Shoreview Press

State board praises city for vision

BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERN

The city of Shoreview is the recipient of a Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association award of excellence for the city’s development of the Shoreview Commons community gathering space.

The city’s work was recognized recently by Carrie Anderson of the parks association who presented a plaque to the city council.

The MRPA recognizes individuals, agencies, organizations, or institutions for their excellent, outstanding, or unique accomplishments in recreation, parks, leisure services, and the conservation of the environment.

T-6 Thunder to fly on the 4th of July

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

The T-6 Thunder flight team will be busy this Fourth of July.

“The Fourth of July is crazy,” said Chuck Datko, pilot and founder of T-6 Thunder. “We'll be in Forest Lake, Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Chetek, Wisconsin, flying over Stillwater, and at the parades in Apple Valley and

Chanhassen. Then we polish it off at night in White Bear Lake.”

According to Datko, the T-6 aircraft was first introduced in 1940 and built by North American Aviation. There were 22,000 of them built between 1940 and 1945. They were also licensed to be built in Canada.

The T-6 Thunder began in 1995 when Datko and another pilot were asked to do a fly-over in a

parade.

“We did that, and it was a hit,” Datko said. “Then somebody talked to somebody else and the next thing you know, we had two and then three of them.”

Datko organized a group of other T-6 and SNJ (Navy version of the T-6) pilots in the area to fly in formation at airshows and other aviation events in 1996.

SEE T-6 THUNDER, PAGE 2

Shoreview Commons includes two tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a bus stop, a concrete skatepark, a general skating rink, a grill, a Haffeman Pavilion with 20 picnic tables, a hardcourt/basketball area, a hockey rink a picnic shelter with 2 tables, picnic shelter with three tables, a playground, soccer fields, walking paths, a warming house, and a water fountain.

The Award of Excellence is an annual program of the MRPA that was solely created to recognize agencies and their staff for an exemplary project that was either implemented in 2022 or received substantial revision in 2022. The MRPA currently has nearly 900 professional, corporate, board/ commission, student, and retiree members.

“Shoreview’s vision, innovation, and dedication has created a true community gathering venue the community can be very proud of,” Anderson said. “From a destination playground and skate park to pavilion rentals in the environmental stewardship woven throughout the project, Shoreview Commons has set the mark as a project that stands out as an outstanding award-winning effort.”

The Commons project was nominated for this award by Shoreview’s recreation director Steve Benoit.

SEE CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 5

Decoding Dyslexia: $90 million literacy legislation passes

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

After a decade of advocacy and small yet significant gains, a group of legislators along with a coalition of literacy advocates couldn’t be happier with the passage of The Read Act.

Authored by Rep. Heather Edelson and Sen. Erin Maye Quade, The Read Act will provide $90 million in funding over the next four years to lay the groundwork for school districts to improve literacy rates across Minnesota while also supporting teachers and school districts.

“For 10 years we have been working on initiatives that are central to improving student outcomes and ensuring equity and literacy across our state,” said Rachel Berger, founder of Decoding Dyslexia

SEE THE READ ACT, PAGE 11

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The T-6 Thunder flight team is coming back this Fourth of July. The team has performed hundreds of fly-overs for over 20 years at various events in the Twin Cities area, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

July 4th Events

Whether you’re looking for a stunning display of fireworks or a parade, we have the ultimate guide to local events for this year’s Independence Day celebration.

STILLWATER: (July 4, 8 p.m.) Local band Bootleg will play rock’n roll covers in Lowell Park, fireworks at dusk

BLAINE: ( July 4, 10 p.m.) Fireworks at National Sports Center

WHITE BEAR LAKE: ( July 4, 12 p.m.) Boat parade will lineup at Mahtomedi Beach and go along the south shore of White Bear Lake to the VFW, fireworks at dusk near West Park

FOREST LAKE: ( July 4, 10 a.m.) Parade in downtown Forest Lake, fireworks at dusk Carnival (near American Legion Post 225): July 4: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

ST PAUL: 76th annual 4th in the Park will include a fun run, parade, food trucks, horeshoes, volleyball, pickleball, pony rides, kids activities, live music and more. Event goes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4. Events take place at St. Anthony Park, Langford Park and Como Avenue. Find more information online at 4thinthepark.org.

“Back then there were 14 aircraft and 16 pilots in what I would call the extended area from Fargo, North Dakota, to Mason City, Iowa, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Aberdeen, South Dakota,” Datko said. “These are all privately owned aircraft, and these guys were all scattered around.”

The wife of one of the pilots suggested the name “T-6 Thunder” and it took off from there. By the year 2000, the flight team was doing 20 or 30 events a year.

“We do funerals with missing man formation at Fort Snelling,” Datko said. “We started doing professional sporting events, the Vikings, Twins, University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, University of South Dakota and the Green Bay Packers.”

Datko, of Coon Rapids, is a retired business owner. He has owned a variety of airplanes over the years. His hangar at Anoka County Airport in Blaine has housed a Piper Cub, Piper Apache, Boeing Model 75 “Stearmen,” Piper Cherokee and an L-29 Delfin Jet Trainer, just to name a few. But the aircraft that was most closely associated with him was his T-6 Texan.

“Fuel is the single biggest expense of owning the aircraft,” Datko said. “There are maintenance issues, and these planes are 70some years old to begin with, and they’re meticulously maintained. There’s all sorts of FAA and government requirements. The plane

has to have annual inspections like all aircraft, and they’re quite an investment. They were a little cheaper back then, but not much. But in the last few years, they’ve really gone up in value. The average plane is (valued) somewhere between $250,000 and $300,000.”

T-6 Thunder currently has six pilots — a retired Delta Airlines captain, an orthopedic doctor and surgeon, an eye doctor and surgeon, Datko, a retired businessman and retired astronaut Curt Brown.

“He was a commander of the Space Shuttle Discovery, and he did six missions,” Datko said. “He’s typically my wingman; I usually lead the flights and he’s he’s number two off of my left.”

According to Datko, after World War II, the Lend-Lease Act set up a system that would allow the U.S. to lend or lease war supplies to any nation deemed vital to the defense of the U.S. “Most of T-6s were scrapped,” he said. “A lot of them were given or sold to foreign countries. They were used by 22 foreign countries as their Air Force.”

