Shoreview Press

Turtle Lake teacher becomes finalist for award

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year award has recognized excellence in teaching in Minnesota for the last 60 years. The program selects one teacher to represent the state’s thousands of educators. The Teacher of the Year represents the profession as an advocate for education and a spokesperson for teachers.

Recently, Michelle Morse, from Turtle Lake Elementary School, was named one of the 11 finalists for 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching for the last 15 years. She

was fifth grade teacher for nine years before making the switch to fourth grade, which she has taught for six years and counting.

SEE EDUCATOR AWARD, PAGE 2

Residents raise concerns about twin homes on Hodgson

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

In partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, the Rondo Community Land Trust (CLT) has submitted a planned unit development (PUD) concept-stage application for three twin home complexes to be built on the southern portion of the 0 Hodgson Road parcels in Shoreview. Currently, the site is owned by the city of Shoreview and is comprised of two vacant parcels. It was acquired by the city in 2022 from Moser Homes in hopes to secure land for an affordable housing project in partnership with Rondo CLT. Since 2019, the city has been in discussions with Rondo CLT regarding the development of the site. The property is vacant and largely wooded with the presence of a centrally located delineated wetland. Between 2019 and 2021, the city and Rondo CLT were awarded a series of grants. Due to the pandemic and escalating development costs, the project was delayed. In 2022, Rondo CLT engaged in a partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

SEE TWIN HOMES, PAGE 3

Sailor’s remains to receive long-anticipated burial

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

After 80 years, the search is over. On September 23, 2021, members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency were able to identify remains found in the wreckage of the USS Oklahoma. Those remains were identified as belonging to William F. Gusie, a 1939 White Bear Lake Area High School graduate. Gusie had worked on the ship as a 3rd Class Navy Fire Controllman. During the onslaught of World War II, Gusie was killed during the Japanese

attack on Pearl Harbor.

Now, Gusie’s remains have returned to Minnesota, which will receive a special burial at Fort Snelling State Park on June 12.

Gusie was one of 429 crewmen killed during the attack. At the time, Gusie was one of only 13 crew members identified as missing by the Department of Defense. The department was in charge of locating American soldiers who were declared prisoners of war or missing in action.

Between December 1941 and June 1944, the department collected the

remains of several different crew members from the USS Oklahoma. They were brought to the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries in Oahu, Hawaii, for burial. In 1947, the American Graves Registration Service took the remains from both cemeteries in an attempt to identify the individuals killed. However, the service could only recognize the names of 35 of the men. Gusie, at the time, was not among them. However, that all changed during the summer of 2015.

SEE WILLIAM F. GUSIE, PAGE 9

Michelle Morse (pictured center), from Turtle Lake Elementary school, was named one of 11 finalists for the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.

OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | CONTRIBUTED

Gusie was a sailor onboard the USS Oklahoma during Pearl Harbor.

EDUCATOR AWARD: ‘I just appreciate being able to have an impact on students’

FROM PAGE 1

The Teacher of the Year award is presented by Education Minnesota, a leading advocate group for public education. It was formed in 1998 when the Minnesota Education Association and the Minnesota Federation of Teachers merged. It is made up of 472 local unions organized to meet the specific needs of members in their job setting and communities. Mounds View Schools fall under one of these unions. “I just appreciate being able to have an impact on students, and therefore the world,” Morse said, when asked what made her want to go into teaching. Morse grew up in Shoreview and attended Turtle Lake Elementary and Chippewa Middle School. After graduating from Mounds View High School, Morse went to Augsburg University in Minneapolis. There, she received her degree in education.

Her favorite part about teaching is the change and the impact that a teacher can have on a student.

“I enjoy having students that see the world in a different way,” said Morse. “Especially students with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, and empowering them, helping them to find their voice and their strengths,” and equipping them with the tools to be successful. Morse helps students who are a little down on themselves and helps move them toward success and feeling good about themselves.

“I really believe that every individual, kids included, want to be successful.

They just need the tools to do so,” she added.

A student’s parent nominated Morse for the statewide award. Morse received an email in December that had told her she had been nominated. At first, she questioned if it was real or not.

“I remember telling people at the beginning, ‘I don’t really think this is going to go anywhere. There are 159 candidates. I’m just an elementary teacher in the suburbs,’ like that wasn’t my mindset on who the Teacher of the Year was,” said Morse.

A selection panel representing

Minnesota leaders in education, business and government chose the Minnesota Teacher of the Year from a group of individuals who are nominated and choose to become a candidate. Panelists then review the candidates’ portfolios, review video submissions of semifinalists and interview finalists in person. Peers, school personnel, community members and students may nominate teachers. Morse took the chance and saw it

as an opportunity to refine her own voice and teaching philosophies. From there, she was chosen as one of the 27 semifinalists and eventually was chosen as a finalist.

Eligible nominees for the award must teach in a public or nonpublic pre-kindergarten through 12th grade school; work at least 50 percent of the time directly with students; hold a bachelor’s degree and a Minnesota teaching license; and intend to teach for the full following school year after being named. Nominees only can accept the nomination in any two consecutive years.

“Ultimately, what I’ve learned is that being Teacher of the Year is really about having a platform to advocate for schools and students,” said Morse. “So that was something that was very, very appealing to me, less so the title.”

Two other teachers from the Mounds View Schools District were named semifinalists: Shawna Poncelet from Irondale High School and Jessica Raaen-Tolzmann from the Pike Lake Kindergarten Center.

Tracy Byrd, an English teacher at Washburn High School in Minneapolis, was recently named the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651-407-1226 or at shoreviewnews@ presspubs.com.

MARLENE HOULE

MAXINE PROKOP

PAUL WIKSTROM

MARLENE AND ROBERT HARMS

JOYCE THOMPSON

SALLY BROWN

MARLYS NELSON

TAMMY LARSON

TONYA LELEUX

DEBORAH MILLER

DARLENE NADEAU

KATHY DUDDING

SHERI PETERSON

TOM AND LINDA BEATSON

MARY RYAN

NANCY AND LARRY ROGERS

NANCY KATZENBERGER

KATHLEEN RUSSELL

PAM BLANDING

JANET AND STEVEN SOMMER

ROSLYN YEAGER

ALEX ECKERT

has been teaching at Turtle Lake Elementary for 15 years. She teaches fourth grade.

TWIN HOMES: Development would provide afforable housing opportunities

for the project. This was to enhance it and help assist with the rising costs. Unfortunately, the grants recently lapsed due to the delays in the project and time constraints of the funding.

At this time, Rondo and Habitat for Humanity have applied for funding from new grants and are looking to move forward with the project.

