Shoreview Press

Veterans set an example in court program

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

The Ramsey County Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) assists eligible veterans who have been charged with a crime in Ramsey County with an alternative to traditional court processes. The

program offers treatment and therapy to voluntary participants. All participants are assigned a volunteer veteran mentor to help guide, coach and advocate for them.

Larry Fonder, Ramsey County Veterans Service Officer and mentor coordinator, says that

veterans often have an underlying cause that can be addressed as part of this alternative process. “When a veteran comes in contact with the justice system and has a treatable mental health condition, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a chemical

addiction,” Fonder said, the VTC “provides an opportunity for them to go through treatment for the underlying cause that might have brought them in contact with the justice system. SEE

Celebrate the luck of the Irish with Fiddle & Flannels

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

“The event began with an article in the October 10th Shoreview Press that featured the Spanier Brothers (now called the Fiddle and Flannels) band,” said Maddie Margo, recreation coordinator for the city of Mounds View. Connie Allen, the senior program coordinator, immediately thought about booking the country and Irish music band for a concert for the seniors who live in Mounds View.

“Allen shared her idea with the team, and we thought, ‘Why not make it a larger event to include all ages and that we hold it on St. Patrick’s Day?’” Margo added. From there, the Mounds View Parks and Recreation staff began to plan the free event that would be appropriate for not just seniors, but the entire family.

The city of Mounds View will host its first­ ever St. Patrick’s Day Bash from 3 ­ 6 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the Mounds View Community Center.

“Mounds View Parks and Recreation has been focusing on bringing more community events to the community center and offering more opportunities

SEE ST. PATRICK’S DAY, PAGE 6

Efforts for reformation of Met Council end without plan

ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Attempts by a special task force to find a new type of governing model for the Metropolitan Council have yet to end as some have hoped.

Widespread disagreement and an inability to find common ground among task force members left no unanimous decision on how the reform should proceed, leaving members feeling disheartened that no action was being taken.

“This is completely frustrating,” said Washington County Commissioner and task force member Karla Bigham.

“People have a right to know what standards the council should be held towards and are being better represented by those we elect.”

The task force, consisting of 17 appointed council members, was formed during the 2023 legislative session to reform the current governorappointment­based model, which members like Bigham have argued puts forth a perception that elected members are brought on only to serve in the interest of Gov. Tim Walz and not as independent representatives of their districts/regions.

Additionally, task force members had been seeking ways to pursue better

transparency and accountability to the public over the council’s oversight of regional transportation planning. One example of the latter involves the council’s leadership on the ongoing near$3 billion Southwest Light Rail transit project, which has faced heavy criticism because of delays and poor financial budgeting in recent years.

Some on the task force have favored the directly elected model approach, such as Democratic Senator Scott Dibble, the latter of whom proposed a bill advocating this council reform. Dibble stated that this system would ensure that those elected would be best suited for the job based on qualification and experience

and would be more accountable to the public.

Other task force members, however, pushed for an opposite approach. One such bill, put forth by Rep. John Koznick, would continue the council’s current governor­appointed­based model, but would stagger members’ terms and expand membership of the nomination committee.

One notable proponent of this example came from Karen Schaffer. Schaffer is the current chair of the Council of Metropolitan Area League of Women’s Voters, whose mission is to expand

SEE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, PAGE 7

Jessica Kirby (left), with Second Judicial District Court Judge Timothy Carey at Kirby’s Ramsey County

Court graduation ceremony.

“We have had the egg hunt for many years,” said Stephanie Schutta, a recreation program

for Shoreview. “Our staff and volunteers hide the eggs or put them in the field.” They place up to 2,000 eggs around the park for participants to find.

On the day of the event, there are two age categories: 0-3 and 4 and up. After the two groups are identified, they then can hunt for eggs.

“We do have some golden eggs in the mix that go with a bigger prize,” Schutta said. Kids can also spend some time with the bunny.

The last day to register for the egg hunt is March 19. Those interested in participating in the hunt can sign up through the Shoreview Parks and Recreation catalog. McCullough Park is located at 955 County Road I, Shoreview.

Madeline Dolby

Chippewa Middle School student claims top prize

Each year, the Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club, in conjunction with Lions International, sponsors a peace vision contest for middle school-age students in the area’s school district. This contest provides students an opportunity to share their images and thoughts of peace with others. This year’s theme was “Dare to Dream: Bringing Peace to the World through One Child at a Time.”

“Students are given an abstract theme and are encouraged to creatively express what that theme means to them,” said Judy Zewers, Lion’s district governor and Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club charter member.

The winner of this year’s competition was Abby Bartells from Chippewa Middle School. Bartells not only won the Arden Hills/Shoreview Lions local poster contest but was also the winner of the district poster contest.

With her poster, she wanted to represent individual dreams, the different jobs people pursue and the different responsibilities individuals can have.

“I really wanted to show ‘togetherness,’ because I really dream about a world of being connected and sharing joy with each other,” said the poster winner. “Another thing I also wanted to illustrate going forward, and dreaming, was how are we going to make this world a better place? And one way we can do that is infrastructure and agriculture and how those things do go hand-in-hand, I think,” Abby added. “I just wanted to represent peace and how I feel about it. Everyone individually has peace and also together, have peace.” Bartells was presented with a plaque from the Lions Club by Mayor Sue Denkinger.

Madeline Dolby

SHOREVIEW CITY COUNCIL SNIPPETS

• During the Shoreview Community Foundation fall 2023 grant cycle, the Parks and Recreation Department submitted a proposal to fund the facilitator for the Dementia Caregiver support group, the group meets regularly and provides dementia caregivers an opportunity to share their experiences and provide mutual support, and to fund the new Powerful Tools for Caregivers program. The proposal was selected by the foundation to receive the grant. The program was previously funded through a private partnership. In the fall of 2023, the partner abruptly withdrew funding, leaving the program in limbo. Staff plans to seek out another partner for 2025. The City Council accepted the grant and expressed its appreciation for the grant.

• The council approved a 3.2% liquor license for Retail LLC Joe Kwik’s Mart located on 5995 Hodgson Road.