Datko said one or two T-6 planes crash every year, but there is always someone that is resurrecting one.

“There’s about 400 left in the world,” he said. “I think over 300 are registered here in the United States, but there’s only about 120 flying and you can see about 50 of them if you go to Oshkosh.”

Every summer there is an air-

show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at Wittman Regional Airport. This year’s event is from Monday, July 24, to Sunday, July 30.

Datko is going to turn 79 this year. “I am reaching a point where I am literally going to be forced out of flying because of the fact that when you reach 80 years old, there’s not an insurance company that will insure you, period.”

The future of the T-6 Thunder is up in the air. They did 65 events last year and sometimes have to turn down events due to a pilot shortage — pilots are hard to find these days.

“The T-6 Thunder will just keep going until there’s no more pilots,” Datko said. “Some lose their medical license and we’ve had three pass away. Every year we’re getting older, and then we run up against a bumper where you can’t be insured.”

Flying airshows for spectators is dear to Datko’s heart. He’s not ready to retire from flying just yet. “It’s gone beyond just the flying now,” Datko said. “Now the point is what it means to the people on the ground. I’ve got a box of letters and cards from people thanking us for what we do. The emails that I’ve gotten, especially when we do this at the cemeteries, really touch people. I even get goosebumps myself when I fly over Fort Snelling … my mother and father are buried there.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING

together featuring local fresh produce, handcrafted artisan items, and live entertainment.

SHOREVIEW CONCERTS IN THE COMMONS

When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 14 through Aug. 9. Where: Shoreview Commons (behind the community center) at the Haffeman Pavilion.

Details: These free, open-air concerts draw hundreds of fans to the Shoreview Commons to listen to a variety of music throughout the summer. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and snacks. Dogs are welcome on the condition they are wellmannered, leashed, and waste is to be picked up. On July 5, the legendary variety band will Percolators Way Way Back will perform. On July 12 the Church of Cash will perform a Johnny Cash tribute. The Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club will be collecting eyeglasses and selling Culver’s custard sundaes on July 12.

KIDZ CONCERTS IN THE COMMONS

Sundays, July 9 & 16

Where: Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4941 Long Ave. in White Bear Lake.

Details: Performers tell the fictional story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a wealthy eccentric who suffered under the delusion that she was a great soprano when she was in fact tone-deaf. Ticket information online.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers. org.

CAFESJIAN ART TRUST MUSEUM STORY TIME

When: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 12.

Where: Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum. 4600 Churchill St. in Shoreview.

Lakeshore

LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD

ANNIVERSARY EVENT

When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 25.

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

Details: Join the Guild to celebrate 15 years of quilting.

Contact: LakeshoreQuiltGuild@gmail.com.

SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET

When: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Aug. 29.

Where: Lower parking lot of the Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N., Shoreview.

Details: The farmers market is a weekly summer event that brings the community

When: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, July 5 to Aug. 2. Where: Shoreview Commons (behind the community center) at the Haffeman Pavilion.

Details: Free children’s concerts. July 5 will feature Captain Cool Kid. July 12 will feature Rockin’ Woody.

‘SOUVENIR’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, July 7 & 14; 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, July 8 & 15; 2 p.m.

Details: Spend the morning at the CAT Museum for a story time led by local children’s librarian, Julie Reimer. Families will see our current exhibition, Highlights of the Collection, and then enjoy a reading of a selection of children’s books inspired by objects in the exhibition. One of the books we will read is “Armadillo Antics” by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson.Children will also come home with a coloring book page of a special object in the exhibition: a golden armadillo. Ages 4+. Important to note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Each family only needs to reserve one ticket, even if you plan on bringing more than one child or accompanying adult.

Contact: https://cafesjianarttrust.org/ or (612) 359-8991.

Team USA sled hockey player shares importance of cancer research

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

At the age of 16, Hanna Jorgenson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. After 27 rounds of chemotherapy she was finally cancerfree.

Now, at the age of 29, Jorgenson serves as an ambassador for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that works closely with leading pediatric oncologists to determine the most promising research to fund and that creates funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer.

Jorgenson, a Hugo resident, grew up in Rochester. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in April 2010.

“It was extremely difficult. Growing up, I was super active, super healthy. I was really competitive playing soccer, so it definitely came as a complete shock because there were no warning signs, really. It came out of nowhere,” she explained.

She went to the doctor thinking it was likely some sort of sports injury. “It was a huge shock,” she said.

Jorgenson went through 10 rounds of chemotherapy to find out that her tumor hadn’t shrunk in size. Her best chance of survival was a hemipelvectomy, which was the amputation of her leg, hip and half of her pelvis. After having the surgery in June 2010, she went through another 17 rounds of chemotherapy to make sure there weren’t any cancer cells floating around in her body.

“I was quite small to begin with, so that amount of chemotherapy really took a huge toll on me. I lost a lot of weight, I lost all of my hair; and then going through that massive surgery after doing 10 rounds of chemo was also very difficult. I had little to no energy and I was just really sick,” she recalled. “It was extremely difficult physically. It was a battle.”

Despite the cancer battle, Jorgenson

was able to graduate from high school with her class and went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where she double majored in communications and psychology. After graduating in 2016, she moved back home to Rochester, where she worked for a nonprofit organization while pursuing her master’s degree in communications. She now works in marketing for a company that provides speech devices to those with communication disorders.

While at UMD, Jorgenson discovered sled hockey. “I fell in love with it … It was a lot of fun being able to find another sport to stay active. It is definitely something I missed after losing my leg, so I was really glad that I could find another outlet.”

Jorgenson spent four seasons (20162019) playing for the USA women’s Paralympic sled hockey team.

Two years ago, Jorgenson found out she has Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which is a genetic mutation in her TP53 gene that puts her at high risk for pretty much every type of cancer. Since her risk of breast cancer was nearly 99%, she decided to proactively get a prophylactic mastectomy.

“I’m very fortunate that I know that I have this mutation, but it’s definitely changed the way that I think about my health and just being able to do all the proactive measures has been a blessing,” she explained. “I feel like I’m always going into the doctor to get moles removed and do all these other things to try to stay on top of things, because we know that my risk is so high.”

