House District 40B is located within Ramsey County. The special election will take place on Tuesday, March 11. Early voting is available in person at the Ramsey Count Elections, 90 W. Plato Blvd., St. Paul, until Monday, March 10. To find your polling location, go to https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/.
Legislation introduced creating Office of Inspector General
Sen. Heather Gustafson (DFL-Vadnais Heights) is introducing legislation establishing an independent Office of the Inspector General, a first-of-itskind office in Minnesota that will be tasked with ensuring accountability, transparency and
SCHOOL BRIEF
6 district teachers are candidates for Minnesota Teacher of the Year
Six teachers in the Mounds View School District have been named candidates for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.
The following teachers have been nominated:
• Tim Berndt, Mounds View High School
• Robin Betthauser, Early Childhood Education Center
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF
Shoreview woman injured in snowmobile accident
A Shoreview woman, 62, was severely injured on Saturday, Feb. 15, in a snowmobile accident that occurred on the Arrow Trail north of Orr, Minnesota.
According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, her injuries
US Sen. Amy Klobuchar 425 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3244
integrity in the operations of state agencies and programs. The bipartisan bill is S.F. 856.
“One of the most important responsibilities of state government is protecting the taxpayer dollar. That’s why it’s time we create an independent watchdog for Minnesotans that will identify and investigate potential fraud,” said Sen. Gustafson. “This Office of the Inspector General is a practical solution to ensure accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility in state government.”
Gustafson’s bill would create a new, independent Office of the Inspector General with the authority to conduct audits, inspections, evaluations and investigations of state agencies and programs. The office would also be authorized to issue subpoenas, refer matters for civil, criminal or administrative action, recommend legislative or policy changes and issue public reports. The legislation establishes Jan. 1, 2026 as the day by which an inspector general must be chosen.
The proposal also lays out the minimum qualifications needed for the position of inspector general. Candidates must have a degree in criminal justice, public administration or a related field, at least 10 years of experience, and a professional certificate from the Association of Inspectors
STUDENT NEWS
• Madison Critchley, Highview Middle School
• Megan Herbert, Turtle Lake Elementary
• Natasha Johnson, Valentine Hills Elementary School
• Zoe Kourajian, Edgewood Middle School
A selection panel will read candidates’ portfolios over the next few weeks and narrow the list to a group of semifinalists. The winner will be announced May 4.
were sustained after the snowmobile she was driving struck a tree. Her injuries were serious, but not lifethreatening. The female, who was the only occupant of the snowmobile, was transported from the scene by Orr EMS to an awaiting medical helicopter that flew her to a Twin Cities hospital for advanced care.
US Sen. Tina Smith 720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5641
General. Current or former commissioners, agency heads or deputy agency heads are not eligible to serve within five years of their service in those roles.
An inspector general will be selected by the newly established Inspector General Advisory Council, composed of members selected by majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate, the legislative auditor, and a member selected by the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
“With the Office of Inspector General in place, Minnesota would advance good governance and bolster our fiscal responsibility,” said Gustafson. “It’s time to take meaningful action this session to safeguard our shared resources and secure trust in public institutions. This proposal appeals to Minnesotans across the political spectrum who value accountability, efficiency and fairness. I’m eager to work with any lawmaker who shares these goals.”
The legislation is a bipartisan proposal, with two Republican co-authors and 3 DFL co-authors. S.F. 856 has been referred to the State and Local Government Committee.
The following students from the Shoreview area were named to the dean’s or president’s list or received academic honors at a college or university in fall 2024:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Ella Masso.
Hamline University: Amanda
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Lawns To Legumes grants open to garden lovers
Any Minnesota resident with an outdoor planting space is eligible to apply for a fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant. The Lawns to Legumes program focuses on increasing habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings by providing reimbursement-based funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. Residents with a
Who to Call in Local Government
US Rep. Betty McCollum (District 4) 2256 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515 661 LaSalle Street, Ste 110, St. Paul, MN 55114 202-225-6631 or 651-224-9191
State Senator John Marty (District 40) 95 University Ave. W, Minnesota State Senate Building, Room 3235, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-5645
University
Biola University: Tira Anderson.
yard, deck or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing a new pollinator habitat. The program is available to both Minnesota homeowners and renters. This grant is open to Minnesota residents only. Those interested in applying can do so at the Blue Thumb website at www.bluethumb.org/ lawns-to-legumes/apply/.
