Readers vote north metro wellness coach as ‘the best’
BY MADELINE DOLBY EDITOR
Each year, Press Publications hosts the “Reader’s Choice Best of” competition, asking locals to vote for their favorites, ranging from the best cup of coffee to the best boat landing and everything in between. Rising to the top of the Best Wellness Coach category in the Shoreview area was Emma Lara.
Lara grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota. After high school, she attended Beth-
el University and received her degree in nursing. She worked in the Twin Cities for a bit before becoming a travel nurse.
In 2021, Lara moved back to the area with her husband.
At the same time, Lara had just begun to start her own business as a wellness coach.
“It was a super exciting transition for me to find coaching,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed nursing a lot. Coaching is really caring for the whole person, not just the physical side.”
A wellness coach helps their clients achieve their health and wellness goals by providing guidance, support and accountability. This can be through having the client set goals and make lifestyle changes to improve their physical and emotional health. A wellness coach can help education clients on topics such as nutrition, exercise, behavioral health and stress management too.
“With my background as a nurse, I’ve loved caring
for people,” Lara explained.
“There is an emphasis on caring for the whole person, but I always just felt like that opportunity was very rare to talk to someone, and really care for their emotions and their spirit and their mental health unless that was their presenting problem.”
She jumped around different specialties in nursing trying to find the right fit for her.
Someone who knew
A spooky trail walk and more at the Boo Bash
Shoreview author, and local sailor, Marlin Bree was inspired to write his upcoming book based on an experience he had sailing while on Lake Superior. In his lifetime, he has published 25 books. His upcoming book, “fangssS” will be his 26th and part of the Climate Change Chronicles.
Press Publications recently sat down with
We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!
AUTHOR Q AND A: New book inspired by an incident on Lake Superior
FROM PAGE 1
Bree to learn more about his upcoming book.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: I’m a former editor with the Minneapolis Tribune and an amateur boat builder.
I built a wood-veneer and epoxy sailboat beside my home in Shoreview. It took seven years. The sailboat was for many decades a familiar sight, merrily bounding about on White Bear Lake. I have just turned 91. I maintain an author’s guild website at www.marlinbree.com, which has many pictures of my boat, myself and some of the places we’ve been.
Q: What inspired you to write ‘fangssS’?
A: It began with an incident on Lake Superior. As I sailed my 20-foot wooden sloop across the U.S./Canada border, the sky began turning an ominous black. From out of nowhere, something grabbed my mast and shook my whole boat. A solid wall of wind slammed into us, and Persistence skittered out of control across the waves. The bow depressed into the water, dug in and I was thrown into the air. I landed in the cabin, a sharp pain circling my ribs. Crawling back to the cockpit, I wrestled the helm to head the small craft downwind, deeper into the world’s largest freshwater lake. We rode out the storm until the derecho’s front-line downbursts had passed and
I turned up Persistence’s engine and began fighting back to a nearby island. We had survived – Gerry’s Lucky Fender had done its job. Or something had. Later, when I had returned with my trailerable sailboat to Shoreview, I got a call from NOAA which was setting up the first Derecho website for the “new” storm, and I learned what a dangerous piece of weather I had been in. This derecho had downbursts estimated at 123 mph, and the NOAA scientist was amazed that my vessel had survived the spooky, strange and ever-changing weather. “We don’t get a chance to talk to many people who have been in this storm,” he added, and I smiled. My adventure is now on the NOAA website about derechos, and I am listed as a contributor. I did a book, “Wake of the Green Storm,” which talked about the derecho, and I recall talking with my New York Agent who told me to include plenty of pictures when I was out in the storm. “Sorry,” I said. “I was a little busy at the time.”
Q: How did you come up with the concept?
A: After surviving the rare, progressive derecho, I became especially alert to news of changing weather. Wild storms at sea taking down even big boats. Gene Johnson, Publisher Emeritus of the Shoreview Press, told me he lost his boat to a storm
and is now taking charge to clean up the earth – dooming mankind. Deep underground in a cave not far from South Dakota’s famous dinosaur digs, a lone explorer discovers something strange and menacing: a remnant of a prehistoric killer that was once nature’s alpha assassin. Nature had kept these killers alive deep in the earth and was now grooming them for their new role to clean up the earth. They would be the foot soldiers, so to speak, to clean up the earth after the weather –especially the killing heat –wreaked its toll.
Q: How does this book differ from your other works?
in Florida. Double-digit heat killing millions. Wildfires. Hurricanes. It was clear that climate change is turning into a climate crisis, with scientists warning: “We are waging a constant war on nature. But when will nature strike back?” They cite that millions of years ago, nature killed off 75% of all species five times – and nature may have already begun on its sixth cleansing. Does that sound remote and sciencefictiony? We are now living through the hottest and most humid summer in history in which millions of people have suffered and died.
In “fangssS,” nature has passed the tipping point
A: My most famous book is “Alone Against the Atlantic,” which chronicles the stormy Atlantic crossing of White Bear teacher Gerry Spiess in his home-built 10-foot plywood boat.
My newest book is fiction. Most of my published works are nonfiction books. An adventure-action-disaster book needs, like the novel, “Jaws,” to have a terrible villain. The bigger and badder the villain, the better the book. In “fangssS,” the desperate fight for survival begins between nature’s prehistoric killers and humanity, all told with fastmoving plotting, real-to-life characters and underlaid with menacing climate
danger issues. At stake is the fate of all people on earth.
Q: What was the most challenging part about writing ‘fangssS’?
A: Overcoming anxiety. I remembered my experiences years before writing “Alone Against the Atlantic.” The manuscript by Gerry Spiess and myself was handled by a New York agent and we thought that selling the book would be a shoo - in. But we kept getting rejections from New York publishers like, “who wants to build a tenfoot plywood boat and sail the Atlantic?” Apparently, no one. After rejection after rejection, we were tossed out on our own. I began looking at our own vibrant Twin Cities publishing community and finally settled upon a computer company that set up a publishing division as part of a “barter” system to sell its computers. Control Data Publishing got the book into the mainstream of buyers and the book made best-seller lists. It also made Reader’s Digest worldwide Condensed Books.
Q: Where can people buy your book?
A: “fangssS” is available on Amazon. Happy reading ---and a few shudders as menacing climate change comes alive.
Compiled by Madeline Dolby
CONTRIBUTED
The front cover of Marlin Bree’s new book, “fangssS.” The cover design is by Shoreview designer, Theresa Gedig.
Alexandra House’s ‘passion project’ becomes reality
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Press Publications shared survivor Candice Amundson’s story about domestic violence a couple of years ago, but there is one story that has yet to be told — the story of an English bulldog named Linus. “We always talk about the humans and the people, but we never really think about the animals,” Amundson said.
Amundson adopted Linus in 2016 as a puppy at the time her son was around 3 1/2 years old. “He did everything with us. We took him everywhere,” she recalled.
Amundson wasn’t the only one who spent eight years of her life living in constant fear. The incident that ended it all was when her then-partner not only tried to strangle her, but also their child. (See “Domestic Violence Awareness Month: First step is talking about it,” Oct. 12, 2022.)
“(Linus) was there with us when it happened and didn’t stand by my side and protect me; he ran away and he was hiding under a table,” Amundson recalled. Linus, who had experienced abuse himself before, was afraid. After that incident, if there was ever a loud noise, Linus would run and hide in the bathroom or under a table. “I saw firsthand how domestic violence can affect an animal,” she said. “Being in an environment where it’s unknown and people are yelling or people are hurting people, it’s really scary for them.”
Amundson never sought shelter because she didn’t want to leave Linus behind.
“There was a lot of retaliation, and I think power and control around the dog,” she explained. “I believe that if we would have left and left the dog behind, something could have happened to him … I knew that it wasn’t going to be an option to leave him.”