Jorgenson is one of seven “honored kids” the St. Baldrick’s Foundation selected to serve as ambassadors in 2023, sharing the importance of funding childhood cancer research with the “Cancer-Free Isn’t Free” campaign in honor of National Cancer Survivor Month in June.

“They have a mission that’s very near and dear to my heart. Cancer research, especially childhood cancer

research, is so underfunded, and so being an organization that really focuses on that was huge for me,” she said. “As a childhood cancer survivor myself, I know how difficult going through something like that is, and so being able to support organization that is really focusing on helping kids that are going through things like the things I went through, it was an easy answer for me to say yes, of course, I want to do this.”

How can you help? Jorgenson says people can share the mission, donate, organize events, attend events and advocate for childhood cancer research. For more information or ideas on how to get involved, visit www.stbaldricks.org.

Managing Editor Shannon

Granholm can be reached at 651-4071227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

children

of kids with the most common type of cancer will live, thanks to research

the cancer has already spread to other areas of the body by the time it is diagnosed of childhood cancers exist

of childhood cancer survivors have a chronic health problem by the time they are 50 and 96% have severe or life-threatening conditions.

is the average age for a cancer diagnosis for adults, and 6 for children

the number of children who are diagnosed with cancer worldwide every year

SUZANNE SHEARSON

Guild President Suzanne Shearson quilted this Irish Welcome wall hanging because her husband is very Irish.

CONTRIBUTED

Hanna Jorgenson pictured with her husband Jake and German shepherd Frankie.

Happy anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary this week. I can’t believe it has been eight years.

My husband Patrick and I met through a mutual friend while I was attending the University of Minnesota Duluth. One of my classmates was actually staying with Patrick at the time and I met him in passing many times while hanging out with her. (My husband is originally from Esko.)

Shannon’s Shenanigans

Shannon Granholm

It didn’t take long before we started dating. We were technically only dating for one month before we got engaged. People thought we were crazy, but as cliché as it may sound, when you know you know.

We spent two years saving up for and planning our wedding and on June 27, 2015 we said “I do” at Crystal Lake Golf Course in Lakeville. It was close to 90 degrees that day.

Since that day we have been through a lot together. I often say 2015 was both the best year and worst year of my life. That December, right before Christmas, my dad passed away. At a time when we were supposed to be happy newlyweds with not a care in the world, my whole world fell apart. But Patrick stood by my side, as he always has, and got me through a really tough time.

Throughout the years we have been through job changes and many moves. We have lived in Carlton, West Concord, Oakdale and now Hugo. We have also been through some scary times with our pups, Frosty and Twinkie. When Frosty was just 8 months old, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Thankfully with treatment she was able to get rid of it.

When Twinkie was just 8 months old, we discovered she had a genetic heart defect. If she didn’t have surgery, the doctors predicted she would only live about a year longer. Thankfully, the surgery went well.

Years later when she was 5, another emergency surfaced that required surgery. One of her eyes was not producing any tears. We tried a variety of different eye drops but none of them seemed to do the trick. One day she developed an ulcer on her eye and we had to rush her to the emergency hospital so her eye did not rupture. They had to remove her eye but we are so thankful she is still with us. We have had lots of happy times too, from our mini moon in Okoboji, Iowa to our honey moon in Destin, Florida, to our baby moon Lake City, Minnesota. We have also enjoyed many trips up north as well as attending car shows with my VW bus or Patrick’s hot rod.

Now eight years into our marriage we have welcomed our first child, Royce.

For our anniversary this year, the three of us are going on a dinner cruise with Stillwater River Boats.

Summer festivals

Tis the season for summer festivals. Hugo Good Neighbor Days 2023 is already in the books and White Bear Lake’s Manitou Days wraps up today and Marketfest through July 27. Next up will be Centerville’s Fete des Lacs July 11-16; Shoreview’s Slice of Shoreview July 23-25; Lino Lakes’ Blue Heron Days Aug. 17-20; Vadnais Heights’ Heritage Days Aug. 19-20 and Lexington’s Fall Festival Sept. 22-24. Make sure to check out all of these great events!

Shannon Granholm is the Managing Editor at Press Publications.

Meet ‘Intern 2’ at Press Publications

Hello! My name is Merrina O’Malley, and I am one of two interns at Press Publications this summer. As an inside joke, staff here at Press Publications sometimes refer to me as “Intern 2” thanks to my email address, sort of like Thing 1 and Thing 2.

stories of others as a content editor. I am a heavy believer in the power of literature, and being able to partake in its creation would give me much joy.

I graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School in 2020 and am currently studying at Bethel University to get a major in English writing with a minor in Spanish. I discovered my passion for writing after my first high school English class with Ben Kirkham. He taught me how powerfully I could speak simply by putting words on paper, and pushed me to think and go outside of my comfort zone. Since my time in high school, I have developed an even deeper appreciation for all things literature and writing. In the future, I would love to participate in publishing the

Merrina O’Malley

• Limited to 350 words.

• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• Letter writers are limited to

In my college classes, I uncovered a love for journalism thanks to my professor Scott Winter. I have taken a few classes that have introduced me to the magic of storytelling including one where I learned more about photojournalism and videography. I also went to the Northern Exposure event hosted by the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication. There I heard stories about adventures on the job and miraculous moments caught on camera. This coming year, I will be freelance editing for the campus publication, “The Clarion,” and participating in the creation of the nationally accredited “Textura” magazine. Growing up, I spent much of my time at both my Hugo and Columbus homes. My days were consumed by solving mysteries with Nancy Drew and adventuring across the prairie with Laura Ingalls Wilder. On Saturday mornings, you could find me skating at the White Bear Lake Sports Center and

eating the Loon Omelet at Key’s Café. Nowadays, I spend most of my time writing, perusing the thesaurus, and reading historical fiction. When I am not thinking about writing, you can find me out with my family, creating multimedia collage, or hiking in North Oaks. Although I will only be working a couple days in the office, I look forward to getting to know the local community and meeting lots of new people during my time here. I take pride in my ability to tell a story and I am excited to hone my skills in a more professional setting. From my first day of exploring the print process to sitting in on news meetings, I have already grown to be quite fond of the people here at Press Publications. I am happy to be working with such a supportive team, and am excited to work with them to create great stories. Cheers!