The concept plan proposes the development of twin homes on a portion of the Hodgson Road property. One of the buildings would feature two of the twin home units located to the north of the private drive, and two buildings would have four units each located to the south. Each unit would contain a 20-foot-long driveway. Each unit would be approximately 1,500 square feet, contain three bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms.

In addition, the units are shown to contain single-stall garages. Three guest parking spaces will be available to serve the six units, which follows city code. The land, common spaces and private drive will be owned and managed by Rondo CLT.

Each residential unit intends to provide an affordable home ownership opportunity for households earning 5080% area median income (AMI), which equates to household of four earnings of $62,100 to 94,650, based on the 2023 Department of Housing and Urban Development AMI guidelines.

The wetland area on the property has been delineated and accepted by the Rice Creek Watershed District. Due to the watershed district requirements, the site would be designed to avoid or minimize any impacts on the area. Further engineering to refine the proposed design of these features is anticipated to meet

the watershed district’s requirements as the project advances.

Residents from the surrounding neighborhood raised concerns about the wetland areas. Some worried that the area was at a high risk of flooding.

“My neighbors and I have been telling Rondo since 2019 about the wetland and the water control,” said Shoreview resident Brad Bagley. “I think what’s really going to govern this whole site is controlling the water.” The site itself has hills and valleys in the area on which Rondo intends to build. Rondo will have to fill those spaces to be level with the roadway.

“What you’ve basically done then is add hard surface and additional fill in a runoff zone that, right now, is not controlling the water well,” Bagley said. “So, I am concerned about their ability to control the water in the space.”

Resident Kelly Mastenbrook raised concerns about the potential flooding

that could occur in the basements of the homes due to access water and what happens to the residents who live there.

“My concern is that if the city doesn’t take this water issue under serious consideration, that you’re going to be building some homes for some people that the integrity of the home itself I question,” she said. “I am not opposed to the land trust itself; I am opposed to building on this piece of property.”

Other residents expressed that they believed Habitat for Humanity and Rondo will be able to combat the water problem.

“I think they’ll solve this water problem,” said Ron Peterson, a Shoreview resident. “I agree that that’s one of the main concerns of the neighbors, it’s a valid concern. I know they’ve talked about putting storage areas where the water could flow in where there are big rains.”

Longtime resident Perry Nelson also expressed his approval for the project to

move forward. He has lived in Shoreview for 47 years and has worked in local real estate for 40 of them.

“We simply have a net result of a community that offers so much, yet so many people can’t afford to live here,” said Nelson. “I’m talking in favor of the project from the standpoint that with the right planning, it can be integrated with the neighbors around, but it should never be done to the detriment of the existing homes.”

Planning Commission staff is in favor of the proposed project and the land trust housing model but did highlight areas that would need further evaluation as the project proceeds. Concerns raised by city staff were similar to those of the residents. Staff asked about floodplain management and wetland constraints and raised concerns about traffic safety to the site.

The City Council’s main issue with the property was water management and water safety. Council members raised concerns in regard to traffic and how it would affect Hodgson Road.

“The water is of concern,” said Council Member Emy Johnson. “I’ve never looked at a project where there is this much water on paper. I trust the engineers to give us, and the Planning Commission, the right level to detail to be able to help the applicant with the application.”

Since the project is in a concept stage, the City Council did not take action.

Madeline Dolby is a staff writer at Press Publications. She can be reached at 651-4071226 or at shoreviewnews@presspubs.com

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

OF SHOREVIEW NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PROGRAM

Notice is hereby given that the City of Shoreview will hold a public hearing on its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at Shoreview City Hall. The public hearing will be held during the city council meeting scheduled that evening.

The SWPPP is part of the city’s permit that was prepared to meet the requirements of a federally mandated storm water permit program that is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The overall goal of the program is to reduce the amount of sediment and pollution that enters surface waters.

The public hearing will include a presentation of a draft annual report that addresses each of the best management practices that make up the city’s SWPPP. Staff will also summarize goals and activities completed in 2023. Residents will be given an opportunity to provide written and oral comments on the city’s SWPPP. A copy of the SWPPP is currently available for review in the engineering department at Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria Street North, and on the city’s website (www.shoreviewmn.gov).

For more information concerning this meeting, please contact Tom Wesolowski, public works director at (651) 4904652. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on May 21, 2024.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 621

MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR SCHOOL BREAD PRODUCTS

Notice is hereby given, that Independent School District No. 621, Shoreview, Minnesota, will receive sealed bids for SCHOOL BREAD PRODUCTS requirements of the district for the period from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026, according to the specifications and conditions which may be obtained from the office of the Manager of Nutrition Services, Independent School District No. 621, 4570 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota, 55126. Bids shall be submitted in form and manner contained in the specifications and the conditions, which are adopted by reference, in this invitation for bids.

Sealed bids must be received in an envelope marked “Bread Bid for ISD No 621” in the office of the Manager of Nutrition Services, 4570 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota, 55126, no later than Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., at which time the bids will be opened for tabulation and distribution to interested parties. No changes can be made in any bid except in the manner provided by law, and no bid may be withdrawn for 30 days without consent of the school board.

In the operation of the Child Nutrition Programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against, write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250 QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: Heather Schmidt, Nutrition Services Manager, 651-621-6024

Published two times in the Shoreview Press on May 21 and June 4, 2024.

MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL

MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY – APRIL 23, 2024

Meetings take place at the District Center in Shoreview (4570 Victoria Street N). Complete minutes available upon request at the District Center.

Quarterly budget report & amendments

Bernice Humnick, executive director of business services, presented a quarterly budget report for the period ending March 31, 2024. The Board also approved two quarterly budget amendments, one for the general fund and one for the community education budget, as presented. Visit the Budgets & Finance page for more information.

55127. Questions about

report should be directed to Stephanie Mar, Deputy Clerk/ Treasurer, at (651) 792-7758. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on May 21, 2024.

DOP Goal update: Early childhood and kindergarten outreach efforts

Karl Brown, director of community education, Colin Sokolowski, executive director of public relations, Megan McKeen, assistant director of public relations, Barb Schochenmaier, assistant director of early learning, Ryan Lang, principal, Snail Lake Kindergarten Center and Todd Durand, principal, Pike Lake Kindergarten center gave an update regarding the progress on the DOP Goal of developing a coordinated outreach plan that builds connections and promotes programs with our early childhood and kindergarten families.

Updates The Board shared updates on their activities and participation in events and committees around the District. Thank you The Board accepted with appreciation gifts from Land O’Lakes Your Cause - Beth Berg, Abbott Laboratories – Benevity - Sean Palacio, Estee Lauder –

CONTRIBUTED

A total of six residential units may be built on Hodgson Road in Shoreview.