• The council approved the plans and specifications, ordered the improvements and approved the advertisement for bids for the 2024 street rehabilitation projects. The city’s 2024 capital improvement plan includes funding for the rehabilitation of roadways in various locations throughout the city. The proposed projects would include a full-depth reclamation of existing pavements in Arden Hills and around or near Turtle Lake. The current pavement would be pulverized and mixed with a top layer of aggregate base. The various projects would be modeled after previous pavement projects

that have become the preferred rehabilitation method for the city. These improvements will extend the pavement life by approximately 25 years. The base bids will include 4 miles of roadway. Additional proposed work would include the replacement of the existing retaining wall along Harriet Avenue, an extension of the concrete sidewalk along Churchill Street and replacement of sections of the trail in Shamrock and Bucher parks. The total cost of the project is estimated at $3,646,000.

• LHB Corporation will be in charge of the Shoreview Commons and Bobby Theisen Park construction permit set in the amount of $440,500. The projects will be funded through a combination of monies from the capital asset replacement fund and the community investment fund, which will be supported by debt issuance.

• Two student representatives were appointed to the Human Rights Commission. Sidharth Sharma and Krisha Pillai will serve as student representatives through May 31, 2026. Both students are Shoreview residents and sophomores in high school. Sharma’s appointment will be effective immediately and Pillai’s appointment will be effective June 1. The commission hopes to fill the seat with an Irondale Student.

The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, March 18 in council chambers.

Madeline Dolby

MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS

• Irondale student representatives were happy to announce that the Architecture Construction Engineering Team placed first at state. Members from the team won a total of $9,000 dollars in scholarships. The Irondale Robotics Team has qualified for the MSHSL competition later this spring and will compete at the World Championships in April. The team attended their first regional competition in Duluth. The team won the quality award for their robot and won alliance at the competition, which meant their team was able to pick other robots to be on their team, brought that team together and won the whole event.

• The school board continues to thank those who make donations to the district. Most recently, the board accepted eight gifts for the schools and programs for a total of $10,550 and 24 gifts for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf for a total of $43,421.

• Multiple construction projects will begin in the district beginning at the end of April and over the summer. The biggest project will be at Irondale High School. Seven Dorsey geothermal wells will be installed near the tennis courts. These wells will increase Irondale’s cooling capacity and help the district be less reliant on other fuel alternatives. The project will begin late April, early May and have no impact on operations during the remainder of the school year. Irondale will also undergo mechanical,

The council approved the plans and specifications, ordered the improvements and approved the advertisement for bids for the city’s 2024 street rehabilitation project.

lighting, electrical and flooring upgrades done to multi-purpose, art and science rooms. At Snail Lake Education Center, the roof and air handling unit will both be replaced. This project will occur over the summer. Pinewood Elementary’s gym will also undergo changes. The gym will be getting new LED lights and the flooring will be sanded, repainted and refinished. The center will be getting new, acrylic basketball backboards. At Valentine’s Hill Elementary, in cooperation with the PTO and many generous donors, the playground will be replaced during the month of July. This will be a community build project, so volunteers will be needed.

• Northeast Metro 916 has received a grant from the Department of Education for intermediate school districts to launch a teacher-apprenticeship program. The Mounds View School District will be able to take advantage of the opportunity in hopes to get more special education teachers into the system.

The next Mounds Views Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 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

CONSTRUCTION BRIEF

Roundabout to be constructed at Hodgson Road, County Road J

Anoka County will enter into a contract with Ramsey County for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Hodgson Road and County Road J./Ash Street in the cities of Lino Lakes and Shoreview.

Improvements include ADA improvements, trail connections, and realignment and reconstruction of a portion of Hodgson Road from Emil Street in Shoreview to Rohavic Lane in Lino Lakes and County Road J / Ash Street from Grotto Street to Kent Street.

The project is estimated to cost $4,264,887. Project funding sources include federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) funds; federal PROTECT (Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and CostSaving Transportation Program) funds; County State Aid Highway (CSAH) funds; Municipal State Aid Street (MSAS) funds; and local funds.

Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring.

Support local journalism

Sunshine Week is March 10-16, and this year, there’s an even greater need for you to get involved.

Sunshine Week annually celebrates freedom of information laws in every state. It also salutes efforts by good government advocates and journalists to use and ensure the effectiveness of those laws to get the information we need as selfgoverning citizens.

Movers & Shakers

Gene Policinski

The name is a play on the commonsense words spoken more than a century ago by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, that “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”

Brandeis’ remark was not made in a court opinion. It was in a 1913 article published in the news magazine Harper’s Weekly. Along with its observations on American culture and events, Harper’s was part of the “muckraking” news era, with journalists holding business and government accountable for corruption, waste and illegal activity.

As a special treat of each Sunshine Week, we get to see current examples of news reporting on behalf of the public, the type of journalism that the nation’s founders had in mind when they adopted strong First Amendment protection for a free press.

Sunshine Week was started in 2005 by the American Society of News Editors.

Each year, we celebrate the thousands of local, state and national print, TV, radio and online reports that tell us what the government or others are doing and how they are doing it; reports that explore and expose otherwise-unseen information we need to know to make good decisions at the ballot box, when petitioning for change or simply things we should know about our communities.

But this year as we celebrate the work being done on behalf of democracy, there is an increasingly needed partner in that work: You and your support for local journalists.

The number of journalists continues to plummet, from more than 75,000 newsroom jobs in 2005 to 31,860 in 2022, according to the Medill Local News Initiative. Far too many of us now live in “news deserts,” areas across the nation where not a single news outlet exists. Medill reported that in 2023, that out of 3,143 counties nationwide, 204 counties had no newspapers, local digital sites, public radio newsrooms or ethnic publications, and another 228 counties were at substantial risk of losing all local news media.

Even where there are established news media outlets, economic pressures have resulted in staff cuts that mean there is less coverage of local government institutions like the city council, school board and local courts.

We need to face the fact that there just aren’t enough journalists to do the job of monitoring and reporting on government, business and others.

Student-operated news media at several universities are reporting on their communities as well as their campuses. Student journalists are sometimes providing the only full-time reporting in some communities.

Let’s turn again to Brandeis, who according to an article by the Sunlight Foundation in 2009, said in that Harper’s article, “The individual citizen must in some way collect and spread the information” through civic groups and the press, which he believed would lead to “remedial action.”