Merrina O’Malley is an intern at Press Publications.

SHOREVIEW PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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.

Merrina’s Margin

CITY COUNCIL: Gets recognition for Shoreview Commons community space

FROM PAGE 1

Other City Council action

• The council approved tree trimmer licenses for Alliance Tree Care Inc and Vital Tree Service LLC.

• $58,128 from the city water fund will go toward the maintenance of the north water tower. City Engineer Tom Wesolowski says the city’s agreement with KLM Engineering, Inc. will be increased by this amount to replace the tower’s old bubbler system with new mixing systems that will prevent the water from freezing.

• Island Lake Golf and Training Center annual liquor licenses were renewed.

• $21,850 from the city’s $150,000 tree removal budget will be used to remove over 20 trees infected with emerald ash borer (EAB) on public property. The increase raises the previous quote of $114,150 with Rivard Companies to $136,000.

• The median landscape beds along Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue North will be mulched. $21,980 from the city’s capital replacement fund will be allocated to Twin City Lawncare

SCHOOL

and Landscape to complete the project. The benefits of mulching will include the restriction of weed growth and the retaining of moisture in the ground to support the trees and plantings. The mulching will also make the medians more esthetically pleasing to passersby.

• Environmental analysis of the city-owned Rice Street crossing property located at 3377 Rice Street will continue after the city entered an escrow agreement with Enclave Companies, LLC to share the cost of continued environmental work by the engineering company Braun Intertec.

• A required public hearing regarding comments on the city’s stormwater pollution prevention program was held to receive comments from the public to be included in the 2022 report to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MPCA). No public comments were made. Natural resources coordinator Krista Billerbeck presented information about the prevention program to the council before the hearing.

Island Lake Elementary gets new principal

A new principal has been selected for Island Lake Elementary School. Pending School Board action, William (Bill) Kuendig will succeed Kristi Abbott, who was recently named principal of Turtle Lake Elementary School effective July 1. Keundig has served Osseo Area Schools for the past eight years, most recently as principal of Oak View Elementary School in Maple Grove, and previously as an assistant principal for four years. Kuendig also worked in administration for St. Paul Public Schools and Wayzata Public Schools. He has seven years of classroom teaching experience in Wayzata and Chicago. He earned undergraduate degrees in German and international studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After a year of teaching English in Chile, he completed a graduate degree in teaching from American University and completed his administrative licensure at Hamline University. He lives in St. Louis Park with his three daughters Audrey (15), Simone (12) and Evelyn (8).

The following students from Shoreview were named to the dean’s List or received academic honors at a college or university for the 2022 fall semester: University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Ella Masso, sophomore, college of journalism and mass communications, advertising and public relations; Hannah Nelson, junior, dean’s List, college of arts and sciences, mathematics.

Waiting Child

Riley,13, likes to spend quality time telling stories and jokes. He is very knowledgeable in many topics and enjoys talking about dinosaurs, science, bugs, and how things are built. Riley has a great imagination and likes putting these thoughts on paper. He loves keeping his hands busy and has a significant interest in Legos, inventing, and building things.

Upcoming Games

Dear readers, Have something you are curious about in the community?

Riley has also shown a great interest in Pokémon and Dungeon and dragons. Riley enjoys reading and does a great job teaching others about his interests. Riley has lots of energy and finds joy in riding his bike, going to the park, hiking, swimming, soccer, 4 square, and downhill skiing.

Riley treasures bugs and creatures and cares deeply about his bearded dragon. He would do well in a two-parent home that can provide structure and routine.

Submit your questions to the news team.

Send your questions to news@presspubs.com

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Thank you.

Submitted by Foster Adopt Minnesota, a state organization whose vision is to have zero kids waiting for permanent loving families, and mission to find and strengthen Minnesota adoptive, foster care and kinship families. To learn more, go to www.fosteradoptmn.org

Members of the Shoreview City Council (from left to right starting in back row) John Doan, Emy Johnson, Cory Springhorn, Parks and recreation director Steve Benoit, Mayor Sue Denkinger, and Shelly Myrland along pose with the Award of Excellence plaque being presented by Carrie Anderson of the MRPA.

Mustang baseball leaders, awards listed

Four Mounds View players were named to the all-Suburban West Conference (SEC) team, headed by junior catcher Drew Rogers, who got the Star Tribune metro player of the year award. Others are Andrew Simon, senior pitcher; Tanner Hoeman, senior second baseman; and Hayden Sperbeck, junior third baseman. Named to the all-

section team were those four and senior first baseman/pitcher Tyler Guerin.

The Mustangs were Section 5AAAA champions and finished 15-11 after two one-run losses in the state tournament.

They were 11-7 in the SEC. Rogers hit .429 with a .589 on-base-percentage (OBP), four homers, 10 doubles, 25 RBIs, 18 walks and seven hit-by-pitch.

Guerin hit .412 with nine doubles, 18 RBIs, 19 runs, six steals and a .494 OBP. Sperbeck hit. 388 with 16 RBIs, 16 runs and a .443 OBP. Hoeman hit .303 with three homers, a triple, six doubles, 23 RBIs, 12 runs and seven steals. On the mound, Simon led with six wins and no losses in 57 innings with 48 strikeouts and a 2.48 ERA. Rogers was 3-3 with

a 2.82 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 37.3 innings. Hoeman was 3-1 with a 4.62 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 16.7 innings. Aiden Bale was 3-3 with a 1.50 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 23.3 innings.

Bruce Strand

VIEW SCHOOL BOARD SNIPPETS

• Summer Academy will no longer be an option for students after this summer and after the School Board decided to end their agreement with the program. Superintendent Chris Lennox says the board is currently working with staff to create alternative summer programs to provide enrichment opportunities for students.

• The 2023-2024 budget was approved by the board. The school board continues to hit a benchmark that is set by the state of Minnesota, staying in the 70% range of each dollar going to direct student support and instruction. 76 cents of each dollar is earmarked for student support and instruction. Lennox says he is pleased with the “balanced” budget the legislature continues to produce with inflation increasing each year.