One day, Amundson went to Alexandra House’s campus in Blaine and had a vision of making the
shelter pet-friendly. She did some research and stumbled across the Greater Good Charities on RedRover. She took a six-hour course on how to make the domestic violence shelter pet-friendly and then pitched the idea to Alexandra House.
Tina Bronson, director of mission advancement at Alexandra House, said it has long been a dream of the organization to do something like that, but it has been difficult to secure the necessary funding.
“We have been talking about this for years. We were trying to do a capital campaign to do this back in 2017 when we lost our United Way funding,” she recalled. Ultimately, Alexandra House will need approximately $15 million to renovate and expand its Blaine campus to create a shelter with individual residential units.
Alexandra House continues to look for funding and grant options, but it has successfully secured nearly $100,000.
Linus’ Pet Haven will be a full-service pet refuge that can house six pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) while the family seeks housing for themselves or other temporary care for pets. In partnership with the Animal Humane Society, Linus’ Pet Haven will provide co-sheltering, routine veterinary care, enrichment areas for families and pets to interact, and outdoor runs for exercise and relief. Alexandra House is seeking additional rescue and low-cost veterinary partners to support the initiative.
Bronson says Alexandra House typically gets about three to five requests each month from survivors who are looking to leave their abusers but have a pet they would like to bring with them. “We have had to tell them that we are not set up for that … and we never hear from them again, and that is devastating,” she said. “We had one survivor who left to go grocery shopping and was planning to leave but hadn’t said anything, and while she was gone the abuser killed their dog.”
Linus’ Pet Haven will be the first of its kind in the Twin Cities. There are many options when it comes to housing pets, but most of those require people to
be separated from their pets. “They are part of the family,” Bronson explained. “We know that having animals with us is healing and therapeutic … they can heal better together than alone.”
Linus’ Pet Shelter is anticipated to open in January 2025. For more information, visit www. alexandrahouse.org.
Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or quadnews@presspubs.com.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
MEOW RESCUE
When: Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20
Where: The Café Meow, 1718A Lexington Ave. N., Roseville
Details: Weekend dedicated to raising funds and awareness for animal recuses through various engaging activities.
Contact: thecafemeow.com/events
ONGOING EVENTS
SHOREVIEW FARMERS MARKET
When: 3-6 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
CURRENT EVENTS
BIG TRUCK AT FAMILY STORYTIME
When: 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9
Where: Ramsey County Library-Mounds View, 2576 Mounds View Blvd.
Details: Mounds View Public Works will come over in one of their trucks to do a special story time. Suitable for ages 2-5.
Contact: 651-724-6004
GALLERY 96 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9
Where: Ramsey County Library- Shoreview, 4560
Victoria St. N.
Details: Celebrate Gallery 96’s 25-year anniversary. The fall show “Artist’s Choice- Past & Present” will be in display.
Contact: info@gallery96.org
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD SATURDAY SEW-IN
When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Ramsey County Library-Shoreview, 4560
Victoria St. N.
Details: Lakeshore Quilters will be working on their own quilting projects. Stop in to see what is being worked on.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
PUZZLE PALOOZA
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Mounds View Community Center, 5394 Edgewood Dr.
Details: Put your skills to the test and compete for prizes. Teams up to four will compete to complete a 500-pece jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time. Puzzle will be provided. Contact: 763-717-4040
THE ENJOYABLE EVENING SERIES
When: 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14
Where: Galilee Lutheran Church, 145 McCarrons Blvd. N., Roseville
Details: One for the Road Jazz trio performs. The group will perform music from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Free admission and refreshments. Contact: www.galileelutheranelca.com
CLIMATE TALK- DR. MARK SEELY
When: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St.
Details: Join Minnesota climatologist Dr. Mark Seeley for his presentation: To learn what we know and don’t know about Earth’s large-scale climate features and how they control various weather patterns. Registration required. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
RAMSEY COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS: FALL INTO WINTER
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16
Where: Ramsey County Library-Shoreview, 4560
Victoria St. N.
Details: Learn about how to put your garden to bed in this class, with information about what to do for your garden and landscape between October and
February.
Contact: 651-724-6006
PAINT WITH ME: SPOOKY FRIENDS
When: 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St.
Details: A young person along with their grandparent, parents or other adult will create a painting together on one canvas. Suitable for children five and older. Registration closes one week before class.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19
Where: Ramsey County Library-Mounds View, 2576 Mounds View Blvd.
Details: Anyone 18 years or older, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. Bring your family tree.
Contact: 612-283-1971 or 518-928-7819
LAKESHORE QUILTERS GUILD MONTHLY MEETING
When: 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Church (rear entrance, Door G), 3920 Victoria St. N., Shoreview
Details: Lori Adamietz will be our guest speaker and she will present Fabric Collage Trunk Show with Tips and Techniques. Lori will bring a selection of Patterns and Supplies for sale to expedite our collage experience.
Contact: lakeshorequiltersmn.org
500 CLUB TOURNAMENT
When: 1-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22
Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St.
Details: Light refreshments will be served, lunch is not included. You must register for the tournament with a partner. Cash prizes for 1st through 3rd place.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov
BOO BASH
When: 3-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: McCullough Park, 955 County Road I., Shoreview
Details: Enjoy trick-or-treating, a spooky trail walk, music, bonfire with build your own s’mores and a photo station. Registration required.
Contact: shoreviewmn.gov/parks-rec
Candice Amundson’s dog Linus is the inspiration behind Alexandra House’s new project, Linus’ Pet Haven. The petsafe shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence is schedule to welcome its first residents in January 2025.
Support Journalism signs
LPublisher’s View
Carter Johnson
ast week I had a nice conversation with a resident asking what the “Support Journalism” signs are. It was just a few years ago that a resident suggested we offer the community an opportunity to support journalism here locally and be recognized for it with a yard sign. Twice a year we ask for a subscription and on the form there is a spot to write in any amount that you would like us to apply to help support local journalism. Last year we had over 350 who participated, with support ranging from $1 to hundreds of dollars. In a time when the internet is still the wild west and big tech giants operate as a monopoly and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is be forced on us daily. All of this is posing a threat to the journalism with lack of accountability, accurate and truthful information, your support of local journalism helps provide everyone in our community access to a free newspaper with relevant, honest, real local reporting.
If you are reading this column and are a regular reader this paper, then presumably you get something from it each week that matters to you. If you do, please consider supporting your Press newspaper with an annual subscription, or check the box to “Support Journalism” by sending in any amount. We are happy to deliver a yard sign to anyone who supports journalism at the $100 level and wants one.
Homecoming anticipation
We participated in some of the Homecoming festivities over the weekend. Our son is a senior, so we are keenly aware that this is the last time we will attend these events, with the exception of maybe a football game.
As seniors, the kids have become better at making their own plans for the weekend. Parents tend to be among the last to find out where and when photos are to be taken before the Homecoming dance. We have so many scenic spots around here, but golf courses are a favorite spot for groups to take photos. With our local golf courses tied up with weddings, the group my son was with ended up going to a public golf course in Woodbury to take photos. So did every student in Woodbury, it seemed. There were literally busloads full of dance-goers being dropped off. It’s always fun to reconnect with the other parents there taking pictures, many whom we have known over the years but don’t see as often now that the kids are older and independent. We all look like the paparazzi. The venue made sense because his group of 50 had a reservation at a restaurant nearby, apparently the only place that would take that many. I can’t imagine what the wait staff went through with all the requests for seperate checks. It seems today’s high school youth make pretty good decisions when it comes to making plans and arranging rides to dances and parties. I think all parents breathe a sigh of relief when these events are over and everyone makes it home safely after a fun night.
Go Mustangs!
Carter Johnson is publisher at Press Publications.
Community journalism starts with community
Running a local newspaper can be one of the most frustrating, worthwhile, mundane, exciting, demanding, rewarding endeavors you can take on. Sounds great, kids, doesn’t it?