Minnesota Rep. Kelly Moller (District 40A) 477 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr., Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155 651-296-0141
Shoreview Mayor Sue Denkinger 651-490-4618
Holt, Anna Fleischhacker, Dane DeDominces, Jackson Mohrfeld, Josephine Cox and Lucy Ehlers.
Georgia Tech: Anthony Hong. Tufts University: Nadia Anderson and Sorelle Tan.
of Iowa: Nathan Eck and Angelica Severin.
2 teachers look to launch microschool in White Bear Lake
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Two special education teachers who have a combined 43 years of experience are planning to launch a microschool in the White Bear Lake area this fall.
White Bear Lake neighbors Tamara Morett and Kathleen Amstutz both see the need for students to have another option for schooling in grades K-5. “I feel like the constraints of public schools right now, the traditional school setting, just doesn’t meet the needs of students ... I can't remember the last time that kids got to actively play and collaborate in a classroom,” Morett said. “We hear time and time again that school is not fun, and I see it. We feel it … “I used to love coming to work, and now it's just it's very daunting, and the expectations that are put on us for students to make those gains are impossible because they don't allow us to have that creative flexibility within our classrooms.”
She added, “We want to take a risk and bring this to our community because we truly believe that the families and students deserve another option.”
Morett has been a special education teacher for 27 years. She started her career in Minneapolis Public Schools, but for the last 17 years, she has taught in District 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan). She has her master’s degree in special education.
Amstutz has taught for 16 years. She started her teaching career in Lexington, Kentucky, and then went to Washington, just outside of Seattle. She has her master’s degree in reading and writing. For the past 16 years, she has taught in District 196. In addition to being neighbors, the teachers carpool to the same school to teach in the same classroom.
“We know each other well and we have a very solid foundation to help students … We want to bring that to White Bear Lake because traditional schools just don’t seem to be working well anymore for us.”
Morett and Amstutz are both certified in K-12 special education and elementary.
Heart Learning Collective is designed to serve students of all abilities and backgrounds in K-5 and offer a more personalized educational experience.
“Our vision and our dream is to create this safe, warm welcoming learning environment. Kind of bringing back what we know school used to be when we were in school where we got to play, create and interact, and it wasn’t just paper, pencil or sitting in front of a screen,” Amstutz. “Giving kids a chance to spend time outside and do projects, the flexibility to drive some of their learning based on their interests.”
Heart Learning Collective is focused on the “whole child,” meaning it is not just about the academics, but also their social-emotional skills, mental health and “becoming good humans,” Amstutz said.
The full-day program will offer a combination of
direct instruction, small groups and collaborative, project-based learning five days a week. To maintain its status as a microschool, the student-teacher ratio will never exceed 15 to 1. For the first year, enrollment will be capped at 30 students.
“Our main goal with being a microschool and having such a small group is that each student will get tailored instruction based on their specific and unique needs,” Amstutz said.
The microschool is like a charter school in that it will focus on a specific topic (art). However, microschools do not receive any funding from the government, so families will need to pay tuition. “We are kind of right in the middle, we are not super low, but we are also not on the high end,” Amstutz shared about tuition rates.
An exact location for the school has yet to be nailed down, as it depends on enrollment numbers. “We have some really good options,” Morett said. “We want to make sure that we have the appropriate space for the number of students.” She added that they are committed to staying within a 5-mile radius of White Bear Lake and would consider the cities of Hugo and Vadnais Heights.
Heart Learning Collective plans to host an information session for families who are interested in learning more about the new opportunity sometime this spring. For more information, visit www. heartlearningcollective.com.
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S E R V I C E D I R E C T O R Y
Talking Winter injuries with the U of M
Wintertime in Minnesota brings freezing temperatures, slippery conditions and an increase in winter-related injuries. Mahmood Gharib, MD, with the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview, talks about common winter injuries and how to avoid them.
Q: How can you reduce the risk of falls on icy surfaces?
A: Slips on icy sidewalks, driveways and roads often lead to fractures, sprains and bruises. A few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing falls, such as walking like a penguin with slow, flatfooted steps and a wide stance to maintain balance. Be especially cautious around areas prone to black ice, such as near drains and downspouts. Stick to designated sidewalks and avoid shortcuts through grass or other untreated surfaces.
Q: How can I protect myself from injuries related to shoveling?