• Lennox received a positive mid-year superintendent evaluation from the school board.

“In the first true post-pandemic school year, Superintendent Lennox provided the necessary leadership to bring the district back to the basics of student learning,” said Diane Glasheen, school board vice chair. “His management, decision making, professionalism, and drive towards performance were all highlighted this year, and he excelled in all areas.” In response to the evaluation, Lennox stressed that all the work takes a team effort, and credited to all district staff. “We have great people up and down and across this entire district,” Lennox said.

• Northeast Metro School District 916 hired 15 teachers for the upcoming school year, and now only has eight vacancies left to fill. Northeast Metro 916 is also currently building an innovative program allowing special education professionals to participate in training and allow them to take their licensure to the next level. On Aug. 15. Northeast

Metro 916 will be hosting a networking event for all member district equity leaders to come together and share ideas regarding diversity and inclusion in schools.

• “Rock the School House” fundraising event tickets are available for the Mounds View Schools Education Foundation event on Sept. 16 at the North Oaks Country Club. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that organizes events and gives proceeds to the district, with a goal of raising $50,000 each year for school board initiatives. For tickets, go to mvsef. org. The next regular Mounds View School Board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 at the Mounds View District Center.

Sebastian Studier is a summer intern at Press Publications

Connected. In Community. Connected. In Community.

Connected. In Community.

Connected. In Community.

• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!

• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!

• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!

• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!

• Chapel on-site with beautiful

• Chapel on-site with beautiful custom stained glass, offering ecumenical and Catholic services

• Chapel on-site with beautiful custom stained glass, offering ecumenical and Catholic services

• Chapel on-site with beautiful custom stained glass, offering ecumenical and Catholic services

• Recently remodeled assisted living apartments, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care

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COPS&COURTS

COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

• A Blaine woman reported her vehicle struck by another vehicle in a parking lot in the 4500 block of Hodgson Road on May 25. The vehicle didn’t stop to exchange insurance information, but Ramsey County Sheriff’s deputies were able to find that vehicle and talked with the registered owner and exchanged insurance information.

• The Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N. reported graffiti spray-painted on the concrete floor and sidewall of its pavilion May 25. Surveillance video shows three female suspects going to town tagging the pavilion at 6:47 p.m. and 8:02 p.m. on May 24.

• A Shoreview woman, 56, was arrested on warrant May 26 in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. and booked at the jail without incident.

• Harassment was reported again from the 500 block of Tomlyn Avenue May 26, as part of an ongoing previously reported issue. This time the case was forwarded to the city attorney for consideration of charges.

• A burglary was reported in the 3400 block of Richmond Avenue, after a garage door was left open overnight May 26-27. Two male suspects in a white sedan were captured on video stealing multiple items.

• A wallet containing money and identification was reported found May 27 on the walking trail in the 1900 block of Bluestem Lane. After deputies were unable to locate the owner, the wallet was placed into property for safe keeping.

• A Roseville woman reported a cell phone stolen from the cupholder of her unlocked vehicle parked in the 1500 block of Hillview Road while she was visiting family members for three hours May 27.

• A motor vehicle was reported stolen May 30 from a parking lot in the 3500 block of Owasso Street. The vehicle was entered into the National Crime Information Center database.

• An Otsego man, 45, was arrested for assault May 30 in the 4100 block of Snail Lake Blvd., after deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a domestic incident.

• A Shoreview man, 54, was arrested May 30 in the 900 block of County Road I for violating an Order For Protection (OFP).

• A biting dog was reported May 30 in the 3400 block of Milton Street. A rabies quarantine report was completed and a dangerous dog determination paperwork was served.

• A home in the 500 block of Arner Avenue was reported burglarized May 31, after its owner returned home to find items missing and trash strewn around. There was no sign of forced entry or evidence linking the burglary to any potential suspect.

• An Andover man reported a surveying device stolen June 1 while he was working in the 800

block of County Road I. No suspect information exists.

• A Shoreview woman, 35, was arrested for assault June 1 in the 3500 block of Cohansey Street, following a domestic during which she fled deputies. After a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued, the suspect was located, arrested and booked at the law enforcement center. A report was forwarded to the city attorney.

• A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a Kia Soul parked in a driveway in the 200 block of Long Lake Court overnight June 1-2.

• A Shoreview man, 47, was arrested on warrant June 2 in the 5800 block of Hamline Avenue N.

• A dirt bike was reported stolen June 3 from the 1600 block of Hall Street, after a chain link fence was cut.

• Residents in the 3200 block of West Owasso Blvd. reported their golden retriever was bitten by a coyote while the pet was in the backyard June 3. The coyote was last seen running to open space adjacent to Lake Emily and Valley Park in Roseville.

• Deputies were forced to deploy their tasers on a charging German Shepherd June 3 in the 5900 block of Lexington Avenue N. Although the dog was on its owner’s property when deputies approached on the driveway, deputies say they were within their rights to defend themselves from the imminent harm of a dog bite.

• An Arden Hills woman, 29, was cited for misdemeanor theft from the Shoreview Target in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. June 3, after loss prevention personnel detained her for concealing and under ringing $100 in merchandise and passing all points of sale. The shoplifter was trespassed and released from the scene.

• The catalytic converter of a Hyundai Santa Fe parked in a driveway in the 4500 block of Chatsworth Street N. was reported stolen sometime over the weekend of June 2-4.

• Disorderly conduct was reported June 4 in the 5700 block of Robin Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported found June 4 in the 3300 block of Owasso Street. After Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies couldn’t locate its registered owner, the vehicle was towed by Twin Cities Towing.

• A resident in the 1700 block of Oakwood Drive on June 5 reported unemployment benefits filed fraudulently by persons using his identity. The recovery process is underway.