Steve Job’s observation

Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Corporation, died in 2011 at age 56, losing the battle with pancreatic cancer. Prior to his death, he made some observations about life. He was making reference that material things lost can be found or replaced, but when the curtain comes down on life, it can never be replaced.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

He was trying to make the point that inner happiness does not come from material things. Whether you have a $300 or a $30 watch, they both tell the same time.

He makes the following recommendations:

• Don’t educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy so when they grow up they will know the value of things and not the price.

• Eat your food as your medicine. Otherwise, you will have to eat medicine as your food. Then he goes on to recommend the six best doctors in the world are sunlight, rest, exercise, diet, self-confidence and friends.

I think he overlooked a significant part of this life that has been provided through our creator, Almighty God, who we can know in a personal way through his son Jesus Christ who came and died on the cross and rose from the dead. The prophets in the Old Testament predicted a Savior would come. The New Testament makes it clear on what is necessary to have that relationship with the Heavenly Father and to understand the Triune God.

Management training

In 1972 Phil Bonin and I attended a management course held at 6 a.m. in Forest Lake under the direction of Sheehan’s Target Training, Don Sheehan.

Here were some of the stats on why it is important to learn more about management:

• 92% of companies fail because of poor management.

• Out of every 100 companies that start, 75 are out of business in five years.

• The average company stays in business 7-1/2 years.

• 77% of companies have from three to seven employees.

• 50% of the people in management break down emotionally annually.

• *Between 1900 and 1940, 19 million companies went into business, 16 million went out, for an 85% failure rate of all businesses.

Young people coming up are usually better educated than their managers.

At the age of 88, I am still learning. The younger generation suggests I’m obsolete and should be put on a shelf.

Preparation for life

Accomplishments, goals attained, and meeting a mark, are why we celebrate graduations, whether they be from kindergarten, middle school, high school, college or special degrees.

Education is very important, whether it be on to college or tech schools, and the opportunities are varied, readily available and achievable.

So whatever you are celebrating, be thankful and take the next step. We can call that “commencement.”

Support appreciated

My son, Carter, and I have a number of community newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are small businesses and oftentimes it is challenging to achieve a bottom line. We are very thankful for our readers and advertisers. Subscription renewals have been good this spring. I think a lot of our readers appreciate our community newspaper, especially in light of the news that community papers in other parts of the state are closing due to mismanagement by hedge funds.

Thanks again, subscribers, for helping keep the community informed through your support of print and online editions developed by professional journalists. You can count on us for important, truthful information.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications

Get ready for summer in Shoreview

TThis year on Mother’s Day the temperature reached 84 degrees and I hosted a barbeque to celebrate the mothers in our family. That kind of weather calls for outdoor fun so I provided squirt guns and Styrofoam water toys for the kids to play with in the yard. This made for some wet and muddy grandchildren which my daughters didn’t appreciate however I always have extra clothes and socks on hand for them. Most importantly, it made both the kids and me happy if no one else. This time of year, when everything is blooming and green, summer invites us to enjoy Minnesota at its best which is outdoors. Shoreview staff have been busy gearing up for some great (and free) events! Here is what’s coming up (besides flowers) in Shoreview this summer:

• Shoreview’s Farmers’ Market begins Tuesday, June 4 and takes place weekly from

Limited to 350 words. Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

3-7 pm. (3-6 pm September 3-October 8). The market is held in the community center lower-level parking lot. To keep current on the farmers’ market, recipes, and weather updates, you can sign up for a weekly e-newsletter at shoreviewmn. gov.

• The free “Concert in the Park” weekly series begins on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. and runs through August 7 at the Haffeman Pavilion behind the community center. The Backyard Band, a community favorite and cover band, opens the concert series. Other performers this year include Big Mike and the Funktion, Church of Cash, and an ABBA tribute band. On June 12, the Shoreview Community Foundation will be giving away free treats while supplies last.

• Kidz Concerts in the Commons are held at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays from July 10-August 7. They are also at the Haffeman Pavilion. Captain Cool Kid will open the series at the July 10 concert. Among the scheduled entertainers are a magician and animals from the Raptor Center. Dogs are welcome at both concert series if they are leashed, and their waste is picked up.

• Another summer highlight is the Slice of Shoreview which is scheduled for July 26-28 at Island Lake Park. Admission is free and visitors will enjoy live music, a parade, Tourde-Trails bike ride, and the carnival will be back this year! There are numerous other activities, craft and food vendors, and fireworks. Parking will be different this year due to the construction at the former Deluxe campus. Parking and shuttle service will be available at other nearby locations. Check the Slice of Shoreview or city website for updates. Please consider volunteering or being a sponsor for this wonderful community celebration. You can sign up at the sliceofshoreview.com. Throughout the summer I’ll hold office hours most Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. (summer hours) in the city council chambers. During June, July and August, I’ll also host coffee with the mayor or a walk with the mayor at various times and locations instead of in the council chambers. Please check the city website for those. Enjoy these city sponsored summer events and I wish you all a safe summer filled with fun!

SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area. 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 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Sue Denkinger is the Mayor of Shoreview.

Movers & Shakers

Sue Denkinger

A

• The council has approved a new development plan proposed by Enclave Companies for the former Ramsey County Public Works maintenance facility located at 3377 Rice Street in Shoreview. The new mixed-use development will include 295 residential units, including eight live-in work units and 4,500 square feet of restaurant or retail space with an outdoor quasi-public space. Out of the 295 total units, 20 percent of the apartment units will be affordable at 50% area median income (AMI). The complex will offer studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and threebedroom units.

• The city is now in an agreement with supplemental law enforcement services with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office for water patrol. Water patrol services will be used for certain lakes in Shoreview. The services include up to 192 hours of lake patrol between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with an emphasis on weekends and holidays.

beginning 5/19/2024 Metro

• A one-year extension has been permitted for a minor subdivision at 987 Island Lake Avenue. Currently, the applicant has renters in the home until the end of July 2024. The new expiration date for the deed will be August 7, 2025.

• The council approved a boundary adjustment between two homes located at 1779 and 1785 Lois Drive. The property owners are collaboratively seeking to realign their common interior side property line to more closely reflect a fence line that has been present between the properties since the early 1990’s.

• Scannell Properties will receive tax increment financing (TIF) assistance for the Phase 2 of the Seven Lakes Development. Scannell Properties and Fairview Health Services are both seeking tax increment financing support for Phase 2 of a built-tosuit project to assist with redevelopment/site work costs and significant tenant investments. TIF District 15 would be established as a 25-year redevelopment district for both the Scannell/Fairview building and future multifamily developments with funding to assist projects. It will be consistent with TIF No. 14 used during Phase 1. The TIF agreement will be between Scannell and the city of Shoreview.

The next Shoreview City Council meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, in council chambers.