A: Cold weather tightens muscles, increasing the risk of strains. Shoveling snow is a common culprit for these injuries if done without proper technique. Make sure to dress warmly, use ergonomic shovels and clear snow early and often during storms to avoid back strain. Push snow instead of lifting it, and bend at your hips and knees. If the snow is heavy or you’re not physically up to the task, don’t hesitate to ask for help or hire a professional for snow removal.
Q: What extra precautions are important for winter sports?
A: Winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and ice skating can result in fractures, sprains, and even concussions if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
• Pay attention to snow and weather conditions and stick to designated areas that are safe and appropriate for these activities.
• Always wear protective gear, including helmets. Helmets with a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) offer extra protection.
• Avoid areas close to roads, fences or densely populated trees.
• Sled feet-first and ensure children are supervised by adults.
• Learn how to safely adjust your speed and technique to avoid collisions and falls.
Also, remember that prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, both of which can be serious if not addressed promptly.
Q: How serious are spinal and head injuries?
A: Spinal and head injuries should not be taken lightly. Whether mild or severe, these types of injuries need immediate attention. For head injuries, the symptoms can range from mild concussions with headaches to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that could cause paralysis. It’s critical to seek medical help right away if someone loses consciousness or has persistent symptoms. Spinal injuries, particularly those involving the spinal cord, can lead to significant
impairments. Timely treatment is key to minimizing long-term damage, and some cases may even require surgery and ongoing rehabilitation.
Q: How does your research support a healthier Minnesota?
A: My research at the University of Minnesota is centered on advancing education and expanding interventional pain management options for patients in need. By contributing to publications and staying involved in the latest studies, I aim to develop and share innovative, evidence-based treatments for spine and musculoskeletal-related conditions. This work not only enhances my ability to offer patients tailored, minimally invasive options but also helps educate others in the medical community. Ultimately, it’s about empowering patients with effective solutions that alleviate pain, improve function and restore their quality of life.
Dr. Mahmood Gharib is the medical director of the Spine Health Program and associate division director in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview. He specializes in rehabilitation medicine, helping patients restore function and improve their quality of life.
University of Minnesota Medical School
Public agencies adopt online tool for cyber incident reporting
Minnesota’s new cybersecurity incident reporting law has already boosted awareness and improved communication about rising cyber threats targeting the public sector.
The law, which went into effect Dec. 1, 2024, requires public agencies, including local governments and public schools across Minnesota, to report cybersecurity incidents affecting their organizations. To comply, these agencies have started using an online tool provided by Minnesota IT Services (MNIT).
Since the tool launched on Sept. 30, public entities have submitted over 100 reports. While MNIT cannot disclose details about individual incidents, it works closely with state and federal partners to support affected organizations with information and resources.
“Active participation is vital to strengthening the State of Minnesota’s defenses,” Chief Information Security Officer John Israel said. “We appreciate the cooperation of organizations
statewide as we work together to build a more secure future.”
Gov. Tim Walz signed this landmark legislation in May 2024, underscoring Minnesota’s commitment to safeguarding its data, systems and networks. The law has garnered widespread support from leaders across Minnesota, including those in K-12 education.
“Minnesota’s cybersecurity incident reporting law highlights the critical collaboration between MNIT and school districts to combat growing cyber threats,” said Eric Simmons, director of technology at Stillwater Area Public Schools. “Schools are prime attack targets, yet many lack the resources to respond effectively.
This law supports all districts by fostering partnerships, enhancing communication and prioritizing resources to safeguard students, staff and educational services.”
Enhanced cybersecurity coordination
By establishing a clear reporting process, the law strengthens the state’s collective cybersecurity posture and improves its overall resilience against evolving cyber-attacks. MNIT and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) are leading the initiative, using incident data to:
• Mitigate risks and respond to cybersecurity incidents more effectively.
• Identify trends and commonalities to anticipate and prevent future attacks.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration with public agencies. Entities required to report The law applies to a wide range of organizations, including:
• State public agencies
• Government contractors and vendors serving public agencies
• Political subdivisions, such as counties, cities and townships
• Public school districts, charter schools, intermediate districts, cooperative units and public postsecondary institutions
PUBLIC NOTICES
MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY, JANUARY 14, 2025
Meetings take place at the District Center in Shoreview (4570 Victoria Street N). Complete minutes available upon request at the District Center.