• An iPhone was reported stolen out of its delivery box June 5 in the 4200 block of Victoria Street N. After the victim noticed the phone box empty inside of the shipping container, the serial number of the phone was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

• A Columbia Heights woman reported the catalytic converter of her Mitsubishi Outlander

Sport reported stolen June 6 while it was parked in the Shoreview YMCA lot in the 3700 block of Lexington Avenue N. A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued on the suspect vehicle. A male of no permanent address also reported the catalytic converter of his motor home stolen while the vehicle was parked in the fitness center lot the same day.

• A resident in the 4100 block of Lexington Avenue N. reported a forged check fraudulently cashed against his bank account on June 6. The complainant needed a police report to start the investigation.

• A resident in the 800 block of Sherwood Road reported a fraudulent tax return filed June 7 by persons using her identification information. No money was lost at the time of the report, and the victim is in the process of financial recovery.

• A Shoreview man, 40, was arrested at 1:18 a.m. June 8 near Lexington Avenue N. and Victoria Street N. for fleeing deputies and for possession of suspected methamphetamines, after deputies tried to pull the vehicle over for driving without headlights. The pursuit lasted two minutes and covered 1.2 miles. The subject has been charged in Ramsey County court and faces up to three years in prison and/or a maximum $5,000 fine.

• A resident in the 900 block of Tiller Lane reported being conned out of $12,000 June 8 with the nephew-in-jail scam. The caller claimed to be the nephew in need of bail money, and even came in person to pick up the cash. When in conversation with other family members about the nephew, the victim learned the nephew was never in jail.

• The Shoreview Target in the 3800 block of Lexington Avenue N. reported being passed fraudulent checks June 8. The store thinks they might have identified the suspects, and the case is under investigation.

• A bit pull was reported June 9 for running at large and attacking other dogs in the 3200 block of Woodbridge Street, as part of an ongoing issue.

• A Shoreview man, 44, was arrested on warrant June 10 in the 3100 block of Park Overlook Drive. Deputies described the subject as cooperative and transported him to the law enforcement center.

• A drywall contractor reported being bit on the arm June 10 by the homeowner’s dog at a job site in the 400 block of Tanglewood Drive. During follow up, animal control officers found the dog’s rabies certification to be current. As rabies quarantine protocols continue to be followed, the case remains under investigation.

• A Mahtomedi woman reported the catalytic converter stolen from her Hyundai Tucson while it was parked in a driveway in the 5900 block of Fernwood Street overnight June 11-12.

• A Shoreview man, 42, was arrested at 11:44 p.m. June 10 in the 5500 block of Aldine Street for domestic assault.

READ • REUSE • RECYCLE

Loretta Harding

RAMSEY

Let’s Cut a Deal

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF SHOREVIEW

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fox UTV Holdings (“KMSP-FOX 9”) operates a broadcast tower located at 550 Gramsie Road, Shoreview, MN 55126. KMSP-FOX 9 is planning on performing an FAA obstruction lighting upgrade project to the broadcast tower. This work will entail replacement of the existing nighttime only lighting system and replacement with a dual lighting system that will have white LED strobe lights for daytime tower marking and red flashing LED beacons for nighttime marking (same type of nighttime lighting as being used today). No ground or equipment building work will be conducted as part of this project.

Pursuant to the conditional use permit and operating agreement between KMSP-FOX 9 and the City of Shoreview executed in 1987, the city must provide public notice and an opportunity for public comment on the proposed tower lighting upgrade. Written comments may be submitted to Tom Simonson, community development director and assistant city manager, via email at tsimonson@shoreviewmn.gov or mailed to the address below.

The Shoreview City Council will be considering the proposal at their meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.

Published two times in the Shoreview Press on June 20 and July 4, 2023.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 621 MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA

NOTICE RELATING TO GENERAL OBLIGATION FACILITIES

MAINTENANCE BONDS, SERIES 2023A

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Independent School District No. 621 (Mounds View), Minnesota (the District) intends to issue its General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds, Series 2023A (the Bonds) in a principal amount not to exceed $43,000,000, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section

123B.595, Subdivision 5 and Chapter 475. The proceeds of the Bonds will be used to finance various deferred capital maintenance projects (collectively, the Project), as described in the District’s ten-year facility plan for Fiscal Year 2024 (the Facility Plan). A copy of the Facility Plan will be on file with the District and available for public inspection at the District offices during regular business hours. The total amount of outstanding indebtedness of the District as of June 1, 2023 is $172,370,000. Any interested person may submit written comments relating to the Bonds or the Project to the District.

BY ORDER OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 621 (MOUNDS VIEW), MINNESOTA

Published one time in the Shoreview Press on July 4, 2023.

MOUNDS VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY, MAY 30, 2023

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

Budgets

Bernice Humnick, executive director of business services, presented the 2023-24 projected budgets for nutrition services, community services, capital outlay and debt service funds. While these budgets are an integral part of school operations, they operate financially in separate funds or reserves. These budgets will be included in the final budget document that will be presented to the Board for approval at the June 20, 2023, School Board meeting. Details can be found on the Budgets & Finance page at mvpschools.org after the June 20 Board meeting.

Enrollment and class sizes

Enrollment projections for the 2022-23 school year indicate an anticipated enrollment of 11,270 students. Next fall’s class size projections do not exceed current class size averages. The report can be viewed on the website.

2022-23 District Operational Plan

Superintendent Lennox gave a final report on the 2022-23 District Operational Plan (DOP). The DOP is the annual administrative work plan of the District. It is directly related to the District’s vision and to the School Board’s strategic directions for the year. Superintendent Lennox reported that all of the goals had been met and commended the staff and Board for their hard work.

The DOP can be found on the website.

Updates

The Board discussed issues and updates related to legislative issues and AMSD, and shared updates on their activities and participation in events and committees around the District.

Thank you

The Board accepted with appreciation gifts from Becky Hepola - Travelers match, Ann McRoy, Josephine Assa-Jacobson - KPMG, Steven & Kristi Zwach, Lynne Dolan, Carol Ducharme, Donna Hoilnad Estate - Lisa Hoiland Leitz, Davind Heath, Nextep, Omar Awad, Joanne R. Davis, Jill Loegering, Peter & J.E. Mucha, Rasmussen-Northeast Bank Foundation – Suzanne Sjoselius, Spring Lake Park Lions Club - Amanda Jackson, Jennifer & Brian Bradway, Ann Ackerman, Sally Brown, Michael Anderson Photography - Joanie & Mike Anderson, ImperialDade/Dalco – Barbara Grundman, Mr. Stark and Mr. Davidson, Ramona Holmes, Carley Foundry – Jordan Carley, United Church of Christ New Brighton - Pastor Amy Wick Moore and UCCNB, The North Church - Pastor Vince Johnson and Incarnation Lutheran Church – Pastor Kai.