Movers & Shakers
Adam Strunk
This year, we received the honor of a request to tell our story as part of National Newspaper Week. The week serves to highlight the important work local newspapers do in their communities and remind people nationwide of the value local news provides What’s our story? Many of you know it already. We were dumb kids, or in Bruce’s case, a dumb man, who started a business in Newton, Kansas, with the idea that a community would pay for and support a locally owned newspaper filled with local news. Start-ups are increasingly common today. In 2015, our idea was regularly greeted with the question, “You’re doing what?”
Naivete rarely gets rewarded in the business world. But for us, it was what allowed us to move forward. There’s a statistic that is bandied around. Roughly two out of 10 Americans have met or spoken to a journalist. It usually gets cited in various think pieces about the decreasing trust of the public in the media. People who’ve met a journalist are much more likely to trust what’s reported in the news than people who have not. We don’t doubt that statistic. But we don’t think it holds quite true in Harvey County. We don’t think we’d be in
business if that statistic was true.
When we opened, we hired Wendy Nugent, a long-time area journalist who’d met and interviewed residents of the county. Since working for us, she’s written roughly 2,800 feature stories over her nine years. She’s met a lot of people. Bruce Behymer, the marketing dude, was a lifelong Sedgwick native. And he knew just about everybody. It’s still difficult to have a conversation with him in a public setting without at least three people interrupting to say hi. Three of us moved here for the first time, though Lindsey Young did a stint at Bethel College many years ago.
As we opened, we endeavored to be everywhere, speaking at local clubs and senior centers, even selling subscriptions from a truck tailgate at the farmers market.We did this because we knew that if we could just communicate with many people what we were doing, people would believe in it and support us.Over the years, all of us got to know the community and the readers.We’d think that a good many of you who take this paper have spoken with us on the phone when buying a subscription, stopping in the office to chat, or doing an interview with one of our reporters. You might have had us take your ticket or pour you a beer at our annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue concert. You might have attended one of our monthly Press Club mingles. We invite subscribers to come by the office and come to a mingle, in part so they can get to know us better.
We’d hazard to say, at this point, the majority of our readers know at least someone at the paper. That’s by design. And that’s been important to us. To us, local journalism isn’t about watching a community succeed and struggle from afar.
To us, local journalism is a way to participate in a community we care about by providing useful information, as well as a little bit of accountability, entertainment, and joy along the way.We want what’s best for the community, because it’s our community, filled with our readers, our friends, and our neighbors.
There’s a joke that everyone hates Congress but loves their congressperson. To us, we’ve seen that with the paper. Many of our readers are skeptical of national media, but they support the paper. “You’re one of the good ones,” is a compliment that we’re perhaps happy to get but makes us cringe just a tad, as well. We’re not doing things too much differently than some bigger publications. But we are visible, accessible and around. And in doing so and in covering issues the way we’ve done over the years, we have the trust of many of you. A lot of trust. That’s not something we take lightly.
So if we’ve earned anything over our time and have to leave with one thought, it would be that we believe newspapers have a key impact on our communities. They keep the government honest. They keep people informed and connected. They provide a snapshot of life, far outside social media bubbles. They advocate, desire to right wrongs, and seek to make where they operate a better place. We thank you all for giving us that opportunity, we thank you for your support, and we look forward to filling this role for many years in the future. We hope you view our publication not only as a window to the community but an important part of its structure.
Adam
Strunk is the managing editor of Harvey County Now.
SHOREVIEW PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES
• Election season is considered to be when filing first begins until the day of the election.
• Limited to 350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.
• Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement letters are labeled, “paid letter.”
• Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.
• Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification.
• Letter-writers must live, work or have another
connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable source.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid endorsement letters will be published as space permits.
• Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.
• Letters reprinted as part of letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.
• All letters are subject to editing.
• We reserve the right to not publish any letter.
• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.
• The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 5 election will be printed in the Oct. 22 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.16.
• To submit a letter, email news@presspubs. com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Understand the issues BRAVO!
I was very impressed with your column on the editorial page. You hit the nail on the head with your explanation of all the issues we need to be aware of. Your information is never discussed on most news channels and is barely covered or not at all during the debates!
Whenever I’m talking to neighbors, I always urge them to do their own research from ALL RESOURCES. However, I doubt if they do. Thank you.
Tom Pnewski Shoreview
PAID LETTER House District 40B candidates on education
I attended the House District 40B candidate forum between Paul Wikstrom and Curtis Johnson and my concern was education in the state of Minnesota, particularly in Shoreview ISD 621 and Roseville ISD 623.
At the forum, Curtis Johnson—current
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Roseville school board member since 2018— said our schools “… have been and are great.” I recall that at the 2021 school board candidate forum he declared, “I promise that we will not return back to normal, we will return back to better.” Mr. Johnson, our schools have not returned back to better. During your tenure as a Roseville School Board member, you’ve delivered failures and broken promises. And now you want a promotion to the Minnesota House?
Here is the Roseville Area High School (RAHS) and district “scorecard”:
• RAHS math proficiently is 38%, reading proficiency 46% and science proficiency 33%.
• Only 69% of students attend school regularly compared to the state average of 75%.
• F rom Roseville Area High School, college readiness is only 33%! Meanwhile, graduation rates continue to climb, currently about 90%.
• Roseville Area High School is now ranked
Historic Lepak/Laron House opens for tours this fall
The Lepak/Laron House will be open for tours at various dates through November. There will be a tour from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17.
Visitors will be able to tour the main floor, which has been transformed to a 1930’s era farmhouse. The first floor is handicapped accessible. The upper level of the home will not be part of the tour.
The museum is located at 1170 Lepak Court, Shoreview. Registration for a tour is not required.
Gallery 96 honors 25 years with fall art show
Gallery 96’s fall art show, “Artist’s Choice − Past & Present,” will be on display at the Shoreview Library starting this October to celebrate its 25year anniversary.
Each member is encouraged to enter one piece of art that represents their work as an artist over the past 25 years. It can be a favorite work of art that has been shown in a past Gallery 96 show, or a new piece of art on any subject that represents their current work.
There will be an anniversary celebration from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday,
COUNTY BRIEFS
Charter Commission seeks new members
The Ramsey County Charter Commission is seeking applications from Ramsey County residents who are interested in joining the commission for Districts 3, 4, 6 and 7 for a full term that will expire on Nov. 5, 2028. Interested residents may request an application form by calling the Ramsey County Probate Registrar at 651-266-8148, emailing Laura Stevens at Laura.Stevens@courts.state.mn.us or requesting it in person at the Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Room 107, St. Paul. Applications are available until Friday, Oct. 18.
No. 72 of high schools in Minnesota.
• Within the Roseville School District third grade reading is 43% and eighth grade math is 33%!
During Curtis Johnson’s tenure since 2018, third grade reading proficiency has dropped by 11% and eighth grade math proficiency has dropped by 15%. Mr. Johnson, the Roseville schools are not great.
In contrast, Paul Wikstrom has made excellent points that point to an allocation problem in education. Since 2000, district administrative staff in Minnesota public schools is up by 32%. Compare that to teacher growth of only 5%. The money isn’t getting to the teachers and the classroom. I agree with Paul. We don’t have a funding problem. We have an allocation problem!
Paul Wikstrom is the clear choice for HD40B. Source: US News and World Report and the Minnesota Department of Education.
Joyce Thompson Shoreview
Oct. 9, at the Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N. Entry judging will take place, and cash prizes will be awarded to contestants.
Curbside mattress collection set for October
Shoreview will partner with Second Chance Recycling and Ramsey/ Washington Recycling & Energy to offer free curbside mattress collection for a month this fall.
There will be a four-mattress limit per household. Curbside pickup will begin Monday, Oct. 14, and run through Monday, Nov. 18. Check the city and Second Chance Recycling’s websites for more information on how to sign up.
Lawn to Legumes applications open for spring
Applications for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes are now open for Minnesota residents. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for atrisk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30. Apply online at bluethumb.org/ lawns-to-legumes/apply.