This does not necessarily mean filing a Freedom of Information request. There are ways to help hold government accountable beyond this direct action.

Whether you are red or blue, progressive or conservative, Democrat, Republican or independent, you need to support those who do that investigative work on a daily basis.

Get behind and get engaged with those who use FOI laws and shoe-leather journalism to bring you the facts required for real self-governance. Take that that information and make up your own minds about the concerns of the day where you live – and perhaps give the national pundit class a rest.

Open your eyes, your minds – and, yes, perhaps your wallets too – and bring a little sunlight into your life. Celebrate Sunshine Week. Justice Brandeis would be pleased, and you and your fellow citizens will be better off for the effort.

Gene Policinski is a veteran multimedia journalist and First Amendment advocate. He is one of the founding editors of USA TODAY and is senior fellow for the First Amendment at Freedom Forum.

Pop Cans And Peace

Eight years ago, a study was done asking local Shoreview residents

Pastor Ponderings

they knew where Peace United Methodist Church was located. Most did not. Those same people were asked if they knew where the can trailer that helps feed unhoused persons was located. Most did. “Just passed the middle school on Hodgson.”

Jason Steffenhagen

The two are the same location.

Sunday mornings are many things to many people. For some, Sundays are a sacred time of worship. For others, a quiet morning to sleep in and grab brunch. And for others, Sundays are something different – a struggle to find shelter or a warm meal.

Sunday mornings often illuminate the vast disparities in our society that only seem to be growing wider. Whether it’s the church pulpit or the conversation over avocado toast, we tend to focus on what divides us and why we

are more right than the other group. And in the midst of all that division, those on the margins are left farther behind.

Reconciliation is the removal of barriers that separate us from healthy relationships, according to Reverend Dr. Shawn Moore. Those barriers may have been things done to us, things we have done, or simply the result of systems that have been running unchecked. Reconciliation is hard work.

It might be too obvious to name that we need reconciliation right now. People villainize those different from them and valorize those with whom they agree. We find ourselves in echo chambers that only remind us of what we already believe. So maybe starting the reconciliation journey with our focus on others is the wrong starting point. It might simply be too hard.

The Hebrew word for ‘peace’ is shalom. It’s often used as a greeting or a salutation. But the deeper definition of shalom is a justice-infused wholistic relationship between a person and God, between a person and others, within oneself, and between a person and creation. It’s all

supposed to work in harmony, and shalom is that peaceful melody.

This brings us back to the can trailer that helps feed the unhoused. Maybe reconciliation shouldn’t start with us and others. Instead, maybe we need to ask if there is work to do within ourselves. Maybe we need to ask whether our religion, our God, or our faith moves us toward those different from us or further divides. Maybe we need to ask if we are making efforts to care for the earth, dare I say, one can at a time.

Reconciliation can’t simply be done through a can trailer. We don’t get off that easy. But it’s possible that taking a moment to recycle our cans intentionally may force us to look outside the echo chambers we’ve created. We might start the journey toward shalom.

At Peace, we aim to be reconciling and growing for everyone. We don’t always get it right, but we keep seeking shalom by removing one barrier at a time.

Jason Steffenhagen is the lead pastor at United Methodist Church in Shoreview.

Shocking claims made in recent editorials

Recent editorials have made several shocking claims supporting government-managed trash collection. The first is that elected officials have a responsibility to provide this government service on our collective behalf. The second is that there is a significant cost savings for all. The third is that streets will last longer.

On the first claim, trash collection, tree trimming, plumbing, electrical or lawn care are not government services. Neither is auto repair, grocery delivery or haircutting.

On the second claim, a careful examination of rates in government-managed trash collection cities shows significant property tax subsidies, the addition of government employees to manage the program and forced billing of residents for services they do not want or need.

The public does not benefit from the city signing longterm contracts for trash collection, riddled with property tax subsidies, one-size-fits-all services and a myriad of fees. City staff should not be burdened with the responsibility of providing customer service, collection of bad debt or maintaining carts on behalf of trash haulers. A city contract means the hauler works for the city, when they would prefer to be working for you.

On the third claim, Shoreview’s longtime public works director Mark Maloney completely discredits the statement that fewer garbage trucks make streets last longer. He spells this out in an email to city staff on February 14, 2023.

Maloney states, “My point has always been that you will not find any correlation in Shoreview between the number of garbage trucks encountered on residential streets and the timing/cost of any future pavement rehabilitation projects. The largest factor in the timing and cost of future pavement work is the environment; UV radiation depletes the volatile parts of the asphalt, freeze/thaw causes and exaggerates cracks, moisture in the pavement structure and subgrade compromises the pavement strength, etc. So the statement that having fewer garbage trucks on any given road ‘will save tax dollars’ doesn’t hold water.”

Maloney’s original email and additional information about government-managed trash collection can be found at www.HaulersForChoice.com.

John M. Kysylyczyn Roseville

CALENDAR BRIEFS

Taste of Shoreview to return

The Arden Hills-Shoreview Rotary Club will host its 14th annual Taste of Shoreview from 5-8 p.m.. Tuesday, April 23, at the Shoreview Community Center. Enjoy an evening of food, wine and beer samples from local restaurants and caterers. There also will be bidding for gift cards and other great items from area businesses. Tickets are available at sliceofshoreview.com/taste. All proceeds will support the Slice

To serve or not to serve?

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Ecc. 3:1.

This verse is a reminder to me that now, perhaps more than ever, it is time for a new season. A new chapter to renew old ways. A time to reacquaint ourselves with our fellow man, our neighbors, our community. For far too long, we have retracted, isolated and moved ourselves from what was once humane benevolence.

To serve or not to serve? Through a series of events and decades of lifestyle choice, it is unfortunately too common to ignore that surrounds us. There is an unprecedented need for connection, compassion, care, concern and unselfish service.

The opportunity to reach out and touch someone abounds with an organization that has served this purpose for a century. The International Lions Club. Your local club, the Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions, is giving and volunteering in your backyard. We are here to do our best to meet the collective needs of your neighbors. Whether it is a simple visit to a senior or a meal packing event for students, we are the resource to help!