School Board affirms organizational policies and elects officers
The Board affirmed the following policies:
Policy BG-0400: School Board Ethics
Policy BG-0401: School Board Members’ Code of Conduct
Policy BG-0107: Rules Governing the Transaction of Business, which will govern the proceedings of the School Board and that Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised, will remain the parliamentary procedural guide.
The Board also elected the following officers:
Chair - Diane Glasheen
Vice Chair - Heidi Danielson
Clerk - Alissa Daire Nelson
Treasurer - Shauna Bock
Quarterly budget report
Bernice Humnick, executive director of business services, provided revenue and expenditure reports for all funds for the first quarter ending December 31, 2024. Each quarterly budget update provides an opportunity to review budget variances and make amendments when information becomes available. More information can be found on the Budgets & Finance page at mvpschools.org.
2025-26 Budget Assumptions
The Board approved budget assumptions for fiscal year 2025-26 as presented by Bernice Humnick, executive director of business services. The next budget phase will provide allocations to the building principals and program leaders, so that they can begin budget development. The final budget will be adopted in June 2025. For more information, please visit the Budgets & Finance page at mvpschools.org.
Updates The Board discussed issues and updates related to AMSD/legislative and shared updates on their activities and participation in events and committees around the District.
Thank you
The Board accepted with appreciation gifts from MightyCause Give MNCarol Wahlstrand, Fidelity Charitable - Harold and Grace Kurtz, CAF Cyber Grants - David Schreifels, Drs. George and Shannon Canas, Applewood Pointe Mary Anne Miller, Gogineni Giving Fund Sara and Rajesh Gogineni,
Lessie Culmer-Nier, Miriam Zachary, Mary Anderson, Yvonne Martin, Barbara Setterholm, Adagio’s Pizza Factory/Strizza Skies Inc. - Michelle Norman, American Student Transportation - Tamika Wallace and Annissa Kiekow, Mary Anderson, Applewood Pointe - Barb Beyer, Mary Apuli, Larry Babb, Michael Baker, Elizabeth Baldwin, Daniel and Caroline Beckman, Bell Lumber and Pole Company - Tom Bell and John Ottaviani, Beth Berg, Fred and Marty Bergsrud, Deetta Boulais, Donna Bruno Estate - c/o Janice Jensen, Susan Canine, Carley Foundry - Jordan Carley, Chippewa Middle School - Molly Hollihan, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Gene and Kay Christenson, Drumstick Dash - Eric and Nina Cook, Rob and Nunciata Covey, Culvers of St. Anthony (Sweet Cream Enterprises) - Diane Sparks and Staff, DeckoMichel Sales Company - Ruth Allen and Michael Coyne, William Delfs, Ward Denaway, Dennis and Rosemary Drevniak, Eagle Brook Church - Spring Lake Park Campus - Dave Schussman, Rodger Erickson, Faith United Methodist Church - Pastor Jeff Ozanne, Paul Farley, Frandsen Bank and Trust, Jean Fredenburg, David Golias, Paul and Juli Halverson, Jennifer and Branden Happel, Nancy Haugen, Katherine and Peter Hawkins, Ramona Holmes, Alan Hummel, Incarnation Lutheran Church - Pastor Kai, Joan Ireland, David and Carol Jacobson, Michael and Rebekah Johnson, Sara Kaufman, Kiwanis Club of North Suburban Golden K - Don Engel and Kiwanis Members, Gail Kochie, Neil and Theresa Koepcke, Diane and Kevin Kuehn, Wendy Laine, Lake Region Hockey - Lake Region Board Members, Land O’Lakes Community Relations - Leah McKeon, Barb and Ron Laporte, Lex and Kathe Lawson, Carol and Paul Letourneau, Laura Linstrand, Keith Loewen, Bonnie and Tim Manley, Brett Marquard, Sandy Martin, Mary Meier, Terri Metcalf, Morgan Stanley Foundation - Jennifer Park, Murray Family Fund, National Christian Foundation - Jeff Carver, New Brighton - Mounds View Rotary Club - John Johnson, New Brighton Lions Club - President, Daniel O’Hagen, Mark Oswood, Kevin, Patty and Mary McDowall, Rich and Shelly Peterson, David Pletscher, Harry Puryear, Sara Ramsden, Rebarfab Inc. - Erin Sawyer and Staff, Mark Roberts, Richard and Ellen Shelton, Shepherd of the Hills - Tashina Good and Pastor Bryce, Alicia and David Smith, Todd Smith, Maggie Snyder, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Gary Stevenson, Swami and Lalitha Sundaram, The Give Hope Fund, Turtle Lake Elementary PTA - Lynnette Hilmer, Rachel Veenker, Laurie Hauser Vinyon, Walen Thompson Family Charitable Fund, Mary Weiske and Mike Witzmann, A look ahead
Due to special elections, our meeting schedule has changed. Learn more on our website. January 28, 7 p.m., regular meeting - CANCELED
Implementation and compliance Organizations are encouraged to review the law’s requirements and comply if and when an incident occurs to help protect Minnesota’s digital infrastructure. To implement the new reporting process, MNIT engaged with local governments and K-12 entities. It
• Shared the draft form and guidelines with 500+ public entities for comment.