Free youth open youth hockey available at TCO
Ramsey County residents can enjoy pickup hockey at TCO Sports Garden at various dates in October. Dates include:
• 3:40-4:40 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
• 4:50-5:50 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20
• 9:50-10:50 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Youth open hockey sessions are free and open to ages 18 and under for all skill levels. Full protective gear is required.
TCO Sports Garden is located at 1490 County Road E., Vadnais Heights.
CORRECTION
In the last edition of the Shoreview Press, the incorrect candidate responses were published in the Voters’ Guide. Minnesota House 40B candidate Paul Wikstrom’s answer to the third question was not the answer he submitted, due to an error in the layout process. As a courtesy, his correct responses can be found on page 9. The Press apologizes for the error.
CITY BRIEF
Mounds View selects single trash, recycling hauler
The city of Mounds View has selected Lakeshore Recycling Services as the city’s single hauler under an organized collection system for trash and recycling services. This change will set uniform pricing for all residents, including discounts for seniors, veterans and active public safety personnel. The city will move forward with a single hauler if residents approve a ballot measure in November about moving to organized collection. For more information, go to mvtrashservicesplan. org.
IRA Charitable Distribution
Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving
Building a Better Community through Charitable Giving
The Foundation at Work in Our Community
Make a tax-free gift to the Shoreview Community Foundation from an IRA in 2019
Individuals who are age 701/2 or older can make gifts of up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to one or more qualified charities, without paying federal income tax of the withdrawal. This option provides tax savings to donors even if they do not itemize deductions.
Details:
By connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of Shoreview, the Shoreview Community Foundation enriches our quality of life. The Foundation provides grants according to predetermined guidelines to non-profit organizations or units of governmental from its permanent endowment fund.
• Donors must be age 701/2 or older at the time the gift is made.
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.
• The funds must be transferred directly to a qualified public charity. It is important not to withdraw the funds before making a gift.
• Gifts cannot be used to fund a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.
• Each donor may give up to $100,000 per year.
There are many options for making undesignated or designated, tax deductible gifts or bequests by will or trust.
• Gifts can be used to satisfy the donor’s required minimum distribution.
• Donors can exclude the distribution from income on their federal tax returns. If they do, they will not receive a charitable income tax reduction.
• To qualify for tax-free treatment, donors cannot receive goods or services, or a personal benefit (such as tickets for events) in return for the IRA charitable distribution.
The YMCA Shoreview is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. A generous grant from the Shoreview Community Foundation allowed the kids from Shoreview to enjoy a great summer outside learning and growing with other kids. They had the chance to participate in swimming, hiking and exploring our beautiful Minnesota woods and prairies.
Contact the Shoreview Community Foundation at: www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org
Your donations make a difference! To support our mission, visit: www.shoreviewcommunityfoundation.org.
The Shoreview Community Foundation does not give tax or legal advice. We recommend that donors consult their own professional tax advisor before making a gift.
The SCF seeks to maintain, enhance and enrich the quality of life in Shoreview by connecting the generosity of people who appreciate Shoreview with the evolving needs of the community
For further information visit: www.shoreviewcomunityfoundation.org Facebook.com/theshoreviewcommunityfoundation
Our thanks to the following for a successful ski swap.
White Bear Press
Hi Tempo
Coach Fred Feirn
Team Captains
Team members
Ski team families
The community
COPS&COURTS
RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Shoreview:
• A Minneapolis woman, 34, was cited Aug. 23 at the intersection of Lexington Avenue N. and Gramsie Road for driving without a valid driver’s license, after she crashed and wrecked her brother’s vehicle such that it had to be towed from the scene.
• A wallet was reported lost at a gas station in the 3500 block of Lexington Avenue N. on Aug. 23.
• Management of a liquor store in the 1000 block of Highway 96 on Aug. 23 reported a female for stealing three bottles of alcohol from the establishment.
• A vehicle in the 700 block of Mercury Drive was reported broken into Aug. 24, resulting in the loss of a car key, a house key and credit cards.
• A resident in the 3300 block of Lexington Avenue N. at 7:10 a.m. Aug. 24 reported hearing a loud bang outside her home. Deputies arriving on scene found a handprint on the complainant’s front door. No arrests had been made at the time of the report.
• A resident in the 4000 block of Hodgson Road on Aug. 24 reported fraudulent activity on one of her credit card accounts.
• Deputies on Aug. 24 responded to the report of a fight at the Shoreview Community Center in the 4500 block of Victoria Street N. and identified three participants to be interviewed at a later date.
• A resident in the 5800 block of Rice Creek Parkway reported that someone driving an errant, hitand-run vehicle overnight Aug. 25-26 had struck a light pole outside her house and knocked it down.
• Domestic abuse in the 1300 block of Willow Creek Lane was reported Aug. 26, as part of an ongoing issue.
• A White Bear Lake man on Aug. 26 reported that he put money down on a rental apartment in the
300 block of Bridge Street, but never heard anything back from the people with whom he left the money.
• A Blaine woman at 10:09 p.m. Aug. 26 reported her ex-boyfriend for refusing to leave an apartment in the 3400 block of Kent Street following an argument.
• An adult male was arrested for domestic assault at 11:28 p.m. Aug. 27 after he hit his girlfriend, choked her and threatened her with a gun before leaving a residence in the 1000 block of Cannon Avenue. He was booked into the Ramsey County jail before being charged by the city or county attorney.
• A resident in the 400 block of Snail Lake Road on Aug. 29 reported his computer and phone hacked. The case is under investigation.
• A Blaine man, 21, was cited for speeding Aug. 31 in the 5800 block of Lexington Avenue N.
• A 35-year-old Elmhurst, N.Y., man was arrested for disorderly conduct Sept. 3 in the 1000 block of Island Lake Avenue after deputies found out that he had falsely reported an assault, refused to leave the scene, became disorderly and threatened to make his way to a nearby restaurant to cause more problems.
• Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies cited a Forest Lake man, 70, for speeding at 8:25 a.m. Sept. 3 at the intersection of Highway 96 and Victoria Street N., after he was clocked driving his black Chevrolet Traverse at speeds higher than the posted limit.
• A White Bear Lake woman at 9:02 a.m. Sept. 3 in the 4300 block of Victoria Street N. reported that someone stole the cell phone she had sent to her home.
• A Roseville woman, 18, was arrested for theft at 1:41 p.m. Sept. 3 in the 3800 block of Lexington
Avenue N. after she was caught shoplifting from the Target store.
• An Ixonia, Wisconsin, man reported hit-and-run to his vehicle parked in the Target lot at 8:34 p.m. Sept. 3 while he was shopping inside the store.
• A dispute over a bank deposit was reported at 2:56 p.m. Sept. 4 from the 5600 block of Erik Lane.
• Deputies responded to the report of three people rummaging through vehicles that didn’t belong to them at 4:39 a.m. Sept. 5 in the 500 block of Suzanne Avenue. Deputies identified one suspect who was sitting in his vehicle.
• The owner of a black BMW reported hit-and-run to his vehicle at 10:50 a.m. Sept. 7 while it was parked outside his home in the 1300 block of Woodcrest Avenue.
• A resident in the 200 block of Jansa Drive at 12:33 p.m. Sept. 6 reported the neighbors for letting their cats roam the neighborhood. One of the cats was singled out for frequenting the complainant’s home, pouncing on the window and aggravating his cats. An animal control officer spoke to the cats’ owner about keeping the pets off other people’s property.
• A Shoreview man, 22, was cited for speeding in the 4000 block of Mackubin Street at 6:28 p.m. Sept. 6.
• A Shoreview man, 51, was cited for speeding at 7:05 p.m. Sept. 6 in the 1000 block of County Road I.
• An Eden Prairie man, 54, was cited for speeding at 4:46 p.m. Sept. 8 at the intersection of Rice Street and Rustic Place.