Madeline Dolby

Internet provider expands to multiple

cities

Gateway Fiber, an internet service provider, will now be available in Shoreview, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Circle Pines and Plymouth. The company provides month-to-month whole-home Wi-Fi. Expanding the company’s services into these new areas also will create jobs and support the local area.

Internet services will be available to residents later this year. To learn more about Gateway Fiber, visit gatewayfiber.com.

Rain Garden maintenance workshop, tips and tricks

The city of Shoreview and the Ramsey County Washington Metro Watershed District will host a rain garden maintenance workshop from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 4.

Whether you’re new to rain gardens or tending to a current one, this event will give you an opportunity to learn and ask questions.

The workshop will take place at the Shoreview Community Center in Activity Room 1. There is a registration fee. Register online at www. shoreviewmn.gov/services/environmentalservices/natural-resources.

Apply for educational benefits through the district

Beginning this summer, the state of Minnesota will provide grocery benefits to help families that have eligible

school-age children buy groceries during the summer. Families within the Mounds View School District are encouraged to apply to the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program (Summer EBT) if they believe their family qualifies. This new program

Display Ad Network program by running the classified section of your newspaHowever, the decision is ultimately up to slightly in size to fit your column sizes. call MNA at 800/279-2979. Thank you.

aims to boost kids’ access to food during summer break. Families who qualify will receive a one-time yearly benefit per child on a preloaded electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This card can then be used to purchase groceries. Families can submit an online form at

www.mvpschools.org/ resources/applicationfor-educational-benefits. If you would like a paper application mailed to your home, call 651621-6025. For questions about the program, reach out to the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651-431-4608.

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.

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.

new mixed-use development is proposed to be built at 3377 Rice Street in Shoreview.

Multiple fire departments take out structure fire

The Lake Johanna Fire Department responded via automatic aid to assist Spring Lake Park, Blaine and the Mounds View Fire Departments with a structure fire on the 4900 block of Wellington Avenue in Mounds View the morning of May 3.

All occupants were reported out, and no injuries related to the fire were recorded at the time of the report. The case is under investigation.

Irondale

school resource officer rescues student

Thai Xiong, an Irondale school resource officer (SRO) rescued a 14-year-old student from a swamp after the student left campus and walked across a bridge into Long Lake Park.

Xiong said the wooded area of the park is not pedestrian-friendly and the teen had no idea he was in danger.

Officers were able to follow the student to a more open area, when Xiong was able to get the student to come out of the swamp and uneven terrain. The teen did need minor medical treatment but is OK.

Mounds View seeks residents to register safety cameras

The Mounds View Police Department is seeking residents to register their security cameras with them. In the event of a crime in your neighborhood, an officer may contact you and ask to retrieve any possibly footage.

If you would like to register your camera, go to the Mounds View City website and click on the “Government” tab.

Passenger killed in headon crash between sedan, pickup

A Shoreview resident was killed when two vehicles collided head-on in Le Sueur County on Thursday, May 9.

According to the Le Sueur County Sheriff’s Office, the crash was reported on County Road 3 north of County Road 29 in Lanesburgh Township. It involved a 2011 Hyundai sedan and a 2022 Ford pickup truck. The sedan crossed the centerline and collided with the pickup, which was driven by a 30-year-old man from New Richland.

Ronald Otterstrom, 72, of Shoreview, was a passenger in the Hyundai and sustained critical injuries in the crash. He was taken to a hospital in New Prague and was later pronounced dead.

The cause of the collision is under investigation.

Minnesota’s youngest barbershop owner dies in car crash

Nathan Sheferaw, 25, owned and operated Shifty’s Premium Cuts in Mounds View for the last year. He died on May 7 in a car crash in San Jose, California.

Sheferaw was one of the youngest barbershop owners in Minnesota. He was mentored in high school by Akeem Akway, the owner of Akway’s Sports Barbershop, and was quickly promoted to be Akway’s business partner at the age of 21.

The California Highway Patrol investigation said a solo driver was moving at a high rate of speed on Highway 101 when they exited at an off-ramp too fast and overturned the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

• An elementary school building with two windows open on Sunday morning April 14, as observed by Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies on routine patrol in the 500 block of Highway 96, turned out to be no indication that people were inside. As no one was caught trespassing in the building, it was thought that the windows were left open accidentally due to very warm weekend temperatures.

• Target loss prevention employees in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. on April 15 reported a female employee, 16, for intentionally undercharging customers for items. The case is under investigation.

• Deputies responded to the report of a Minneapolis youth, 17, who was assaulted on a walking path in the 1900 block of County Road I at 9:33 p.m. April 15 by an acquaintance he encountered on the path. The suspect, who knocked the youth to the ground and pummeled him, had run away before deputies arrived.

• Employees of a credit union in the 1000 block of Red Fox Road on April 17 reported two successful attempts and one failed attempt to cash fraudulent checks at the institution. The two cashed checks had been stolen from two different places before being successfully forged. Deputies have initiated an investigation.

• A resident in the 1900 block of Bluestem Lane on April 17 reported more than a dozen fraudulent Target Red Card transactions for Lyft rides she didn’t take.

• A Sparta, Wisconsin, man reported being involved in a hit-and-run accident April 18 at the intersection of Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue N., after the other vehicle mishandled a U-turn and collided with his. Deputies took photos of the complainant’s vehicle but didn’t arrest anyone at the time of the incident.

• A resident in the 3400 block of Kent Street reported that someone had stolen a package from her doorstep April 18. The package contained a cardigan button-down blouse, sandals, a hoodie and other items.

• Deputies responding to a burglar alarm in the 400 block of Suzanne Avenue at 4:17 p.m. April 18 found a suspicious turkey flapping its wings in the kitchen of a house whose owner was on vacation in Hawaii. Furthermore, deputies said, “the noncompliant wild turkey was destroying” all evidence that the residence existed. Deputies “removed the fowl intruder” from the premises “by utilizing their extensive training and experience.”

• Three different residents of the Lakeview Terrace Apartments in the 3500 block of Owasso Street on April 19 reported their packages stolen. Although deputies collected video evidence and have written a report, no arrests have been made.

• A fraud attempt was reported April 19 from the 5400 block of Lexington Avenue. No personal information or money was lost, but the complainant requested the report for documentation purposes only.

• An adult female was arrested April 19 at the Shoreview Target for shoplifting and booked at the law enforcement center for gross misdemeanor theft, after loss prevention employees detained her.

• A St. Paul girl, 17, reported being attacked by an unknown female at 7:50 p.m. April 20 in the 1000 block of Glenhill Road.

• A Lino Lakes man, 33, was cited at 9:47 p.m. April 20 at the intersection of County Road J and Hodgson Road, after deputies on patrol observed him

driving on the wrong side of the road through a construction zone.