• Used feedback from 60+ entities to ensure the process was user-friendly and collected the required information.
• Held two webinars attended by 200 partners. MNIT will continue providing updates and guidance to assist entities in meeting the new reporting requirements. More information about the law can be found at https://mn.gov/ mnit/cir.
Minnesota IT Services
January 28, 5 p.m., work session (Closed session immediately following for Supt.
CONTRIBUTED
Ousdigian repeats as state Nordic champ; Kalmes also all-state
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Linnea Ousdigian, of Mounds View, repeated as the state Nordic ski champion on Thursday, Feb. 15. The Mustang sophomore had the best freestyle time by 27 seconds (16:10) and third-best classic time (16:13.5) for a total time of 32:24.4 total. She finished 15 seconds ahead of the runner-up, Proctor-Hermantown senior Della Bettendorf.
Ousdigian is the first repeat champion since Jesse Diggins of Stillwater in 2007-08. Diggins, the future Olympian, won again in 2010. Ousdigian and her parents left for Norway the next day to compete in an interna-
tional event with Team USA.
Mustang senior Owen Kalmes placed 16th, earning all-state status (top 25). His times were 15:46.9 in the freestyle and 14:35.4 in the classic (seventh best in the field) for a total time of 30:21. The champion was Logan Drevlow of Hopkins in 27:59.3. The Mounds View girls placed 11th of 16 teams. Margot Derosier placed 46th, Bria Mills 57th, Emma Stupar 98th and Noelle Boyd 103rd. In the sprint relay, Claire Secord and Maddy Dornfeld placed 23rd.
Team champions were the Minneapolis Washburn girls and Wayzata boys.
Mounds View matmen have 10 state qualifiers
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View will have ten entrants in the state wrestling tournament this weekend, but their team did not get there this year.
A year ago, Mounds View ended Stillwater’s dynasty in Section 4AAA, beating the Ponies in the finals. With most of the lineup back, the Mustangs aimed for a repeat trip to St. Paul after placing second at state last year.
This time, the Ponies won nine out of 13 matches and beat the Mustangs 40-19 for the title at Roseville on Feb. 14. Mustangs who won were Owen LaRose, Brett Swenson, Colton Loween and Joey Muhlstein.
Mounds View, ranked No. 4, finished 27-2, both losses to the No. 3 Ponies, who won their conference match 35-27. The Mustangs reached the finals beating Tartan 76-0 (six forfeits) and Centennial 51-12.
In the individual’s tournament on Saturday at Stillwater, six Mustangs placed first and four placed second.
The champs, listed with their finals results, were Owen LaRose (38-5) at 114, beating Stillwater’s
SPORTS BRIEFS
WRESTLING
Colton Loween is now Mounds View’s all-time leader in total wins. With three victories in the section team tournament on Feb. 14, the senior 160-pounder raised his total to 187 wins. Nick Dunagan, a 2019 graduate, previousuyl held the record with 184 wins. Dunagan attended the sectional and posed for a photo with the new record-holder. Loween's record going into his last state tourney is 189-38 with 108 pins. He is 46-2 this year and is ranked third at 160 pounds in Class 3A.