• A Hugo woman reported her purse stolen from one of the outdoor benches by a fountain while she and her daughter were taking photos outside the Shoreview Community Center in the 4600 block of Victoria Street N. at 6:32 p.m. Sept. 8.
Loretta Harding
PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF NORTH OAKS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BUILDING HEIGHT EXCEEDING 35 FEET FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4 SHERWOOD TRAIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of North Oaks will hold a PUBLIC HEARING at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in the Community Room, 100 Village Center Drive, North Oaks, MN 55127 at its regularly scheduled meeting to consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit for the construction of a new home with a height greater than 35 feet in height from grade for the property located at 4 Sherwood Trail, North Oaks, MN 55127.
Members of the public may participate in the public hearing by:
1. Attending the meeting in person and providing public comment during the public hearing;
2. Attending the meeting remotely and providing public comment via zoom at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85424837696 ; or
3. Submitting written public comments by emailing City Administrator Kevin Kress at kkress@northoaksmn.gov by October 17, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Public comments submitted in advance will be accepted into the record as part of the public hearing.
Questions regarding the public hearing, including about remote participation opportunities, should be directed to City Administrator Kevin Kress, 651-792-7750. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on October 8, 2024 CITY OF NORTH OAKS NOTICE OF LAKE AERATION TO PREVENT WINTERKILL AT GILFILLAN LAKE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of North Oaks has applied for an aeration permit for Gilfillan Lake to prevent winterkill. The aerator is located on the NW side of the lake at 8 Poplar Lane, North Oaks, MN, 55127 – Section17, T30N, R22 W, Ramsey County. The aerator helps add oxygen to the water in Gilfillan Lake. When lakes freeze over in the winter and become iced over, no new oxygen can make its way into the water. When it snows on the ice no sunlight can reach the underwater plants, and they cannot make oxygen. When oxygen levels get too low, fish can suffocate, causing a winterkill. Aeration on Gilfillan Lake will cause thin ice and/or open water. Pay attention to warning signs, and use extreme caution on Gilfillan Lake.
Questions regarding the aeration permit should be directed to City Administrator Kevin Kress at 651-792-7750 or emailed to kkress@ cityofnorthoaks.gov .
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on October 8 and 22, 2024.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT LAKEVIEW DRIVE WATERMAIN EXTENSION PROJECT NO. 23-04 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the council of the City of Shoreview will meet at the City Hall Council Chambers, 4600 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Ramsey County, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, October 21, 2024, to consider, and possibly adopt, the proposed assessment for the above improvement. The proposed assessment roll is now on file and open to public inspection by all persons interested at the Office of the City Engineer, 4600 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota.
The general nature of the above improvement is extending the watermain approximately 400 feet west of Lakeview Drive, north of Tanglewood Drive. The properties proposed to be assessed are listed below:
817
is $103,487.61. The proposed amount to be assessed is $29,525.00.
Such assessment is proposed to be payable in equal annual installments extending over a period of 15 years, the first of the installments to be payable on or before the first Monday in January 2025, and will bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per annum from the date of the adoption of the assessment resolution. To the first installment shall be added interest on the entire assessment from the date of the assessment resolution until December 31, 2024. To each subsequent installment when due shall be added interest for one year on all unpaid installments.
Written or oral objections will be considered at the meeting.
An owner may appeal an assessment to District Court pursuant to Minnesota Statute 429.081 by serving notice of appeal upon the Mayor or City Manager of the City within 30 days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court within ten {10) days after service upon the Mayor or City Manager; however, no appeal may be taken as to the amount of any individual assessment unless a written objection signed by the affected property owner is filed with the City Manager prior to the assessment hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing.
Persons who are 65 years of age or older or are permanently and totally disabled may make application for a deferral of assessments to be levied against homestead property if a hardship can be established pursuant to Minnesota Statute 435.193 through 435.195 and the provisions and guidelines of the City of Shoreview Resolution No. 75-120.
Assessment deferral forms are available at the Shoreview City Hall.
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
/s/ Brad Martens, City Manager
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on September 24 and October 8, 2024.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON VACATION OF PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT ON LOT 1, BLOCK 1 SHOREVIEW ESTATES PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. 412.851
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a hearing will be held before the council of the City of Shoreview at the City Hall Council Chambers, 4600 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Ramsey County, Minnesota, at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, October 21, 2024, to consider a proposed vacation of public utility easement, legally described as:
All that part of the 6’ utility easement as delineated and dedicated on Lot 1, Block 1, SHOREVIEW ESTATES, according to the recorded plat, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
/s/ Brad Martens, City Manager
Published two times in the Shoreview Press on September 24 and October 8, 2024.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF AERATION SYSTEM
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Notice is hereby given that the City of Shoreview will commence operation of the pond aeration system located within the Shoreview Community Center Pond the week of October 28, 2024.
The Shoreview Community Center Pond is located northeast of the Shoreview Community Center, which is located at 4580 Victoria Street North in Shoreview, Minnesota. Published two times in the Shoreview Press on September 24 and October 8, 2024.
CITY OF SHOREVIEW
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Shoreview Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024 in the City Council Chambers at Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, Minnesota to consider a text amendment to Chapter 200 of the
Development Regulations in the Shoreview Municipal Code.
APPLICANT: City of Shoreview
LOCATION: City wide
PROPOSAL: To amend Chapter 200 of the Shoreview Municipal Code to establish adult-use cannabis zoning regulations in compliance with MN statute.
Persons who want to submit written comments on this proposal can email Allison Eddins, Senior Planner, at aeddins@shoreviewmn.gov. All written comments received before October 18th will be included in the staff report. Those who wish to give oral testimony are invited to attend the meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd at 7:00pm.
Residents are encouraged to call the Shoreview Community Development Department at 651-490-4682 after Thursday, October 18th to find out where this item will be located on the meeting agenda. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL
/s/ Brad Martens, City Manager
Published one time in the Shoreview Press on October 8, 2024.
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
NOTICE OF STATE LAND SALE
Notice is hereby given that state lands located in Aitkin, Cook, Itasca and St. Louis Counties, as described below, are hereby offered for sale by the Commissioner of Natural Resources. The lands will be sold at public auction as required by Minn. Stat. Ch. 92 and 94. The auction will be held online at MNBid.mn.gov, the Department of Administration Surplus Services online auction site.
Bidders are advised to obtain property data sheets and be familiar with the property, price, and terms and conditions of sale prior to bidding at the auction.
To obtain a property data sheet, visit mndnr.gov/landsale or call (651) 2595432, (888) 646-6367 or email: min.landsale@state.mn.us. In all inquiries, please specify the property number.
Online Auction begins Thursday, November 7, and closes Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Property 01260: The Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 12, Township 52 North, Range 26 West, Aitkin County, Minnesota.
Property 16264: That part of Government Lot 4, Section 30, Township 62 North, Range 1 East, Cook County, Minnesota, lying easterly of the southerly extension of the west line of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 30. Subject to easement.
Property 31253: Outlot A, BURROWS LAKE LEASED HOMESITES SOUTH, Section 10, Township 58 North, Range 25 West, Itasca County, Minnesota.
Property 31254: Government Lot 8, Section 10, Township 58 North, Range 25 West, Itasca County, Minnesota, excepting therefrom all that part platted as BURROWS LAKE LEASED HOMESITES SOUTH.
Property 31259: The South 40 rods of Government Lot 2 and the South 4 rods of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; all in Section 22, Township 53 North, Range 25 West, Itasca County, Minnesota.
Property 69060: Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 16, Township 52 North, Range 15 West, St. Louis County, Minnesota, and that part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 16, lying northeasterly of the centerline of County Road 48. Subject to road easement.