Will you join us? We covet your input, appreciate your time and honor your efforts! If you are willing to learn more about how to impact your hometown, please call Jodi at 612-850-1866 or email jodiann110@gmail.com to learn more.

I’m inspired by the song so well received in 1985, “We Are The World.”

We are the world, we are the children.

We are the ones who make a brighter day.

So let’s start giving There’s a choice we’re making.

We’re saving our own lives.

It’s true, we’ll make a better day.

Just you and me.

of Shoreview, the community’s annual summer festival, to be held at Island Lake Park in July.

Create artistic drink coasters with ink

Create a set of drink coasters by using a process involving alcohol inks. Leave with a set of four unique, usable works of art.

The class will take place 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Shoreview Community Center. Register a week before class through the Shoreview Parks & Recreation catalog.

Jodi Laliberte White Bear Lake

Between the lines: History seminars

Explore topics from America’s past with Kathy Simmer, a retired teacher, curriculum consultant and licensed librarian. Understand why something happened and how it changed our path, along with details that are left out of textbooks.

The next class will take place from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, March 21. Register five days before class through the Shoreview Parks & Recreation catalog.

OBITUARY

David Walter Heuer

Died unexpectedly on 2/20/24. Born in Park Rapids, MN, on 6/2/77. Survived by his mother Kathy; brother Michael (Lisa); nieces Ella & Lucy; former wife Annie; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. His passion for music took him to Florida to work as a sound recording engineer. When he returned to MN he obtained an AA degree from Century College and then a BA from the University of Minnesota. His gentle, caring ways made him an ideal staff person working with persons with disabilities at a group home. His love of the Grateful Dead has taken him to many Dead and Co. performances through the country. A happy celebration of his life was held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Klecatsky Funeral Home & Sons West Chapel at 1051 S. Robert St, West St. Paul, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Animal Human Society in Golden Valley. Arrangements by Klecatsky’s - West Funeral Home, 651-4576200.

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BUILD THE FOUNDATION - CREATE YOUR LEGACY - CREATE YOUR LEGACY BUILD THE FOUNDATION

BUILD THE FOUNDATION - CREATE YOUR LEGACY - CREATE YOUR LEGACY BUILD THE FOUNDATION

IRA Charitable Distribution

Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving

Might you be its newest advisory board member?

Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving

Make a tax-free gift to the Shoreview Community Foundation from an IRA in 2019 Individuals who are age 701/2 or older can make gifts of 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.

• The funds must be transferred directly to a qualified public charity. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making a gift.

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.

• Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

• Each donor may give up to $100,000 per year.

The Foundation has positions open, including youth board members!

There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.

Qualifications

• Gifts can be used to satisfy the donor’s required minimum distribution.

• Committed to serving the community of Shoreview

• Leadership experience, outstanding work ethic

• Donors can exclude the distribution from income on their federal tax returns. If they do, they will not receive a charitable income tax reduction.

• Energetic, self-starter, and goal oriented

• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

• 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.

Applicants with a passion for community service are encouraged to send a resume and brief inquiry to shoreviewcommunityfoundation@gmail.com

Contact the Shoreview Community Foundation at: www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org

The SCF seeks to maintain, enhance and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of people who appreciate Shoreview with the evolving needs of the community.

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.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS 6 SHOREVIEW PRESS MARCH 12, 2024 www.presspubs.com

Shoreview’s tree and shrub sale open to residents

Shoreview’s annual wholesale tree sale offers eight shrub and tree varieties to residents. Each household may buy up to five trees and 10 shrubs at wholesale price.

Residents can purchase trees and shrubs through April 12. Trees will be delivered to your home in late May. All payments are due at the time of ordering.

Visit shoreviewmn.gov/tree-sale for free information and order details.

Seasonal road limit notice

Spring load restrictions began on Monday, Feb. 26, within the city. You can view a map of the road restrictions in Shoreview at www.shoreviewmn. gov/Home/Components/News/News/1790/17.

Explore More summer camp

Explore More is a full-day summer program at the Mounds View Community Center packed with recreation activities, art, nature exploration, active games and sports, music and much more.

Campers experience play and competition inside and outdoors with field trips, splash pad play and group teambuilding. Campers can expect a summer of learning and trying new things, making friends and creating lasting memories.

Participants must be entering grades kindergarten through fifth grade for the 2024 school year. The program runs from 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 10 through August 23. Campers can be dropped off after 8:30 a.m. and picked up before 4:30 p.m.

RAMSEY

Mounds View trail receives new benches

This year, 32 benches will be installed on the 2.5-mile trail corridor along the north and south sides of Mounds View Boulevard. The locations of these benches have been determined by the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission.

The bench route will not only serve the residents of Mounds View but also the individuals who use the regional trail system in both Ramsey and Anoka Counties. The route will also allow connections with other trail systems in the cities of New Brighton, Blaine, Fridley and Spring Lake Park. These new benches were made possible by a grant from Active Living Ramsey Communities through Ramsey County.

shoreviewnews@presspubs.com

COPS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:

• A resident in the 500 block of Kent Circle reported returning home from a long day of running errands throughout the county at 3:58 p.m. Feb. 11 only to find criminal damage to property sustained to the exterior of his vehicle. The exact time and location of the hit-and-run incident remains unknown.

• An employee of the city of Shoreview on Feb. 13 reported that someone had damaged a climbing rock on a playground in the 900 block of Country Road I by breaking off a piece the size of a basketball. No suspect information exists to date.

• A 36-year-old Holdingford, Minnesota, woman was arrested on a gross misdemeanor warrant out of St. Louis County on Feb. 14 in the 3500 block of Lexington Avenue N., following a traffic stop. The warrant was related to child neglect in that county.

• A resident of an apartment complex in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. reported a package stolen from outside his building Feb. 14.

• A Shoreview woman reported that someone stole her wallet containing her identification, credit cards and cash Feb. 14 while she was shopping at a grocery store in the 400 block of Highway 96.

• A 29-year-old Anaheim, California, man was arrested on “a variety of warrants” out of Anoka and Hennepin counties after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol found him slumped over the steering wheel of a 2005 Ford Explorer parked in the 1000 block of Highway 96 on Feb. 15. He was taken into custody over the warrants and for violation of the controlled substance laws.