Joe Dauffenbacdk 10-1; Brett Swenson (42-2) at 127, beating Brandon Lee of Irondale 12-6; Will Schneider (33-10) at 133, beating Stillwater’s Mikey Jelinek 9-2; Colton Loween (46-2) at 172, beating Dash Title of Roseville 21-6; Joey Muhlstein (34-3) at 189, pinning Cael Spates of Stillwater in 1:39; and Ethan Swenson (38-3) at 215 pounds, beating Centennial’s Tyler Cook 21-1. Advancing as runners-up were Paxton Carl at 121 pounds, Silas Helmer at 145, Caden Grenier at 172, and Braeden Maxey at 285.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Mounds View had a four-game win streak, against Spring Lake Park 64-52, White Bear Lake 72-61, Forest Lake 78-52 and Woodbury 65-46, before losing to the No. 1 ranked CretinDerham Hall 78-61 on Friday. The Mustangs are winning with defense and balanced scoring as Cody Loegering averages 15.6 points, Alex Kriauciunas 11.7, Nate Edelman 9.7, Jacob Sampson 8.4, Jack Dahl 6.8 and Jonny Gale 5.4. The Mustangs are 10-6 in the Suburban East Conference with two games left and 17-7 overall.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Mounds View lost their last four conference games, to White Bear Lake 66-42, Forest Lake 78-75, Woodbury 77-65 and CretinDerham Hall 65-59, finishing 6-12 in the Suburban East. The Mustangs were 8-0 in nonconference games, including their last win, against Hastings 72-64 on Feb. 10. Nora Schmidt hit 32 points and Maddie Schneider 22 in that game. Jaycie Helmer had 23 points and Schmidt 18 against Forest Lake. Helmer sank 21
Sam Moen
Mounds View Hockey February 25, 2025
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Mustang hockey goalie Sam Moen and his team finished their season 5-22 overall. Moen came up with two straight remarkable games at the end of the season, stopping 51 of 53 shots in a 3-2 win over Centennial and 52 of 55 in a double-overtime win over Tartan in the section opener. Those wins helped the Mustangs end on a positive note. Moen was busy in the nets all year, averaging 41 saves per game with a percentage of .876. In the finale, topranked Hill-Murray beat them 11-1; he stopped 51 of 62 shots.
against Woodbury. The Mustangs (14-12) start Section 5AAAA on Tuesday hosting Irondale.
BOYS HOCKEY
Mounds View had a 3-21 record before two straight exciting wins at the end of the season, sparked by Sam Moen with 103 saves. The Mustangs won 3-2 over Centennial (9-15) despite being outshot 55-11 as Moen made 51 saves while Mitch Olson had two goals and Ike Snider one Feb. 14. They tripped Tartan (10-14) in double overtime 4-3 in Section 4AA on Feb. 18 with goals by Toby Walseth (the game winner), Olson (two) and Casey Schell, while Moen made 52 saves. Olson has scored 19 of the team’s 52 goals. The Mustangs then faced the No. 1 ranked Hill-Murray and lost 11-1, finishing 5-22. Moen made 51 more saves.
Linnea Ousdigian had a big lead all the way at Giants Ridge.
Mustang state qualifiers — Front: Joey Muhlstein, Owen LaRose, Brett Swenson and Caeden Grenier. Back: William Schneider, Silas Helmer, Colton Loween, Ethan Swenson, Braeden Maxey and Paxton Carl.
Bruce Strand
CONTRIBUTED
Colton Loween (left) posed with 2019 graduate Nick Dunagan after breaking Dunagan’s record of 184 wins.
What residents should know about Metro-INET
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
In 1999, the cities of Roseville and Mounds View made the decision to share their IT resources with one another. This collaboration led to the creation of Metro-INET almost two decades later, a local government unit that is utilized by approximately 30 cities.
“It originally started as a collaboration between the city of Roseville, who had their own IT department, and Mounds View,” said Holly LaRochelle, executive director of Metro-INET. “And at that time, it was just internet, which was a relatively new phenomenon in 1999. So, it was kind of the beginning of cities using, and becoming connected, to the internet.”
Under the Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), other cities within the north metro area joined the two cities. This created the establishment
of the Northeast Metropolitan Area Municipal Internetworking Collaborative, or Metro-INET.
“In 2021 we became an independent entity,” LaRochelle explained. “So, we moved from the city of Roseville’s IT department into an independent organization that is governed by our members, which are all local government units themselves.”
Metro-INET provides full IT services to approximately 30 cities, and partial services to an additional 11 organizations. Services provided by the local government unit includes internet and network access, telephone services, desktop and user support, data storage and more.
She added that Metro-INET is governed by a board of directors, which consists of one chief administrative officer from each participating member organization. The board meets around four times a year and is responsible for establishing and collecting
“Is
membership dues and setting the annual budget. There is a smaller executive committee that meets monthly.