• A North Oaks male, 17, was cited at 10:11 p.m. April 20 at the intersection of County Road J and Hodgson Road after deputies on barricade patrol saw him drive around the barricades at that location. At 11:56 p.m., deputies cited an Eden Prairie woman, 38, for driving around a barricade and continuing along the wrong side of the road. The moving violations continued throughout the evening, as deputies on barricade patrol cited two more motorists, a Shoreview male, 17, at 11:34 p.m. and a Shoreview female, 17, at 11:51 p.m.

• A Brooklyn Park man, 38, was arrested for third-degree DWI at 12:48 a.m. April 21 at the intersection of Highway 36 and Victoria Street N. after he was seen driving erratically and performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests

• A White Bear Township woman, 40, was mailed a citation April 22 after she was suspected of possessing stolen merchandise from the Shoreview Target in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. The pile of stolen Target merchandise in the subject’s possession is suspected of being only the latest addition to the ever-increasing stash of shoplifted items previously stolen by her on multiple occasions.

• A resident in the 200 block of Colleen Avenue reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars April 22 after he was told he’d won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse grand prize.

• A school employee in the 3500 block of Victoria Street N. reported being threatened by a male student, 12, on April 22. Details of the assault case have been sent to the county attorney for consideration.

• A resident in the 4500 block of Bridge Court reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars April 22 after trying to adopt a cat from the adorablemckittens.com website.

• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a hit-and-run accident April 23 in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. after a woman reported that her 2017 Volvo was rear-ended by a vehicle whose driver absconded without exchanging insurance information.

• A resident in the 5800 block of Carlson Street reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars April 24 by someone she had met online.

• A resident in the 3300 block of Kent Street reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars April 24 by someone who claimed to have accidently sent him a text, then struck up a friendship. The new “friend” then scammed the complainant.

• A vehicle parked in the 4300 block of Reiland Lane April 24 was reported broken into; approximately $100 worth of the complainant’s belongings were stolen.

• A resident in the 1500 block of Hall Street reported a window of her vehicle broken while it was parked in the driveway overnight April 24-25.

• A resident in the 1700 block of Hillview Road reported that someone stole a set of headphones from her car while it was parked outside her house April 25.

• Two rocks were reported thrown through the window of a vehicle parked in the 500 block of Doris Avenue on April 25.

• A resident in the 600 block of Birch Lane South reported that someone had thrown a rock through the back window of his truck on April 25.

• The window of a vehicle was reported broken in April 26 in the 4700 block of Victoria Street N.

Loretta Harding

Local financial adviser claims spot on Forbes

list

North Oaks teen receives recognition

Patricia Savre is on the 2024 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in State” list.

Patricia Savre, local Merrill Lynch Wealth Management financial adviser and senior vice president, has claimed a spot on the 2024 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in State” list. Savre has served on the board of directors for Lakeshore Players Theatre in White Bear Lake during a campaign that raised more than $9 million in local community funds to build the new Hanifl Performing Arts Center. During her tenure, she was an integral part of redeveloping the theater’s website and marketing strategies.

Sen. Heather Gustafson presented Alice Lee, of North Oaks, with an honorary Senate resolution earlier this month.

Senator Heather Gustafson presented Alice Lee, 14, of North Oaks with an honorary Senate resolution in recognition of her victory at the 2024 Women’s American Cup chess tournament. Lee is a three-time World Youth Champion and the 2023 United States Girls’ Junior Champion. Her victory against Grandmaster Irina Krush in the grand final of the Women’s American Cup this year makes her one of the youngest players to win a major chess title in the United States.

CURRENT EVENTS

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28

Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church, rear entrance, Door G, 3920 Victoria St. N., Stillwater

Details: Annual Member Garage Sale. Members of the Lakeshore Quilters will be selling quilting material, tools, patterns, books and products. Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org

DEMENTIA CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 29

SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET

When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays through October

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St.

Details: The farmers market is a weekly event that brings the community together and features local fresh produce, handcrafted artisan items and live entertainment

Contact: shoreviewmn.gov CONTRIBUTED

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St.

Details: This support group is led by a trained facilitator from Alzheimer’s Speaks. This program is free, but registration is requested. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov

CATGUARD GUARD PILOT PROGRAM

When: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday June 1

Where: Mounds View Public Works, 2466 Bronson Dr.

Details: Hosted by the Mounds View Police Department. The program is to help deter the theft of catalytic convertors by marking them with unique identification numbers. Free. Contact: sarah.levoir@ noundsviewmn.org

CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED

Memorial Day Events

WHITE BEAR LAKE

Memorial Day Boat Parade

When: 11:45 a.m. Monday, May 27

Where: Mahtomedi beach, 1000 Park Ave., Mahtomedi Details: Start at Mahtomedi beach and end at the White Bear Lake VFW.

Contact: www. facebook.com/ groups/565317421894931

Memorial Day at VFW Post 1782

When: Monday, May 27

Where: 4496 Lake Ave. S. Contact: 651-426-4944

LINO LAKES

Post 566 Memorial Day Ceremony and Community Picnic

When: 5 – 8 p.m. Monday, May 27

Where: American Legion Post 566, 7731 Lake Dr.

Details: Ceremony will start at 5 p.m. and a community picnic will follow once complete. Food will include burgers, hot dogs, chips and potato salad. Free to the public. Contact: 651-783-0055

FOREST LAKE

Memorial Day celebration

When: 9 a.m. Monday, May 27

Where: Lakeside Memorial Park, 95 E. Broadway Ave. Details: Hosted by the American Legion post 225. Features guest speaker Major General Linda Parenteau Marsh. Contact: 651-464-4538

STILLWATER

Stillwater Veteran’s Memorial Day Ceremony

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Monday, May 27

Where: Vets Memorial Parking Lot, 138 Pine St. W.

Details: Honor the St. Croix casualities of war.

Contact: 651-439-4350

HUGO

Memorial Day Car Show

When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Monday, May 27

Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 Forest Blvd. N.

Details: Presented by the North Star Chapter of the Studbaker Drivers Club. Memorial Day flag raising at noon. Contact: 612-839-2490

American Legion Post 620 Cemetery Tour

When: Monday, May 27

Where: Hugo American Legion Post 620, 5383 140th St. N.