Updates

The Board discussed issues and updates related to legislative issues and AMSD, and shared updates on their activities and participation in events and committees around the District.

A look ahead June 20, 7 p.m., regular meeting (6:30 p.m. comments to the Board)

Published one time in the Shoreview Press on July 4, 2023.

THE READ ACT: ‘Final piece’ of years of advocacy to change literacy instruction

FROM PAGE 1

Minnesota (DDMN). “This is the final piece, because it changes literacy instruction in our state.”

The literacy legislation is an accomplishment led by DDMN and a coalition of like-minded people and organizations including the International Dyslexia Association–Upper Midwest Branch, The Reading Center, Groves Learning Organization, and many parent advocates.

DDMN was founded in 2013 by Berger, a Hugo resident. She got involved in dyslexia advocacy in 2013 after seeing her father, brothers and son struggle with reading. She founded the nonprofit and was quickly joined by other mothers searching for educational interventions to their children’s learning disabilities. What they found is that the type of training necessary to help dyslexic students was not available in schools, forcing families to shoulder the financial burden of private tutors.

The group’s mission eventually expanded to help all students. “Our students with dyslexia were the proverbial canaries in the coal mine, signaling us to a larger issue,” explained Berger. “Educational environments were struggling with literacy instruction, and we were called to action on behalf of all students.”

Berger explained that when students are identified as struggling readers, the options they are presented with often doesn’t help “close that gap.”

The Read Act will tackle Minnesota’s low literacy rates with a three-pronged approach that includes funding for teacher training, literacy leads and coaching, and curriculum opportunities.

As of July 1, 2023, districts will be required to purchase evidence-based curriculum and intervention materials, also approved by MDE.

Beginning July 1, 2024, every school district will be required to provide teachers with training on evidence-based reading instruction approved by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This training will include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy.

By Aug. 30, 2025, districts must employ or contract with a literacy lead, and MDE must also employ a literacy specialist to provide support to districts working to implement The Read Act.

Dyslexia legislation in Minnesota

• In 2014, the state Legislature passes a tax credit for parents who had to step outside the school system to pay for private reading instruction for their students with dyslexia.

• In 2015, through grassroots advocacy and under the leadership of Sen. Roger Chamberlain, a definition for dyslexia is added to state statute, enabling educators, students and parents to freely use the term.

• In 2017, Sen. Chamberlain becomes a champion for Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota (DDMN), making its priorities his top priority. DDMN passes a bill to hire the first dyslexia specialist within the Minnesota Department of Education. The dyslexia specialist helps

guide school districts and educators on identifying, accommodating and supporting students struggling with characteristics of dyslexia, or a diagnosis of dyslexia. Additional language is passed to identify K-12 students with reading difficulties and provide them alternate instruction that is multisensory, systematic, sequential, cumulative and explicit.

• In 2018, DDMN broadens its grassroots impact by forming a coalition with other like-minded organizations including Groves Academy, The Reading Center in Rochester, and The International Dyslexia Association-Upper Midwest Branch. DDMN continues to build relationships with community members and organizations

“It’s a big deal that the state of Minnesota is investing the money into ensuring that all students have access to regardless of the zip code or socioeconomic status,” Berger said. “This is the summit. Across 10 years, we have had very strategic initiatives that served as the building blocks to the pieces here. And all of those successes were critical to making this year’s bill possible.”

DDMN gives a lot of credit to former Sen. Roger Chamberlain. “I don’t think we would be where we are today with this legislation without Sen. Roger Chamberlain. He took this on, it was a passion of his,” said White Bear Lake resident Heather Smythe. Smythe, a longtime friend of Berger’s, joined forces with DDMN 10 years ago. Her son, who has dyslexia, is now in college.

“We are just a passionate group of parents that wanted to help all kids,” Smythe explained.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.

including Education Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota School Boards Association and other interested groups to increase impact and support at the Legislature.

• In 2019, DDMN and its coalition pass two bills. One bill requires all higher-education institutions begin instructing their teacher-prep candidates on dyslexia. The other bill requires screening for K-2 students not reading at grade level, and students in grade 3 or higher who demonstrate a reading difficulty.

• In 2021, DDMN and its coalition pass a $3 million grant for teacher training. This enables the first cohort of 2,500 educators across the state to become trained in the science of reading.

Important literacy facts:

• Dyslexia is a condition of neurodevelopmental origin that mainly affects the ease with which a person reads, writes and spells. One in five people have dyslexia.

• The science of reading is an extensive body of research and evidence over multiple decades that proves how the brain learns to read.

• The process of reading is the same for everyone — no matter your color, disability, socioeconomic status or motivation.

• Research indicates 95% or more of students can learn to read proficiently.

• Nearly 50% of Minnesota students cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade. For more information, visit www.decodingdyslexiamn.org.

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.

Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

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Julia Fixsen flies to NCAA pole vault championship

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

Julia Fixsen has been close before. But this time, the Mounds View graduate soared all the way to the top as the NCAA pole vault champion.

Fixsen, a Virginia Tech junior, cleared a personal best 14 feet, 7 1/4 inches at nationals in Austin, Texas, on June 9 for the gold medal.

Nastassja Campbell of Washington cleared the same height, but not until her third attempt. Fixsen, before a large rooting gallery from home, made it on her first attempt. The exciting event lasted until 10:30 p.m. “I had 15 family members here, so it was kind of a little bit of pressure for me to do well,” Fixsen told FloTrack.com. “I really appreciated them cheering me on every time. Being able to greet them when it was all over and take lots of pictures was really great.”

Fixsen placed third in the NCAA indoor meet in 2022 with 14-7 5/8, and fifth in the NCAA outdoor meet that year with 14-5 1/4. In 2021, with Georgia, where she started her college career, she battled injuries and placed 11th at indoor nationals. In 2020, she was NCAA indoor runner-up with 14-7 1/2.