General Statement of Terms of Sale: The following is a summary of terms: Please obtain the document Instructions for Online Auction, Terms and Conditions of Sale on the DNR Land Sale web page, or by email or phone as outlined above. The property data sheet details the comprehensive terms and conditions of sale. Bids for each parcel will start at the minimum bid, which is the appraised value plus sale costs. Any bid for less than the minimum stated will be rejected. The successful bidder must pay 10% of the bid amount within ten government working days of the award. The successful bidder must pay the balance of the purchase price within 90 days from the close of the auction. Published one time in the Shoreview Press on October 8, 2024.
Fall turkey hunting runs through Oct. 27
The Minnesota fall turkey hunting season offers hunters a challenge and another way to experience the outdoors. Fall turkey season is open through Sunday, Oct. 27.
Hunters are allowed to take one turkey of either sex during the fall season. Fall turkey hunters may use a crossbow, bow or shotgun afield. More information about fall turkey hunting is available on the
Minnesota DNR website, mndnr.gov/hunting/ turkey.
Statewide youth deer season returns Oct.
17
Youth deer season will take place statewide Thursday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 20. To participate, youth must be 10-17 years old and have a deer license. Parents should purchase or obtain a regular deer hunting license for each youth who will be hunting. An adult parent, guardian or mentor must accompany youth ages 10-13.
All hunters and mentors must follow the blaze orange/pink clothing requirements. Fabric or synthetic ground blinds on public land must have a blaze orange safety covering on top of the blind that is visible in all directions.
Adults may not hunt, unless they are in an area open during early antlerless season and have a valid license. Complete youth season details are available on the Minnesota DNR website at mndrv.gov/ hunting/deer/youth. html.
SALE!
•
Q.
A.
Minnesota’s
and ensure that law enforcement is fully funded AND supported. Bring academic proficiency back to public education. Since 2019, under Governor Walz: reading proficiency is down 16%, math proficiency is down 17%, science proficiency is down 23%. Mississippi’s fourth grade reading proficiency is higher than Minnesota’s! And Minnesota spends $6,000 more per student than Mississippi!
Q. If elected, how would you involve the public in making major decisions?
A. I will involve the public by listening to their needs and concerns. I will be available to support and advocate for the public. I will use public input to inform my analysis and legislative decisions. My agenda will align with the needs of our district. I will provide every possible opportunity to provide the public with access to my official activities and duties. Most importantly, I will work tirelessly to bring TRANSPARENCY to the legislative process.
I have heard too many stories of residents who feel that they
do not have a voice and are note being heard by their civic or state leadership. The political leadership in Minnesota needs to stop taking the residents for granted! If elected, I will represent the district!
Q. If elected, what legislation do you plan to support during your term and why?
A. Initially I will focus on learning the legislative process, and on my three campaign priorities. I will support and advance legislation to stop the excessive spending and ensure that the legislature is living within the means of the Minnesota taxpayers! I will work to establish a fraud crime stopper hotline that identifies fraudsters and results in convictions.
I will examine every aspect of law enforcement to better understand its’ needs, and opportunities to improve effectiveness. I will have the back of law enforcement in the State of Minnesota! For public education I will work to ensure that school districts are fully funded, with decision making pushed down to the district level. I will work to arrest the excessive rate of administrative spending while supporting the teachers who are increasingly burdened with bureaucracy and disorderly classrooms. We must focus on the students who are there to learn!
HIRING
PINE TREE APPLE ORCHARD
presented her with an opportunity to try nurse coaching for free through a friend. Lara agreed to try it.
“As I did it, I was like, ‘Wow, I think I should look into this and see if this is something I’d be interested in,’” Lara added.
The first program Lara took to become a wellness coach was the Nurse Coach Collective, which specifically helps nurses become coaches. It was a six-month program that required 60 hours of coaching and 120 hours of learning modules. She also has completed two certifications and a training program.
“Coaching really helps ask some of those deeper questions so you can start to make those changes and find out what’s holding you back from living the life that you want to,” she explained.
Lara added that the most rewarding part of her job is the “light bulb” moment for clients
she works with. She said when the client finds the thing that is holding them back, she can see their eyes light up and have a “light bulb” moment.
“It’s not just worrying about the past,” Lara said. “It’s like, ‘How can I make changes in the future and become who I want to be?’”
Recently, she has been focusing
her sessions on the idea of happiness, specifically how to find it and what that looks like for her clients. She also helps clients focus on boundaries, communications and values, such as self-worth and self-identification.
When Lara found out she was a winner in the “Best of” competition, she said she was surprised and was really touched to be nominated.
“It really warms my spirit,” she explained. “My clients tell me during the session that it’s making a difference for them, but to be nominated feels very affirming.”
To learn more information about signing up for a session with Lara, go to www. emmalarawellnesscoaching.org.
Madeline Dolby is editor of the Shoreview Press. She can be reached at 651-431-1226 or shoreviewnews@presspubs.com.
New date — same amazing holiday home tour
BY KATHY CARLSON ANDERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Members of the North Oaks Children’s Hospital Guild 1 have been hard at work preparing for their annual Holiday Home Tour and Boutique. This year, the tour features two majestic homes with stunning decorative and architectural detail. This is a tour not to be missed!
The houses are large, so there are many returning and some new decorators. One of the returning decorators, with new owners, is Hummingbird Floral. Hummingbird Floral has been a major contributor to the home tour for many years. Former owner and North Oaks resident Lugene Olsen was very passionate about the tour. According to Judy Cognetta, Guild Home Committee member, “Lugene was so important to our tour. We are so thrilled that the new owners want to continue the tradition!”
Hummingbird Floral’s new owners, sisters Melissa Thompson and Jessica Thompson Hicks, have a long history in the community. They grew up in Shoreview and are graduates of Mounds View High School. Their parents still live a couple of blocks from Hummingbird Floral.
Melissa is excited to put their personalities into the tour designs. “The trend this year is neutral, eco-friendly, with lots of wood and pine cones. Loose swags of greenery are also very popular this year. They can be draped from a chandelier, placed on a mantel or used to embellish a counter.”
Kowalski’s will be a decorator in one of the homes again this year. According to Teresa Curran, gift and floral director at Kowalski’s, “For this holiday season, we are keeping with our Minnesota roots and creating a classic Northwoods feel. We will be using evergreen and almond color palettes to create a cozy space with beautiful velvet, wood and knitted accents to simplify and elevate traditional holiday picks.”
The Holiday Home Tour and Boutique takes place a week earlier this year. The tour runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Buses will depart from and return to the North Oaks Golf Club. The boutique takes place at the golf club and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A buffet luncheon will be available at the golf club on both days. Make luncheon reservations by calling the golf club directly at 651484-8585. Visit the tour website: google “North Oaks Holiday Home Tour” for more information and to make a donation or purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. Tour proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital Association.
CONTRIBUTED
Hummingbird Floral will be featured at this year’s tour.
2024 White Bear Area Senior Health Fair
Advanced Dermatology
651- 484-2724
Cerentiy Senior Care
651-232-1818
Cub Pharmacy WBT
651-426-5006
The Lodge at White Bear
651-779-9255
The Waters of White Bear Lake
651-313-6440
Twin Cities Pain
952-209-8140
Cardigan Ridge Senior Living
651-484-8484
Canvas Health
651-777-5222
Harbor Crossing
651-762-6121
Honsa Funeral Home
651- 429-6172
Blue Cross Blue Shield
651-662-3428
Liberty Oxygen
651-789-7500
Maple Hill
651-252-3690
Organize Right to Size
651-587-9400
White Bear Senior Center
651-407-7501
Donatelli’s
651-777-9199
White Bear Foot and Ankle
651-426-3995
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
651-429-7202
THURSDAY 4 PM
THURSDAY 4 PM
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, tr uck, or SUV to assist the blin d an d visually impair ed. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Herita ge for the Blin d Today at 844.220.9501 today!