Details: For the 78th consecutive year, the American Legion Post 620 will visit the following cemeteries to conduct Memorial Day Services. Join the tour at any point in time. Meet at the Hugo American Legion at 6:45 a.m. Walker Cemetery will be at 7:30 a.m; return to Legion Clubroom for coffee at 8:30 a.m.; Gethsemane Methodist Cemetery at 9 a.m.; Incarnation Lutheran Cemetery at 9:25 a.m.; St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery at 10 a.m.; Twitchell Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.; Lino Lakes Legion at 10:45 a.m.; St. Genevieve’s Catholic Cemetery at 11:25 a.m.; the last cemetery on the tour will be St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery at 11:55 a.m. Contact: 651-255-1432

The accounting agency decided to take another shot at uncovering the deceased sailors’ identities. By then, new technological developments had been made in DNA, dental, and anthropological analysis. The remains were then exhumed from the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, where they had been re-buried following the 1947 identification attempt. By 2021, Gusie’s remains received proper identification. However, attempts to give him a proper burial were frequently delayed. According to Gene Huges, a public affairs officer with Navy Personnel Command, this was due to a pile-up by the COVID-19 pandemic. This prevented military personnel from identifying and returning previous remains of soldiers killed in action.

Despite the delay, Gusie’s remains remain on track to receive his official Fort Snelling burial June 12. Additionally, a rosette will be placed next to Gusie’s name on the Walls of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. This will show that the agency has officially identified Gusie’s remains.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, contact him at 651-407-1229, or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com

The remains of William F. Gusie, a sailor killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor, will be buried at Fort Snelling State Park next month.

CLASSIFIEDS

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Miscellaneous

Wanted to Buy WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES

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

NOW HIRING PRESCHOOL TEACHERS - UP TO $1,500 SIGN ON BONUS

Employment ELEMENTARY INTERVENTION TEACHER New London-Spicer Schools. MN teaching license required. For more information, see www.nls.k12.mn.us/e mployment

Vino Veritas.

Coachman BHS Pull behind trailer $27,900 Sleeps 10 Queen bed,bunks, couch,dining area, outdoor cooking area w/fridge Call 651-399-2374

Coy fish 8-10” $30$40 Mike 651.528.0224

DONT LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 866/852-5506

SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 833/966-3882

DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844/220-9501

2 Garage sales TWO sales at Second St and Lake Ave. Fri-May 31/ 9-2pm Sat-June 1/ 9-2pm Tools,HH goods, jewelry,portable air conditioners,books,antiques and more! 4681 Lake Ave. WBL and neighbor

We are currently seeking fun-loving, caring, and compassionate educators for our full day Christian preschool program in Mahtomedi. We have FT and PT positions available. Must be Teacher or Assistant Teacher qualified under MN DHS Rule 3 guidelines. Visit www.saintandrews. org/careers or email ahuntley@saintandrews.org for more information.

DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 844/220-9501

Local rotary searches for host families

The Rotary Club of Arden Hills and Shoreview is looking for three families to host an Austrian exchange student this upcoming school year. The student will arrive mid-August and will be enrolled as a junior. Each family would host the male student for about 3 1/2 months at a time. If you and your family are interested, reach out to Charlie Oltman with the Rotary Club at coltmamn@ comcast.net.

Splash Down opens for the summer season

The Mounds View Splash Down splash pad will open for the summer season on Friday, May 24. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is located at Mounds View City Hall, 2401 Mounds View Blvd. The splash pad will remain open through Labor Day weekend.

Donate lightly used toys, clothes and books for kids in need

Festival in the Park, a Mounds View organization, will host a clothing, toy and book drive in partnership with the nonprofit organization Disability Motivational Network through June 30.

Residents are encouraged to donate lightly used and clean toys, books and clothes. The goal is to fill a container of these items to ship to Liberia for disabled children in need.

Donations can be dropped off at Mounds View City Hall, 2401 County Hwy 10, in Conference Room A, Monday through Thursday during office hours, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shoreview city crews begin hydrant flushing

Every spring, the Shoreview city crews flush the fire hydrants to help maintain water quality, improve the quality of drinking water, and identify any problems with the hydrant or its valves. Flushing the hydrant allows helps improve water distribution, flow and pressure.

Residents may notice discolored water for a short period after flushing. The water will be safe for

large pieces of City equipment, performs minor repairs in the field on City equipment, secures parts from suppliers and performs related work as required, operates City vehicles and equipment to perform testing, servicing and deliveries as required. May assign and direct the work of seasonal/temporary workers. Performs Maintenance Operator duties as directed. High School diploma or GED; and moderate experience in auto/truck repair and heavy equipment mechanics, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Associate/Technical degree preferred. ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Technician Preferred. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License with Class B air brake and tanker endorsements within six months of hire. Must meet Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing requirements. A Minnesota Class D Water License and Class S-D Wastewater License is preferred.

The starting salary is $32.09 - $38.43 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus benefits. Must complete city application. For a copy of the application packet and complete job description visit the city website at www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us. Submit application material via email to: sneilson@ci.mahtomedi. mn.us or in person at 600 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115. Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m., June 7, 2024. Equal Opportunity Employer.

consumption, but residents may want to reschedule laundry. If you see discolored water, flush out the pipes by running the faucet in your laundry room or the outside faucets.

Crews will be out over the next three to four weeks to flush hydrants. More information can be found at www.shoreviewmn.gov/services/utilities/waterservices.

Community Action Partnership opens assessment

The Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington County (CAPRW) does a community needs assessment every three years to understand the needs and strengths of the whole community in Ramsey County. CAPRW aims to uncover underlying causes of poverty and the overall needs of people in the area. The survey can be found online at form.jotform. com/241134095635050. Surveys are due May 31. If you would like a paper copy of the survey, email survey@ caprw.org.

READ • REUSE • RECYCLE

If every person takes one small step toward being more conscientious of the environment, the collective effort will change the planet.

651-407-1200 | presspubs.com

• The Irondale Robotics team has taken second place overall at state. The team captain was named to the 2024 MSHSL Robotics All State Team for leadership. The first-ever carnival hosted by Irondale Student Council was a success. It was the last big event of the school year.

• Schools and programs received three gifts this period for a total of $250. The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf has received 29 gifts this period for a total of $57,141.

• Superintendent Chris Lennox highlighted parents from Pike Lakes Kindergarten Center. Multiple parents have organized and created the Pike Lakes Parent-Teacher Association this year.

• The school district has extended its transportation service agreements for Type 3 vendors. Type 3 vendors provide special education transportation, homeless transportation and care and treatment transportation. The district will enter into four service agreements with Safe Tree Transportation, Integrated Student Transportation, Efficient Transportation and Twin Cities Transportation.

• An update was provided for the district’s operating plan (DOP) goal on middle school programs. A comprehensive review of the district’s middle school programs was completed with the help of

Education Elements. The report reflects the findings from three sources of data: focus groups, learning walks and surveys. It shows that the district uses various communication tools and guidelines to engage with the community, creating a welcoming environment for school events and campus visitors. The curriculum aligns with state and local standards. It offers an appropriate depth and pacing for middle school students. Opportunities for growth within the program includes allowing students to have choices in method and content throughout lessons, and teachers provide opportunities to focus on supporting students in building awareness and improving their communities within the curriculum. The report shows that the district should encourage students to select course activities and curriculum that align with their interests and passions.