This season, Fixsen was 11th in the NCAA indoor

meet with 14-1 1/4 and won the Atlantic Coast Conference meet with 14-4 3/8. She was actually ranked just 10th entering nationals but saved her best for last.

Virginia Tech had four of the top 15, led by Fixsen, in the event.

Coach Bob Phillips, quoted on Virginia Tech’s website, said, “I am especially happy for Julia. She finished the indoor season fighting through some pain, so to see her pain-free at the end of the outdoor season and to watch her hard work and patience pay off with both the conference and national titles was outstanding.”

In high school, Fixsen won state titles in 2017 and 2018. Her vault of 13-9 1/4 in 2018 remains the state record. Bruce Strand is a sports writer for Press Publications. He can be reached at bruce.a.strand@gmail.com or 651-407-1200.

Mustangs in college

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

Brett Bateman of Mounds View was the Minnesota Gopher baseball team’s Most Valuable Player and was named to the all-Big Ten second team for the 2023 season. The junior center fielder and leadoff hitter led the Gophers in batting average with .354 (67-for-189), on-basepercentage with .450, and OPS (onbase and slugging averages combined) with .857. He tallied 29 runs (one behind the team leader), 31 walks (two behind the leader), 12 RBI’s and 10 doubles. In center field, he made 125 putouts, five assists and zero errors — and made ESPN

SportsCenter’s top ten plays of the day (he was No. 4) with a leaping catch at the wall against Houston on March 18 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Bateman batted .312 as a sophomore starter and .250 as a freshman parttime player. The Gophers, who’ve been struggling in recent seasons, had a 10-14 Big Ten record and 18-34 overall.

Will Rogers, who was rated the state’s No. 1 baseball prospect in 2021 as a senior at Mounds View, struggled in his sophomore season at Arizona State this spring. Rogers hit .167 (15-for-90) with three homers and nine RBI’s in 34 games for the Sun Devils (32-23). In his freshman

season, he hit .299 with nine homers and 25 RBI’s. A couple highlights for Rogers this season were walkoff game-winning hits against San Diego State (basesloaded single) and North Dakota State (home run). Signed as a catcher, Rogers has been playing left field so far at ASU. He also made seven appearances as a relief pitcher this season, giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Joel Smith  and Josh Sampson were standouts on the Bethel track team. Smith, a junior, placed second in the 400-meter hurdles NCAA Division III meet May 2527 in Rochester, NY. His time was 50.88. Smith

and Sampson, a sophomore, ran on the 4x400 team that placed sixth in 3:10.17. In the MIAC meet May 12-13, Smith won the 400 hurdles in 52.01, Sampson won the 110 hurdles in 14.38, and their 4x400 team won in 3:14.39.

Ty Koehn,  Bethel fifth-year senior pitcher and infielder, hit .336 with five homers, seven doubles, 26 RBI’s and 26 runs in 42 games, as a graduate student. He had a 4-2 mound record and 4.38 ERA in 37 innings. In his career with the Royals, Koehn hit .331 with 163 hits, eight homers, 96 runs and 100 RBI’s in 168 games. He posted an 11-7 pitching record and 3.53 ERA in 137.7 innings.

Blake Guerin, freshman first baseman on the Iowa baseball team, got into 21 games (four as a starter) and hit .290 with nine hits in 31 at-bats, including five doubles and a home run. He had 41 putouts and no errors. Guerin’s first college homer gave the Hawkeyes a 5-4 lead in the region finals against Indiana State on June 5. The Hawkeyes lost that game 11-8, ending a strong 4416 season.

Ryan Edelman, St. Olaf track-andfield freshman, placed second in discus with 147-0 in the MIAC meet. His season best was 152-1 for fourth place at the Bethel Invitational.

Mustang girls win relay at Nike Nationals

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

CONTRIBUTED

The winning four-by-one mile team, from left: Maya Francisco, Taylor Isabel, Linnea Ousdigian and Emily Mehta.

A Mounds View girls group placed first in a four by one mile relay at the annual Nike Nationals meet while also doing well in individual 5,000 meters, mile and half-mile races in Eugene, OR, June 15-18.

Linnea Ousdigian, Emily Mehta, Maya Francisco and Taylor Isabel each ran just over four laps (a mile each). Isabel ran a superb anchor mile. She got the baton in third place, 22 seconds behind a Michigan team and two seconds behind a Montana team. Isabel, a Gophers recruit, quickly grabbed second place and started closing the gap on the leader. She took the lead and out sprinted the Michigan anchor to the tape. Their total time was 21:30.49.

On Friday, three of the girls ran a 5K on the track for the first time. They all beat their best cross country 5,000 times. Among 35 runners, Isabel placed eighth in 17:08.26, Ousdigian 15th in 17:43.73, and Mehta 21st in 17:53.62. In that event, which began at 9 p.m., fans were given cowbells to stand close to the track and cheer the runners on as they ran 12 1/2 laps.

Also making the trip was Abby Urriola, 8th grader, who ran two middle school races, placing 21st of 70 in the mile on Thursday in 5:23.83 and 25th of 77 in the 800 meters Friday in 2:25.58. Both were personal bests.

The St Odilia Knights boys and girls track and field team took home two Catholic Athletic Association (CAA) state track championship trophies. Beating out some 19 other schools at the state meet, held at St Thomas Academy, it came down to the wire for the boys team while the girls team had a steady lead throughout the meet. The team is coached by Patricia Savre (Shoreview) and John Savre (Roseville), along with Patty O’Brien (St Odilia fourth grade teacher), Ken Nikolas (Shoreview) and Jake and Jenny Remitz (Roseville).

Mounds View girls track coach Jimmy McArthur orchestrated the Mounds View contingent, who ran under the name Mounds View TC as a club team. Last year, Isabel and Mehta raced at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Boys contingents have gone to multiple Nike track and cross country meets but did not participate this time.

VIRGINIA TECH

Julie Fixsen yelped for joy after clearing 14-7 1/4 in Austin.

ONTRIBUTED