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SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Topof-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FR EE shower pa ckage and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Finan cing available. Call Safe Step 833.96 6.3882
I BUY OLD MUSIC and concert po sters, movie posters, lobby card s and photos and pre-1970 comic books. 213/944-9601 streetsof2024@gmail.com
Wanted to Bu y WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612.72 0.2142
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
20% off en tire purchase. Plus 10 % senior & military discounts Call 833/489-0260
GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERN ET! Free in stall, free HDDVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call toda y! 855.562.4309
HUGE ESTATE SALE Antiques, tools, & more 3136 Hafner Ct Shoreview, Thurs – Sun Oct 10th - 13th 10th thru
BUSINESS BRIEF
Mister Car Wash takes over former Arby’s site
A Mister Car Wash will take over the former Arby’s located at 3751 Lexington Ave. N., Arden Hills. The new car wash will be approximately 5,400 square feet with a single-story drive-through conveyor type express car wash with self-service vacuums.
Mister Car Wash has over 460 locations across 21 states, 33 of which are open or under development in Minnesota. Construction is underway, with a potential grand opening in early 2025.
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
Fall activities round up, spooky trails and pumpkin patches
As the air becomes cooler and the days become shorter, it can only mean that fall is upon us. We have accumulated a list of local orchards, pumpkin patches, and fall activities that offer a variety of fall fun for you and your family and friends to enjoy this season.
SCARECROW TRAIL
When: Thursday, Oct. 24- Friday, Nov. 1
Where: Community Park, 641 East County Road F., Vadnais Heights
Details: Local businesses, organizations and residents will install scarecrow creations along the trail. Stop out any time to view the entries, then come back here to vote for your favorite. The trail is free and open to the public during park hours
Contact: 651-204-6000
HALLOWEEN PARTY
When: 5- 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25
Where: Community Park, 641 East County Road F., Vadnais Heights
Details: Put on your favorite costume and join the community for a party under the lights. Costume parade through the scarecrow trail, free games and treat bags will be provided.
Contact: 651-204-6000
PINEHAVEN FARM
Where: 28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming
Details: Stay busy with over 30 activities and adventures like picking pumpkin, blasting apples, swimming through a massive corn pit, zooming down a zipline and more.
Contact: pinehavenfarm.com
DEAD END HAYRIDE
Where: Pinehaven Farm, 28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming
Details: Minnesota’s premier haunted hayride experience. After encountering horror scene while on a hayride, guests are dropped off to explore by foot dozens of more sets and haunted houses. Contact: pinehavenfarm.com
THE GREAT PUMPKIN TRAIL
Where: Pinehaven Farm, 28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming
Details: A family-friendly half-mile trail features over 10,000 intricately carved and glowing pumpkins creating a fall adventure and sights. Wander through a pumpkin tunnel and explore themed areas. Tickets can be purchased online or at Pinehaven Farm.
Contact: pumpkintrail.com
JOYER ADVENTURE FARM
Where: Waldoch Farm, 8174 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes
Details: Open through the end of October, the farm offers pick your own pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides through the pumpkin patch and more.
Contact: 651-780-1207
ZIERTMANS PUMPKIN FARM
Where: 5761 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo
Details: Pick out the perfect pumpkin for fall. Also offers corn stalks, five kinds of squash, gourds, mini pumpkins and decorative corn. Pumpkins range from 2 lbs to 200 lbs.
Contact: 651-779-9134
SCHILTGEN FARMS
Where: 12800 15th St. S., Afton
Details: Over 75 varieties of locally grown pumpkins and a corn maze.
Contact: 651-503-5629
PLEASANT VALLEY ORCHARD
Where: 17325 Pleasant Valley Road, Shafer
Details: Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins on the weekend. The apple shed contains a variety of goods, such as caramel apples, baked goods and more.
Contact: 651-257-9159
AFTON APPLE
Where: 14421 90th St. S., Hastings
Details: Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Includes a 15-acre corn maze, hayrides, a playground, petting farm and 15 varieties of pick-your-own apples, fall raspberries, several types of pumpkins and more.
Contact: 651-436-8385
AAMODT’S APPLE FARM
Where: 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater
Details: Pick your own apples and enjoy wine tasting and wine-making tours. Activities also include a train or wagon ride through the orchard and a goat farm. Grab a goodie or two from the apple barn and bakery.
Contact: 651-439-3127
RIVERTOWN TERROR TOUR
When: Various dates through Oct. 26
Where: Charlie’s Irish Pub, 436 Chestnut St. E., Suite #422, Stillwater
Details: Join in the spirit of the Halloween season. Visit sites around the historic Stillwater area to hear myths and legends while interacting with the very ghosts they are based on.
Contact: 651-430-0352
SUNNYBROOK APPLE ORCHARD
Where: 9085 Jeffrey Blvd. N., Stillwater
Details: Pick a variety of apples, from Honeycrisp to SweeTango. Visitors are also able to enjoy miles of trails.
Contact: sunnybrookappleorchard.com
SUNRISE RIVER FARM
Where: 7602 Wyoming Trail, Wyoming
Details: Pick your own apples, check out the farm market or take a hayride through the orchard. Contact: 651-462-8220
APPLECREST ORCHARDS
Where: 7306 24th Ave. N., Hugo
Details: Over 10 acres of land that is comprised of a variety of Minnesota-grown apples. Gift shop with local products and fresh baked goods on the weekends.
Contact: 651-583-5209
PINE TREE APPLE ORCHARD
Where: 450 Apple Orchard Road., White Bear Lake
Details: During the fall, the orchard offers a corn maze, pick you own pumpkins, a large variety of apples, homemade bakery products, fresh cider, gifts and more.
Contact: 651-429-7202
MUSTANG SPORTS BRIEFS
SWIMMING
Stillwater handed the Mustangs (5-1) their lone loss (92-86) on Sept. 26, taking the Suburban East Conference lead. Stillwater won nine of the 11 events. Mounds View’s Ellie Bina won the 200 free (1:53.94) and 500 free (5:02.58). The Mustangs beat Park 100-76 last week, mixing up the lineup against an overmatched opponent. Kara Gorzek had first place finishes in the individual medley, butterfly and two relays. Other event winners were Kaitlyn Walker (50 free), Tyler Ostrom (diving), Bina (100 free and backstroke), Annika Schwartz (500 free) and Riley Bury (breaststroke).
GIRLS SOCCER
Mounds View finished fourth of 10 teams in the Suburban East Conference with a 5-3-1 record after going 1-1-1 in the final week of the regular season — a 2-0 win over Roseville with Ivy Nystrom and Liliana Peleska scoring, a 1-1 tie against No. 5 ranked East Ridge with 13 saves by Finja Poecher and a goal by Pakou Yang, and a 1-0 loss to No. 6 Spring Lake Park (nonconference). They lost to Class 2A’s No. 3 ranked Mahtomedi 3-1 with Taylor Whitehall scoring. The Mustangs (8-7-1 overall) are seeded No. 3 in Section 5AAA and will host Roseville on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
The Mustangs finished 2-6-1 in the Suburban East Conference (SEC) and will take a 5-10-1 overall mark into sectionals starting Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Champlin Park, 7 p.m. The Mustangs
were 2-2 in their last four SEC games, beating Irondale 5-4 with Max Ohmann, Sean Oh, Zach Hoyt, Jacob Sosnouski and Everett Wynn scoring, and Roseville 2-1 on goals by Wynn and Ali Ahmed. They lost to Woodbury 6-0 and East Ridge 2-1. On Saturday, Oct. 6 they closed the regular season thumping Spring Lake Park 6-1.
VOLLEYBALL
Mounds View fended off White Bear Lake 25-11, 21-25, 25-18, 26-24 at home with Emma Nordeen and Victoria Kurilov rattling off 14 kills each while Kurilov notched six blocks, Rylee Loween 39 assists and Kaydence Keller five aces. The Mustangs are 12-8 overall after winning two of four matches in the St. MichaelAlbertville tournament Friday and Saturday.