The next Mounds View Schools School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the District Center, 4570 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. Public comments to the board will be at 6:30 p.m. before the meeting.

POLITICAL BRIEF

Local political group endorses candidates for county board

Democrats in Ramsey County Commissioner Districts 1 and 2 have announced their endorsed candidates for the election to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

Delegates from Commissioner District 1 (Shoreview, Arden Hills, Mounds View, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake and White Bear Township) have voted unanimously to endorse Tara Jebens-Singh to replace Commissioner Nicole Joy Frethem, who is not running for reelection.

In Commissioner District 2 (Roseville, Little Canada, new Brighton, St. Anthony and Lauderdale) delegates unanimously endorsed incumbent Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire.

Madeline Dolby

Mustangs capture state true-team track crown

The Mustangs’ 40-man roster and coaches posed happily after winning the state Class 3A true-team championship at Stillwater.

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

It has been a while since Mounds View was the state true-team track champion.

The Mustangs came through Friday, May 17 to snag the Class 3A title by a comfortable margin of 98 points.

The top five among the 12 teams were Mounds View with 1156, Blaine (1058), Minnetonka (1054), host Stillwater (1041.5) and Rosemount (1002).

“That’s our ninth one — but our first since 2007,” Coach Ross Fleming said about the program’s list of state trueteam titles. “We’re in the hunt most of the time, but it’s been 17 years, a long time. People were surprised when I told them it had been that long.”

The Mustangs’ best events were long jump with Amber

SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS TRACK

Safi second, Ben Mugisa fourth and Colin Elliott sixth, and triple jump with Elliott first and Toni Torboh third. They also had Luke Van Ort winning the discus, and Ryan Wirrer eighth and Lincoln Maloney tenth in pole vault.

“Field events were huge for us,” Fleming said. “Field events are where we beat the other top teams.”

Mustang relays were strong, too. The 4x800 team (Otto Coleman, Noah HammettDivine, Sam Geer and Casey Poppler) placed second. Their 4x200 was fourth, the 4x100 and 4x400 each placed fifth.

The 4x800 placing second in the first event of the meet was a big boost for the Mustangs, Fleming said. Geer’s 1:58 split in the third leg put them firmly in second behind Mankato West.

Mounds View qualified for the state true team meet by winning the true team Section 6AAA meet at home on May 7. The top three were the Mustangs with 1207, Edina (1151) and Roseville Area (948). Event winners were Luke Van Ort in discus (172-7) and shot put (46-3.75), Colin Elliott in triple jump (45-9) and Lincoln Maloney in pole vault (13-0). Placing second in their respective events were Tonie Torboh in triple jump (43-5.5) and high jump (6-2), Elliott in long jump (21-5), Charlie Robb in 300 hurdles (41.03) and Levi Hammerbeck in the 800 (2:00.33). Miles Smith was third in the pole vault (11-0). Mounds View won the 4x100 with Cayden Tran, Tre Doran, Sam Simone and Godson Rufus-Okomhanru (43.39); the 4x200 with Tran, Cooper Fellman, Sam Simone and Ethan Zhao (1:29.78); and the 4x800 with Otto Coleman, Noah Hammett-Divine, Casey Poppler and Ashley Compton (8:09.48).

GIRLS TRACK

Mounds View placed a close second at Section 6AAA true team meet on May 7 at home behind Roseville Area, 1108 to 1098. Linnea Ousdigian won the 3200 (11:38) and took second in the 1600 (5:12) with Emily Mehta placing fourth and fifth, respectively. Thia Olson-Skog was second in the 100 (12.96). Kyra Marshall won the 100-meter hurdles (15.95) and

Placing third were Godson Rufus-Okomhanru in the 200 dash, Cooper Fellman in the 400 and Levi Hammerbeck in the 800. Charlie Robb was fourth in the 300 hurdles. Aspiring for true-team laurels is the main focus every year for the Mustang track team, Fleming said: “In the true-team, you’ve got 40 guys competing. In the regular high school meet, there’s only a few (individual qualifiers).”

In true team, every competitor’s finish counts. They have three entrants in each individual event. In regular meets, only the top eight or nine finishers are counted for points.

Because depth is allimportant, the biggest schools win most of the time. Wayzata has won seven of the last ten true-team section meets.

was second in the 300 (47.86). Allison Richter was fourth in both hurdle races and second in triple jump (33-8). Delphine Wilson was third in the triple (33-2.5). Alysse Hollister was second in discus (111-3). Natalie Grimm was second in shot put (35-1) and fourth in discus (103-9). Laura Hanson and Lucia Black were 3-4 in pole vault, each clearing 9-0. Lauren Kath, Abby Urriola, Adela Peterson and Kate Roeber won the 4x800 (9:53). The Mustangs qualified for the state meet as an at-large team and placed last of 12 teams on Friday at Stillwater. Ousdigian was third in the 1600 (5:10), Mehta sixth in the 3200 (11:27), Hollister fifth in discus (112-10) and Marshall sixth and seventh in hurdles (15.85 and 47.71).

BASEBALL

Mounds View lost four straight onerun games to drop out of first place in the Suburban East Conference— to Forest Lake 4-3, White Bear Lake (1-0), East Ridge (2-1) and Roseville (5-4) — before pulling out a 3-2 win over Woodbury in their fifth straight one-run game on Friday. The Mustangs, 12-6 overall and 11-6 in the Suburban East, have two regular-season games left. They will open defense of their Section 5AAAA title either May 28 or 30.

SOFTBALL

Mounds View snapped an eight-game losing streak (including five shutouts)

Looking Ahead for SPORTS

Mounds View, by contrast, is the second smallest of the 12 teams in this year’s meet.

Mustang results SPRINTS — 100: (7) Godson Rufus-Okomhanru 11.15 (11)

Sam Simone 11.27 (20) Ethan Zhao 11.33 … 200: (3) RufusOkomhanru 22.28 (7) Cooper Fellman 22.57 (15) Zhao 23.07 …. 400: (3) Fellman 50.07 (12) Zhao 51.26 (21) Beckett Koons 52.42

RUNS — 800: (9) Levi Hammerbeck 2:00.44 (10)

Samuel Beer 2:00.46 (17) Otto Coleman 2:03.12 … 1600: (3) Hammerbeck 4:20.67 (13) Cayden Stoner 4:24.31 (16) Asher Compton 4:27.65 …. 3200: (6) Casey Poppler 9:27.54 (7) Stoner 9:34.08 (13) Owen Kales 9:41.62

HURDLES — 110: (13) Ben Mugisa 16.07 (18) Charlie Robb

by winning the regular season finale over Becker 13-11 ton Friday, May 17. Vada Wood knocked in four runs with a single, double and two-run triple. In the fourth, the Mustangs strung together doubles by Mallory Barrett, Emma Markham and Wood, and a single by Mary Schmidt, each driving home a run. Schmidt, Markham and Lydia Sinkula had three hits each. Sinkula stole two bases. Kendall Quatrain, Nora Kelly and Kate Tretter pitched. The Mustangs (4-16) started Section 5AAAA on Tuesday. They were 3-13 in the Suburban East.