• A resident in the 400 block of Horseshoe Drive at 6:34 p.m. Feb. 15 reported that the man against whom she had an active order for protection stopped the vehicle he was driving in front of her house to make an obscene gesture toward her. After deputies gathered evidence, the case was forwarded to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges.

• A Woodbury woman reported that someone had smashed in the front driver’s side window of her vehicle while it was parked overnight Feb. 15-16 in the 1000 block of Red Fox Road. The case is under investigation.

• A business in the 400 block of County Road E reported a burglary overnight Feb. 18-19, after employees arrived at work at 7:14 a.m. and found broken glass and blood splatter inside the business.

• A loss prevention professional at the Target store in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. on Feb. 19 reported a man believed to be a serial shoplifter as he was taking an Apple watch to the toy section, where he swapped it out for a “toy.” He paid for the “toy” at the self-checkout and returned later to exchange the Apple Watch for gift cards. This scheme is currently under investigation by at least

two agencies. The male was identified and cited.

• A resident in the 1600 block of Hall Street on Feb. 19 reported that an unknown person had made two doctor appointments in her name.

• A Shoreview man reported being assaulted Feb. 21 while he was in-line skating on southbound Rice Creek Parkway. The complainant told deputies that a male driving a pickup truck drove up to him and demanded to know why the skater wasn’t on the sidewalk. He then tried to push the skater down. The case is under investigation because the pickup truck driver was gone when deputies arrived on scene.

• A Wannaska woman reported the window of her vehicle smashed in Feb. 21 while it was parked at the Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N.

• A resident in the 3500 block of Rustic Place on Feb. 22 reported that someone had written and cashed fraudulent checks worth several hundred dollars from his account.

• A Nissan Rogue was reported stolen Feb. 23 while it was parked on the street in the 3400 block of Kent Street.

• A resident in the 1300 block of Meadow Court on Feb. 23 reported a missing package from Sephora that was either stolen or delivered to the wrong address.

• A Shoreview man, 34, was arrested Feb. 23 after he assaulted his girlfriend in the 1300 block of Viewcrest Road. Although the subject had left the scene before deputies arrived, he was later taken into custody. A report was sent to the city attorney for consideration of charges.

• A resident in the 900 block of Carmel Court on Feb. 23 reported an unknown person from Facebook for fraudulently taking her money after she had arranged for the purchase of a vehicle from a relative. After she gave the scammer money, she waited for the vehicle she had bought to arrive, but it never did. When she contacted her relative about the missing vehicle, she learned that the relatives were not selling any vehicles.

• A Shoreview man, 37, was arrested for misdemeanor domestic abuse after he assaulted a Thorndale, Pennsylvania, woman in the 1000 block of Gramsie Road on Feb. 23.

• An elderly woman in the 3500 block of Cohansey Street reported being scammed out of $45,000 via credit card fraud on Feb. 23.

• Deputies reported attempting a traffic stop on a black and white Dodge Charger at 3:34 a.m. Feb. 24 at the intersection of County Road F and Victoria Street N. The driver fled; deputies engaged in a brief pursuit before terminating the chase. “The Charger escaped consequences — for now,” deputies reported.

Loretta Harding

COUNTY BRIEF

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL: No clear future

the knowledge and effectiveness of members concerning regional issues about Metropolitan Council governance. Schaffer testified to the task force at its Jan. 10 meeting on the topic of a government-appointed-model versus an elected-official one.

“I understand that accountability is a valid concern,” Schaffer said. “The advantage of staggered terms is that it allows you to keep people already on the learning curve about the issues the council is focusing on. It’s about our members having some historical perspective and learning about those who have previously served on the board.”

A past study by the League found that only 30% of elected officials interviewed favored the appointment of those elected officials to the council. A full 70% were against such a model, stating that officials from representative districts already work full-time jobs to serve the interests of their respective areas, and appointing them to the council

would lead to them having incompatible interests associated with serving two different constituencies.

These conflicting visions ultimately led the task force to publish a “Problem Statement” on Jan. 17, in which its members determined that there was too much widespread confusion and disagreement about who is and who should be held accountable for the MET Council’s vision, planning, execution and performance evaluation. Further recommendations in the Problem Statement stated that the Legislature should address, as per any Metropolitan Council reform or changes in governance, how the council should be accountable to the public and state and local governments.

On Jan. 27, the task force adopted several principles to guide the Legislature in considering the current reform proposals, should they be looked at in the future. No additional task force meetings are intended to take place throughout the remainder of the year.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Metropolitan Council was created in 1967 in response to significant challenges the region was facing, such as poor wastewater management, a privately owned bus company on the verge of failure, and fiscal disparities, which left many communities at a disadvantage in supplying essential services to their residents.

• The council planned for the economic development of all seven counties in the metro area, coordinating delivery services that no one county or city could help deliver.

• Further legislation from the council was instrumental in creating the Metro Transit Commission, the regional parks system, a tax-base sharing system, and a regional sewer

system, all between 1967 and 1974.

• The council partners with 181 different cities and townships, seven counties, and various other government entities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to devise policies guiding further strategic growth on bettering these locations.

• The council’s primary services and infrastructure include Metro Mobility, wastewater treatment services, affordable housing and Metro Transit’s bus and rail system, among many others. The council also relies on many different sources for funding, such as state and federal funds, county property taxes and user fees for wastewater treatment and transit services.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

OUTDOOR EGG HUNT

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: McCullough Park, 955 County

Road I., Shoreview

Details: Shoreview’s annual outdoor

CURRENT EVENTS

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, March 16

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F.

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register the day of the event.

Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

PAINT AND SIP

When: 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20

Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Dr.

Details: Sandy of Cheerful Hearts Paint will provide a relaxing atmosphere for you to get your creativity flowing, as well as the canvas, paint, brushes, apron and instruction. A cash bar will be available. Reservation is required a week in advance.

Contact: 763-717-4040

THE BRITISH ARE COMING!