“Because we’re governed by local government members, we really know what local government needs. We’re local government ourselves, so when it comes to meeting requirements and being a public entity, we understand what our members need,” LaRochelle said.
She explained that by pooling their resources, Metro-INET members receive cost-saving benefits but also have access to a breadth of full IT services they might not be able to get on their own.
“Because their (members) are small- and medium-sized cities, they get access to a higher level of service than they could do on their own,” explained LaRochelle. “That is a lot of the value proposition. They might be able to hire a part-time IT person, but they wouldn’t get experts in these
different services areas. Because they’re sharing services, they have access to more IT expertise. So, all our members are getting better service than they could get alone.”
More information about MetroINET can be found online at www. metro-inet.us.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Shoreview Press. She can be reached at 651-4311226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
Neck Or Back Pain Ruining Your Life? ” This Is What You Need To Know…
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Dr. Lowell Magelssen D.C
Cafesjian Art Trust Museum welcomes new curators
The Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum welcomes a new curatorial team. Dr. Jill Ahlberg Yohe will serve at the museum’s new curator of modern and contemporary art. Linnea Siedling will be the
museum’s new assistant curator of glass. Seidling was previously the museum’s director of communication and events. The CAT is located at 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview. For more information, go to https://cafesjianarttrust.org/.
Forest Lake graduate serves as U.S. Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth, a 1999 Forest Lake High School graduate and class valedictorian, is serving as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense. He is the son of Brian and Penny Hegseth. Hegseth
has a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University and a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University.
Hegseth served in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 2003 to 2014 and in the District of Columbia
National Guard from 2019 to 2021.
Dr. Jill Ahlberg Yohe
Linnea Siedling
Pete Hegseth
andArts Culture
EMERGING ARTIST: DALILA ZUNIGA
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Istriking, yet they carry an undertone of unease.
f 2D art includes painting on a canvas, and 3D art includes crafting pottery, then 17-yearold White Bear Lake student Dalila Zuniga thrives in 2.5D art. Her painting, “Troubled Heart,” is making waves—literally—for its use of texture that pops beyond the canvas. Similarly, her ceramic teapots stand out for their surprising shapes. To achieve her innovative compositions, Zuniga navigates the artistic process completely by emotion. For instance, Zuniga is drawn to acrylic paints because they can be shiny. She uses that shininess, however, in unconventional ways—to add pearlescent white to her wave tips or moisture to a crying eye. The results are
“Art is very troubling for me,” Zuniga revealed. “I love it. It’s one of my favorite things to do, but when I’m in the moment and making that art? it’s really hard.” Zuniga explained that self-criticism is what whips her inner calm into the stormy sea she painted. “I don’t quiet the [inner] comments, I just continue to work until I get to a point where they just fade away.” Conversely, Zuniga is quite practical when receiving external comments. “I sometimes listen … ‘She doesn’t look like she’s facing the right way,’ or something else. Usually, I go off how I feel because, really, what I’m supposed to be trying to put on the page is how I feel about it.”
Only recently has Zuniga learned to let her inner comments speak without letting them take over entirely. “In the beginning, I would be like, ‘I don’t like it. I’ll scrap, start over,’” Zuniga stated. Now, she’s learning to be more open to changes and plans not going right. Zuniga is implementing this advice for her future as well. Though she doesn’t quite know what shape her
artistic career will take, she knows it will be a part of her life. “I hope to still do art in the future,” Zuniga stated. “I know I will.”
DIRECTOR JESS YATES CRACKS OPEN “THE BOOK CLUB PLAY” FOR LAKESHORE
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A“Mockumentary”—a dramatically staged, fake documentary—is a style that has produced some of the greatest sitcoms of this century. “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Abbott Elementary” all mine the “reality” of mundane jobs for laughs while examining average joes who desperately want to be liked. “The Book Club Play,” premiering at Lakeshore Players on March 14, does the same to well-read wine moms.
“It’s very funny; it’s very real,” stated director Jess Yates. “You have those moments of rooting for someone as well as moments where we all have to face the discomfort that comes from being human beings. I think that creates a play that’s really complex in a really fun way…”
TOf course, the meta-challenge of mockumentaries is that characters are “real people” speaking to a fake film crew, all of which is staged for an audience. To achieve a sense of realism in a play about reality TV, then, Yates gave extra opportunity for her actors to explore their curiosity. “I lean a lot on my actors’ instincts,” she informed. “So every sip of water, every time someone stands, I want it to be motivated not by, ‘We need we need to make a good picture here,’ but ‘What is this character feeling in this moment?’”