BOYS LACROSSE

Mounds View finished 4-5 in the Suburban East Conference after losing their last three conference games, to Woodbury 11-9, Cretin-Derham Hall 14-6 and champion Stillwater 10-9. In the near upset of Stillwater on May 15,

16.47 (23) Wesley Dolton 16.82 … 300: (4) Robb 40.97 (25) Luke Ridgeway 44.27 (28) Evan Kirkland 45.58

1:29.36

… 4x800:

8:02.90 THROWS — Discus: (1) Luke Van Ort 158-2 (28) Sam Crane 122-0 (31) Gabriel Lundgren 119-0 … Shot put: (13) Van Ort 48-3.75 (20) Jonah Willard 455.75 (29) Hudson Voight 43-9  JUMPS — Long jump: (2) Ameer Safi 22-0.25 (4) Mugisa 21-6.5 (6) Colin Elliott 21-4 … Triple jump: (1) Elliott 45-9 (3) Toni Torboh 43-9.25 (16) Ben Arnold 40-10 …. High jump: (10) Torboh 6-2 (17) Finley Moseti 6-0 (22) Weston Kuchar 5-10 … Pole vault: (8) Ryan Wirrer 13-0 (10) Lincoln Maloney 12-0 (16) Miles Smith 12-0

goalie Maddux Brooks stopped 10 of 20 shots while Caden Ashford netted four goals and Liam Andrews had three. The Mustangs beat Waconia 15-5 on May 11 as Ashford hit four goals, Andrews three, and Trent Habisch, Andrei Burton and Brody Herr had two each. Herr made four assists. The Mustangs are 6-6 overall with one game left before the Section 4 tournament starts on May 29.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mounds View has a 4-8 mark with one game left before Section 4 starting Wednesday, May 29. The Mustangs finished 2-7 in the Suburban East Conference. Ella Westerman and Madelyn Tinkle have 14 goals each, Avelyn Anderson 11 and Kali Anderson 10.

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Cooper Fellman

Mounds View Track

Junior Cooper Fellman, sprinter, was credited by coach Ross Fleming as a key contributor for the Mounds View track and field team in capturing the state Class 3A true-team championship on Friday, May 17. Fellman placed third in the 400-meter dash in 50.07 and seventh in the 200 in 22.57. He also contributed to the 4x100 relay team’s fourth-place finish. Fellman won 400 with a personal best 49.54 at the Wayzata Relays earlier this season. His best 200 time is 22.38

Financial Partner”

The Power of Plein Air: the benefit of doing art in nature

Seeing sunbeams after the long dreary winter days, have you been finding your home or studio lacking in inspiration? You might want to try art en plein air.

En plein air is a French expression, meaning simply, “in the open air.” As with most things when said in French, it gains a romantic quality. But it’s not just the language that makes it such a charming practice.

Traditionally, the most frequent practitioners of plein air are landscape painters who leave the studio to come face to face with their subject: the land before them. “Plein air painting is basically working from life,” says landscape painter Dan Mondloch. “When you’re in the landscape you can see the color in the shadows and notice subtle variations that might otherwise go unmissed,” Dan says.

More than just a practice that refines painting

and even has cognitive benefits. Breathing in fresh air, basking in natural sunlight, or feeling rain on your skin can have rejuvenating qualities.

Michele Combs, this year’s judge of WBCA’s annual Into Nature Plein Air Competition, says, “I love painting by water or

Upcoming events

“The Star of Riches is Shining Upon You” Community Reception & Book Release

White Bear Center for the Arts

June 13, 6:30-8:30 PM

“The Star of Riches is Shining Upon You” is Forrest Wasko’s latest photo series. This project delves into the interplay of chance, fate, loss, and one’s relationship to the world around them.

Sandcastles and Creatures

Memorial Beach, White Bear Lake

June 15, 10:00 AM-12:00

PM

Build an original sandcastle, sand creature, or sand sculpture. Bring the whole family, along with any sand tools you want to use, and your imagination!

The 20th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

May 30-June 9

Ten short, never-before-seen plays from across the continent are presented by some of your favorite Lakeshore Players performers. Watch each show and then cast your ballot for your favorite 10-minute play of 2024.

Lakeshore Players Theatre Summer Camps

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

June 10-August 23

From our production camp of Disney’s The Artistocats KIDS, to classes in stage combat, and more, we can’t wait to share a summer of creativity, learning, and, FUN!

the oh-so-sought-after flow state. Michele states, “I go into a zone and become very engaged in the process of painting. It’s a heightened sense of awareness yet relaxation. I feel it takes one away from issues and problems of everyday life and reduces stress.”

While indoor painting is often more convenient and comfortable, outdoor painting can be more social

The Joy of Creating

From the time the earliest humans marked their handprints on the walls of caves, art-making has been synonymous with the human experience. Even in our busy days, we find ways to make art: doodling, humming, dancing, taking pictures, or even composing beautifully

We do art because it feels good, in ways deeper than we even fully understand.

When drawing or painting, you might think you’re merely making forms on a page but studies have shown that engaging in any sort of visual expression has neurological benefits. Art activates the reward pathway in the brain,which then perceives it as a pleasurable activity. Scientists have also found that just 45 minutes of creating art with an art therapist significantly lowered cortisol levels, the hormone related to stress.

So, what type of art should you do? That’s easy: follow your heart. Thanks to art education centers like White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA), art in the community is accessible to most everyone, offering a number of carefully curated classes and programs stimulating connection, creativity, and most importantly, joy.

People are often drawn to ceramics for its versatility, but it’s also therapeutic to the mind and body. It engages our muscles, vision, and imagination. Those who crave movement might explore yoga, which

enhances relaxation and focus, or dance that can help manage pain while being rhythmic and expressive. For those who don’t consider themselves artists, you’re in luck. No matter your skill level, you’ll be able to feel all the good things that come with making art. Studies show that even consuming art in a gallery can help reduce stress, combat loneliness by connecting with the artwork and other gallery goers, and make life a little more meaningful.

Students painting at the OSilas Labyrinth at White Bear Center for the Arts on July 25, 2023.

Photos by WBCA | Contributed

The Joy of Creating: WBCA student Gail Shea creating a sculpture at a clay open studio session at White Bear Center for the Arts.