When: 1-3 p.m. Thursday, March 21

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: You know the famous words of Paul Revere, but do you know who stole his horse during his famous ride? Or that most Americans were not in favor of independence? From the Boston Tea Party to the shot heard round the world, get insight into the events and characters that led to the American Revolution. Register online or call 651-490-4750. Contact: 651-490-4750

YOUTH SURVIVAL CLASS 101

When: 11 a.m.- noon Saturday, March 23

Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Dr.

egg hunt. Ages 10 and under.

Registration is required by March 19.

Contact: www.shoreviewmn.gov/ parks-rec/community-center

Details: Participants in this class will learn some of the essentials of surviving in the wilderness. Learn about fire, shelter, water and strategies to increase the likelihood you will be found. Free.

Contact: 763-717-4040

39TH ANNUAL WEDDING SHOW

When: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24

Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, White Bear Lake

Details: Local, trusted vendors, door prizes, samplings and more. Brides get into the event for free.

Contact: 651-407-1213

EQC SPEAKER SERIES- WEATHER: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

When: 7-8 p.m. Monday, March 25

Where: Shoreview Community Center, City Council Chambers, 4600 Victoria St. N.

Details: Presentation by DNR

Climatologist Peter Boulay where he will talk about climate trends, drought impacts, how climate is affecting invasive species and what trees to plant in Shoreview for the changing climate.

Contact: 651-490-4665

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD

When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 26

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview

Details: The Guild members who participated in the Panel Challenge or the Friendship Block exchange will show their completed projects and the Special Program Committee will judge and distribute prizes.

Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@gmail. com

COURT: There for the veterans success

“The idea is that we are treating the root cause,” Fonder said. “Then when the veteran is finished with the program, there’s less likelihood of recidivism.” The process also can help restore the veteran’s belief in their selfworth, purpose and value.

VTC was formed 10 years ago in February. The concept of the program has always been the same — to assist veterans who have come in contact with the justice system who have a treatable, mental health condition.

What makes VTC distinct from the other treatment courts in Ramsey County is that each veteran who enters the program is assigned a veteran as a mentor. Fonder works with the coordination for these mentors. He helps find and recruit new mentors and maintain the ones in the program. Training is another aspect Fonder helps with.

“We do bi-monthly meetings to get together and say, ‘Hey what are the challenges we’re facing?’ or education on the court system,” Fonder said. “We are constantly trying to improve the awareness and everything the mentors are going through as well.”

“The mentor is very independent of the court,” Fonder added. “The mentor’s role is to listen, set the example and coach folks through the program.” This could include helping the veteran understand the court’s point of view on things that are being done, the necessity of showing up to court and more.

One of the successes of the program is that veterans in the program need to readjust and figuring out how to fill their idle time. Mentors can help with ideas on how to fill that idle time, such as volunteering, going back to school and working.

“The big thing is that the mentor is the listening post for the person,” said Fonder. “Everything that happens between the mentor and the mentee is all confidential. The mentor is not a public defender for them, but they’re present.”

“A lot of veterans struggle with just finding that grounding, and that sense of purpose again; if they see that already exists in a mentor, they can achieve that too,” he added.

To become a mentor, Fonder said the best way to apply is to fill out the interest form online at ramseycounty. us. The county will then reach out to interested veterans and invite them to attend VTC so they can go to court and see the process and interactions. Such a visit is also an opportunity for those interested to meet other mentors who are in the program.

“It’s amazing to see this group of people that are there,” said Fonder, “and it usually blows people’s mind when they see, like, ‘Wait, the prosecutors are actually trying to help these people get through the program as well?’ Absolutely, everybody’s in there for the success of the veteran.”

After attending court, if the applicant is still interested, Fonder makes certain that the applicant meets all the requirements of being a veteran. He also arranges for a background check through Ramsey County. After this process, the applicant will have an interview with the director of Veterans Services with a mentor.

A mentor is involved in the interview process because, Fonder notes, “it gives the prospective mentor the opportunity to ask questions and have a mentor there to bring up things like, ‘This is what I wished I had asked going into this program.’”

Mentors have an hour or two of meaningful contact with their mentees. That duration can last 14 to 18 months. The hope is that the mentor stays with the mentee through this entire period. Following the completion of the program, veterans will have a graduation ceremony.

The county is always looking for mentors. Currently, the Ramsey County VTC has 16 participating mentors. The court can have up to 25 mentors at a time.

“At about every graduation that we hold, when a mentee graduates from the program, they will always provide large credit to their mentor,” said Fonder, “as that additional help brought them through the court. It’s actually very rewarding and pretty fantastic to see.”

To learn more about the Ramsey County VTC, go to www.ramseycounty. us/residents/assistance-support/ assistance/veterans-assistance/ veterans-treatment-court-mentor. To apply, fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call Veterans Services at 651-266-2545.

Bobby Theisen Park plans sees revisions

At the City Council workshop, the design options for the new Bobby Theisen Park and Shoreview Commons park buildings were revised.

The highest priority identified from the public engagement process for the master park system plan development was the desire for updates made to park buildings. The buildings would provide restrooms to accompany the activity spaces for recreation programs and rentals.

City staff have been working with LHB Corporation, an architectural and engineering firm, to develop designs for the buildings. Two locations in Shoreview have been identified where new park buildings are needed: Bobby Theisen Park and Shoreview Commons.

Design proposals were last reviewed at the August 21 meeting by the City Council. Since then, LHB has incorporated the feedback received at this meeting into the designs and developed a more detailed cost analysis for the buildings that are ready for council review.

The Commons building design proposal includes the following:

• Five unisex single-use restrooms. Four of these rooms will have infant

POLITICAL BRIEF

Statewide Results for U.S. Presidential Nominee

Below are the results from the Minnesota Primary Elections that took place on Tuesday, March 5.

Republican Party:

Donald Trump—68.94% (232,848 votes)

Nikki Haley— 28.77% (97,179 votes)

Ron DeSantis—1.21% (4,085 votes)

Vivek Ramaswamy—0.44% (1,470 votes)

Chris Christie—0.42% (1,431 votes)

Write-In—0.21% (720 votes)

Democratic-Farmer Labor: Joseph R. Biden Jr.—70.11% (171,272 votes)

changing stations and one will be large enough to accommodate an adult changing station.

• Two gender-specific restrooms with three stalls in each room.