Yates believes that such a process allows actors to feel like collaborating artists rather than puppets. “The conversations [actors] are able to have and the parts you’re able to create are so much more fulfilling,” she explained. In turn, a director’s responsibility is no longer planning every single movement,
but rather being an actor’s outside eye and first audience member.
One thing Yates did require from her cast, though, was a sense of play. “A go-getter, let’s-figure-this-out-together attitude—those were the people who I was drawn to for this show and who make up this cast,” Yates described. As a result, Yates believes the audience is in for a good time. “It’s hard to say if we laughed more during the actual rehearsal time or during our breaks.”
Like a great novel or TV show, Yates hopes audience members tell all their friends about “The Book Club Play.” She stated, “I think we’ve done our job as an artistic team if you can’t stop talking about the play on the car ride home.”
Lakeshore Players’ production of “The Book Club Play” runs from March 14-23. For tickets and more information, visit www.lakeshoreplayers.org.
PRESERVING WHAT WAS LOST
BY LOGAN GION CONTRIBUTING WRITER
he Carnegie Library, the St. Paul Automobile Club, the Bald Eagle train depot—the White Bear Lake area has lost many a building over the last 150 years. White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Executive Director Sara Hanson will be exploring these extinct buildings in a library program on March 24.
“One of our [WBLA Historical Society’s] purposes is to advocate for historic preservation,” Hanson stated. “I’m a preservationist, but I’m also a realist. Just because something’s old doesn’t mean it has to be saved.”
Hanson’s program instead covers the reasons a building was lost, whether through natural disasters, blight, or town-planning initiatives. “In the ‘50s and ‘60s, urban renewal was the name of the game,” Hanson compared. “They were ripping down everything down that wasn’t considered useful or whatnot. In more recent decades, the push has been for preservation, rehabilitation, and reuse.”
Buildings, however, decay as they age, and part of Hanson’s job is to help determine the best course of action. The Fillebrown House, for instance, is a precious example of East-Coast cottage architecture found in very few spots in the Midwest. Ten years ago, however, the floors began sinking. “The architects we worked with came up with a plan to just put stud walls in the basement,” she explained. “It gave us what we needed with more modern technology, but still retained the way the house was.”
Another example is the Fourth Street Armory’s crumbling
castellated parapets. How can the historical society save that aspect of the building when it’s falling apart and causing safety issues? “ [Architects] are coming in and will be dismantling those parapets … cleaning all of the brick, repairing where they need, taking brick from other less obvious parts of the build so that it matches, and rebuilding them,” Hanson informed.
Such challenges are part of the reason Hanson is presenting this program. “I want to make sure that, as a community, we don’t sight of what has been there in the past and how it has shifted and changed to where we are now… all I ask is for thoughtful consideration.”
The White Bear Lake Library will present “Lost White Bear” at 2150 Second St., White Bear Lake at 6 p.m. Monday March 24.
Congratulations to past and Emerging Artists on Hennepin Trust Spotlight Awards! • Yahaira Nok-Chiclana — Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role • Lucas Maahs — Honorable Mention in a Feature Role
We wish you success in all future endeavors!
MARCH EVENTS
Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA
INTRO TO WATERCOLOR & INK
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Tuesday, Mar 11, 4:00-6:00 PM
Details: Learn watercolor techniques step-by-step as you paint greenery, florals, and simple abstracts. Register at WhiteBearArts.org.
REDUCTION RELIEF PRINTING
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Date: Saturday, Mar 22, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Details: Create a reduction relief print from start to finish, learning carving techniques, color theory, and how to think in layers. Register at WhiteBearArts.org.
STILL LIFE PAINTING IN OILS
Location: White Bear Center for the Arts
Dates: 3 Thursdays, Mar 6-20, 1:00-3:30 PM
Details: Start with a drawing and value structure, and learn color temperature and light, highlights, accents, and controlled brushwork. Register at WhiteBearArts.org.
Emerging Artist Delila Zuniga paints on canvas, adding texture with layers upon layers of acrylic paint and polish.
White Bear Lake’s original Carnegie Library circa 1935. The building is one of the many “Lost White Bear” pieces Sara Hanson will cover in her March 24 presentation.