• Two covered picnic areas off each side of the building. One side will include a countertop that can be used to sell concessions.

The Bobby Theisen Park building design includes the following concepts:

• Four unisex single-use restrooms that will include infant changing stations.

• A meeting room for recreation programs and rentals. It will also serve as a warming house for the outdoor ice-skating season.

• Storage for youth athletics associations and the recreation department.

• A covered picnic area.

The current budget for this project is $4 million. There will be an additional fee of $275,000 that will need to be incorporated into the project for construction and permit set professional services. LHB has submitted a proposal to manage these services.

Madeline Dolby

Uncommitted—18.80% (45,914 votes)

Dean Phillips—7.76% (18,959 votes)

Marianne Williamson—1.42% (3,459 votes)

Jason Palmer—0.31% (758 votes)

Cenk Uygur—0.28% (692 votes)

Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato— 0.15% (372 votes)

Gabriel Cornejo—0.13% (323 votes)

Frankie Lozada—0.12% (290 votes)

Eban Cambridge—0.10% (235 votes)

Write-In—0.82% (2,000 votes)

Legal Marijuana Now:

Krystal Gabel—28.84% (759 votes)

Dennis Schuller—17.44% (459 votes)

Vermin Supreme—15.08% (397 votes)

Rudy Reyes—13.87% (365 votes)

Edward Forchion—6.38% (168 votes)

Write-In—18.39% (484 votes)

Ramsey County Veterans Treatment Court mentor Janet Lorenzo (left) with her mentee and recent graduate, Jessica Kirby (right).

The original design of the Shoreview Commons building proposed by LHB.

RENDERINGS CONTRIBUTED

The revised design for the new Shoreview Commons building.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Larry Fonder is a Ramsey County Veterans Service Officer and mentor coordinator for the Veteran Treatment Court program in Ramsey County.

403 Boutiques

Mark your Calendar ANNUAL SPRING BOUTIQUE & BAKE SALE

Friday, March 22: 9am - 7pm

Saturday, March 23: 9am - 4pm

2021

Call 651-399-2374

NEON BAR SIGNS Coor's Light: $250

Light: $150 Jose Cuervo: $300 651-248-9307

100% 3YrDryRed

Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142

White Bear Area Senior Center 2484 East County Rd F, WBL

All Items are handmade

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (subject to change, between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary range from $17.00/hour to $20.00/hour depending on qualifications. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Seasonal Public Works Maintenance Employee

The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a seasonal Public Works Maintenance employee (20-40 hours/week), to assist in regular and recurring maintenance, installation and repair work associated with the City’s parks, streets, utilities, and buildings. The position starts before Memorial Day and ends after Labor Day (start and end time is flexible). Position pays $18.00/hour. A valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential. Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at http://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/. Position is open until filled.

Part-time Public Works Employee

Applications are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at www.whitebeartownship.org. No application deadline; open until positions are filled. CITY OF

Notice of Intent to Fill Vacant Township Board

Seat by Appointment

A vacancy has occurred on the White Bear Township Board of Supervisors. Notice is hereby given that the council will appoint a person to fill this vacated position until December 31, 2024. Notice is further given that the Board will accept resumes and written letters of interest for the vacant seat from qualified Township residents (18 years of age required) until 12 p.m. on April 15, 2024. Letters should be submitted to the Deputy Clerk. The current Township Board will review applicants and conduct interviews the first week of May 2024. POSTED: 3-13-2024.

The City of Mahtomedi has openings for up to (4) full time Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions. All positions are for 67 days. Duties include assisting the Public Works Department with street, water, sewer, and park maintenance. Must have a High School diploma or GED, the ability to lift/ move 25-100 Lbs., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The pay range is from $18.00/hr. to $20.00/hr. depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until positions are filled. Applications can be obtained at City Hall, 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 or at its website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Mahtomedi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Quin Morgan, Brett Swenson are state mat champs

BY BRUCE STRAND

Mounds View’s best-ever wrestling season produced two state champions at the end — senior Quin Morgan at 215 pounds and junior Brett Swenson at 114 pounds.

Four teammates also medaled — juniors Ethan Swenson at 172 and Colton Loween at 160 both placed fifth, while sophomore Owen LaRose at 107 and senior Joey Muhlstein at 189 placed sixth — in the Class 3A individuals’ competition at the Xcel Energy Center.  Coach Daniel Engebretson reported that Mounds View set program records with two champions, six placers and 11 qualifiers.

Quin Morgan concluded a perfect season: 53-0 and 43 falls. “I was very confident this year. I thought nobody could beat me,” said Morgan, who placed third in the state at 195 as a junior. “This was a great way to end my career. It felt amazing. I could not have been more proud.”

Ranked first all season, Morgan blanked Ben Schultz of Maple Grove 8-0 in the finals, executing three takedowns. He got there by beating Forest

Lake’s Hunter Gruba (18-3), Prior Lake’s Brock Burn by pin in 2:35 and Lakeville North’s Antonio Menard (6-0).

“Quin has had to work hard for everything,” Engebretson said, “and that hard work gave him huge confidence this year. He wrestles with an exciting style, and that’s what got him 43 falls.”

Morgan comes from a prominent wrestling family. His dad is Marty Morgan, an NCAA champion for the Gophers in 1991 and later became their head assistant coach. Older brothers Rowan and Mannix were state place-winners for the Mustangs.

Morgan posted a 162-37 career record and is signed by South Dakota State. Currently, he is gearing up for national tournaments in Las Vegas in April and Fargo in July.

Swenson (46-3) won his title match 5-1 over St. Michael-Albertville’s Lincoln Robideau, an eighth grader who had beaten him 6-4 in overtime two nights earlier in the team finals.

“Brett has an attack style that really makes it hard to beat him,” Engebretson said. “He was very confident rolling into the finals.”

Swenson cruised to the finals, beating Gavin

Dox sparkles at state gymnastics

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Avery Dox capped an injury-riddled gymnastics career with a stellar performance at the state Class AA meet on Feb. 24.

“It meant the absolute world to me,” Dox said, “because my goal this year was to end my career on my own terms, which I did on Saturday night. It was truly an incredible feeling.”

The Mounds View senior got on the podium twice, earning second place on vault, scoring 9.775 with a Yurchenko layout and a sixthplace all-around finish with 37.5125 at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus. She also placed 10th on the balance beam (9.3875), 11th on floor exercise (9.4625) and 24th on the uneven bars (8.8875).

Injuries limited Dox to one event in 10th grade, floor exercise, and she took second at state that year in the event. During her junior year, she had two major surgeries dealing with mishaps that occurred at age 12: one on her left wrist and the other on her jaw. Again, she was limited to floor exercise. She missed

state by .05 points that year.

Still dealing with injuries this season, Dox started seeing a chiropractor “on a whim of desperation” and it paid off.

“She changed my life almost immediately. My all-around score jumped almost four points in one week. I kept getting better every week,” Dox said.

At the Section 4AA meet, she placed second in the all-around (37.150), second on vault (9.50), second on beam (9.50), third on floor (9.40) and fifth on bars (8.75).

The jaw injury at 12 was the scariest for Dox. She over-rotated on her bars dismount, hit the mat awkwardly and her knee broke four bones in her face, causing her to have major surgery and spend several weeks on an all-liquid diet.

A doctor admonished her to quit gymnastics. “Watch me,” she replied. She also suffered a cut on her hand from broken glass in ninth grade that required surgery to reconnect severed nerves.

The state meet was “the perfect way to end my career,” Dox said. “I will be A-okay from here on out,” pledged Dox, who’ll attend college in Arizona.

Lambert of Hastings (14-3), Alex Gau of Champlin Park (13-2) and Noah Nicholas of Stillwater (9-1).

“After I lost in team competition, it got me in the right mindset. I decided I was just going to go after them,” said Swenson, who got most of his points on takedowns. In the rematch with Robedaux, he took a quick 4-0 lead on a takedown and near fall. “I went around him this time, rather than straight on,” he said.

This was Swenson’s second straight year in the finals. In 2023, he was runner-up, losing to Trey Beissel of Hastings (6-4). He has a 122-19 career record.

Ethan Swenson (48-9), Brett’s twin brother, won four of six matches, all decisions. In the fifth-place match, he blanked Elk River’s Duante Sasse-Doering 7-0.  Loween (50-7) won four of six with two pins. In the fifth-place match, he beat Stillwater’s Lindson Turner 4-2. LaRose (50-9) and Muhlstein (37-10) each won three of six matches at state to place sixth.

The other qualifiers didn’t get a win at state: Will Schneider at 121, James Walker at 133, Eli Claseman at 139, Brady Swenson at 145 and Apollo Ashby at 152.

Mustang matmen fall to STMA

Mound View’s top-ranked wrestlers cruised to the finals of the state Class 3A tournament, undefeated — but fell to St. Michael-Albertville (STMA). The STMA Knights captured their 10th state title by beating the Mustangs 47-10 at the Xcel Energy Center, winning 11 of 13 matches, with two pins and three tech falls.

“The finals didn’t go our way. We lost three real close matches early and couldn’t get our momentum back,” Mounds View coach Daniel Engebretson said. “Next year, we return nine (state individual) entrants, five placers, and one champ. Makings are there for a repeat.”

Mounds View rolled past Forest

Lake (43-18) and Albert Lea (3920) to reach the finals. They were undefeated in 30 dual meets and four tournaments before facing the Knights. STMA finished 30-1, losing only to Stillwater 27-25.

The only two victories against STMA came from Brady Swenson, 9-0 at 145, and Quin Morgan with a 14-second pin at 215. Morgan had three first-period pins in the team tournament. Winning two of three were Owen LaRose, Brett Swenson, Apollo Ashby, Colton Loween, Ethan Swenson and Joey Muhlstein.

Bruce Strand

Shoreview native will compete in 2024 Olympic Games

Lara Dallman-Weiss, a Shoreview native, will compete in the first mixed-gender sailing events with her teammate, Stuart McNay of Providence Rhode Island, at the Olympic Games after finishing 26th overall, and the top North American boat, during the 470 World Championship on Sunday, March 3 in Palma De Mallorca, Spain. This will be the second time Dallmamn-Weiss will compete for Team U.S.A. She competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she placed 12th in the women’s 470.

Brett Swenson made a takedown in the semifinals against a Stillwater opponent.

Mounds View’s six place-winners in the state tournament were (from left) Owen LaRose, Ethan Swenson, Brett Swenson, Quin Morgan, Colton Loween and Joey Muhlstein.

Quin Morgan yelped for joy after winning his state finals match, capping a 53-0 season.

Avery Dox placed sixth allaround state and second on vault at the state Class AA meet.

Shoreview native, Lara Dallman-Weiss, has qualified for the first-ever mixed-gender sailing events at the 2024 Olympic Games.

for residents, so this seemed like a great fit,” said Margo.

Those who attend the bash can expect food, drinks and entertainment. The day will feature a variety of games for both kids and adults. The Mounds View Lions club will be offering a corned beef and cabbage meal for purchase. There also will be both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale.

“The event will close with Fiddle and Flannels playing from 5 to 6 p.m.,” Margo said. “There’s a dance floor for those who would like to move!” Fiddle and Flannels will play a variety of Irish and country music.

Margo mentioned that kids who attend the event should keep an eye out for some Irish visitors hiding around the building. There will be goodies and treats available if they can spot them all.

The Mounds View St. Patrick’s Day Bash is free and open to anyone who is interested in attending. The bash will take place at the Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Drive.

VLAMO launches public survey

The Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) has launched a public survey to help guide its 2027-2036 Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. VLAMO is in the process of updating its 10-year plan, which will guide projects and programs for that time period. For more information, or to take the survey, visitwww.vlawmo.org/ about/2027-2036-watershed-plan.

Three local survey stations are available through March 13 to take and submit a

survey in hardcopy. The stations include Tamarack Nature Center, Ramsey County Library – Shoreview and the Ramsey County Library – White Bear Lake. These stations are unstaffed for questions but are generally supervised by facility staff. Surveys are submitted in a box on the table and VLAWMO staff will collect them every two to three days. Surveys may be taken anonymously with the option of leaving an email address to receive updates on the planning process. Call VLAWMO staff for questions at (651) 2046070.