TENNIS
Mounds View has capped its seventh straight unbeaten season in the Suburban East Conference and is top seeded in the Section 4AA tournament that is currently under way. The Mustangs — 8-0 conference, 15-3 overall, ranked third in the state — won their last two SEC matches over Forest Lake 7-0 and East Ridge 6-1. Against Forest Lake, Rory Wahlstrand won a close duel of state qualifiers over Lucy Saari 4-6, 7-6, 12-10. The Mustangs beat Totino-Grace 6-1 in the sectional on Thursday. They faced Hill-Murray on Monday, the winner advancing to finals Wednesday.
Bruce Strand
This Week In SPORTS MUSTANGS SCOREBOARD
CROSS COUNTRY
Results last 2 weeks
Boys 2nd of 21 teams at Alexandria
Girls 2nd of 20 teams at Alexandria
• Coming up
Tuesday, Oct. 15: Suburban East meet, Loggers Trail GC, Forest Lake, girls 3:30 p.m., boys 4 p.m. FOOTBALL
Results last 2 weeks
Mustangs 50, Woodbury 7
Mustangs 35, East Ridge 14
Record 4-1 conference, 4-2 overall
• Coming up
Friday, Oct.11, at Park, Cottage Grove, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 17: St. Michael-Albertville, 7 p.m.
SOCCER, BOYS
• Results last 2 weeks
Mustangs 5, Irondale 4 Woodbury 6, Mustangs 0 Mahtomedi 2, Mustangs 1 Mustangs 2, Roseville Area 1 East Ridge 2, Mustangs 1 Mustangs 6, Spring Lake Park 1
Record
2-6-1 conference, 5-10-1 overall
• Coming up
Section 5AAA
Tuesday, Oct. 8: at Champlin Park, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct.10: Mustangs or Champlin Park vs. Spring Lake Park or Osseo at high seed, 7 p.m.
SOCCER, GIRLS
• Results last 2 weeks
Mustangs 4, Irondale 1 Woodbury 4, Mustangs 0
Mahtomedi 3, Mustangs 1
Mustangs 2, Roseville Area 0
Mustangs 1, East Ridge 1
Spring Lake Park 1, Mustangs 1
Record
5-3-1 conference, 8-7-1 overall
• Coming up
Section 5AAA
Tuesday, Oct. 8: Roseville Area, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10: Mustangs or Roseville vs. Spring Lake Park or Irondale at high seed, 7 p.m.
SWIMMING
• Results last 2 weeks
Stillwater 92, Mustangs 86
Mustangs 100, Park 76
Record
5-1 conference, 5-1 overall
• Coming up
Thursday, Oct. 10: Woodbury, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 15: at White Bear Lake, 6 p.m.
TENNIS
• Results last 2 weeks
Mustangs 7, Forest Lake 0
Mustangs 6, East Ridge 1
Mustangs 7, Irondale 0
Section 4AA
Mustangs 6, Totino-Grace 1 Vs. Hill-Murray (Monday)
Record
8-0 conference, 15-3 overall
Coming up
Wednesday, Oct. 9: Mounds View or Hill-Murray vs White Bear Lake or Stillwater, championship, Lifetime Fitness, White Bear Lake, 1:30 p.m, Thursday, Oct. 10: singles and doubles at Lifetime Fitness, 8 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Results last 2 weeks
Mustangs def. Irondale 25-14, 25-17, 25-12
Stillwater def. Mustangs 25-21, 25-23, 25-22
Mustangs def. White Bear Lake 25-11, 21-25, 25-18, 26-24
Stillwater def. Mustangs 27-25, 21-25, 17-15
Mustangs def. Rockford 25-18, 25-19
Mustangs def. Kimball, 25-19, 25-23
Southwest Christian def. Mustangs 25-18, 25-17
Record 4-2 conference, 12-8 overall
• Coming up
Tuesday, Oct. 8: East Ridge, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 10: at Woodbury, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Richfield tournament, 8 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 14: Roseville Area, 7 p.m.
Mustangs romp against Royals, Raptors
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View lit up the scoreboard with conference victories over the Woodbury Royals (50-7) and East Ridge Raptors (35-14) the last two games, improving to 4-1 in the MetroEast Conference and 4-2 overall. It helped that quarterback Jacob Sampson returned to action after missing most of a 33-14 loss to Stillwater after taking a hit early. “Any time the head and neck are involved,” coach Aaron Moberg said. “We are going to take the highest precaution.” Sampson threw six touchdown passes in the two wins.
Mustangs 50, Woodbury 7 Sampson racked up touchdown on tosses to Jack Dahl from eight and 55 yards and Mitch Olson from 27 yards while sprinting 18 yards for another.
He was 8-for-14 for 134 yards to six receivers with no interceptions. Godson Rufus-Okonhamru was the other star, blazing 99 yards on a kick return and 57 yards from scrimmage for touchdown’s.
Big plays made it a lopsided win despite gaining a modest 253 yards, including 117 on 21 runs. Cooper Fellman booted a 41-yard field goal and five conversions.
Mustangs 35, East Ridge 14
Five players reached the end zone for the Mustangs. Sampson threw touchdown passes to Olson (26 yards), Rufus-Okomhanru (14 yards) and Dahl (three yards). Scoring on runs were Ben Arnold (22 yards on his lone carry) and Sampson (24 yards). Fellman booted five conversions.
Sampson was intercepted twice but completed 19 of 26 for 203 yards to seven receivers. Arnold caught six for 59 yards, Olson four for 58, and Ishaan Goyat four for 40 yards. Olson carried 11 time for 47 yards and Sampson seven for 40. Jacob Jude and Ben Mugisa intercepted passes, The Mustangs limited East Ridge (3-3) to 89 yards passing and 90 rushing. Cedric Tomes threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Charles Green and scored on a one-yard sneak.
Ousdigian wins at Alexandria; both Mustang teams finish 2nd
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mounds View’s
Linnea Ousidgian was the first-place girl at the Alexandria Meet of Champions on Saturday, Oct. 5, highlighting a strong performance by both Mustang teams.
The Mustang girls placed second behind St. Paul Highland Park among 20 teams and the boys placed second behind Marshall among 21 teams at Arrowwood Resort.
Ousdigian, a sophomore, ran 5,000 meters in 17:48.4. She was 3.4 seconds ahead of runner-up Isabel Mahoney of Monticello.
The Mustangs also had senior Maya Francisco in 19th place (19:47),
sophomore Abigail Urriola 21st (19:55), Adela Peterson 25th (20:00) and freshman Cora Gentry 36th (20:14) in their top five.
St. Paul Highland Park had 80 points, followed by Mounds View (101), Perham (143), Alexandria (144) and Northfield (179) in the top five. Marshall edged the Mustang boys 92 to 96, followed by Stillwater (103), Perham (109), Roseville Area (151) and White Bear Lake (174). Four of the top six are Suburban East Conference teams and Roseville’s Robert Mechura led all runners in 15:22.
Leading the Mustangs were senior Casey Poppler with a sixthplace finish in 15:54 and senior Owen Kalmes ninth in 16:07 among 147 runners. Their top five also included sophomore Andrew Richter in 24th (18:46), senior Joseph Cole 25th (16;49), and senior Sam Geer 32nd (16:53).
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Ellie Bina
Mounds View Swimming
Ellie Bina, a junior at Mounds View, remains one of the premier distance swimmers in the north metro area, while showing versatility as well, leading a team with a 5-1 record. Bina has earned podium finishes in the 200 and 500 freestyles at state the past two seasons with a third-place finish in the 500. In the last three Mustang meets, she has won the individual medley and butterfly against Woodbury before taking the 200 and 500 against both Stillwater and Cretin-Derham Hall. Her best times this year are 1:53.94 and 5:02.58, and her career bests are 1:51.84 and 4:58.10.
BRUCE STRAND | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Jacob Sampson threw for six touchdowns and ran for two more in wins over Woodbury and East Ridge.
CONTRIBUTED
Linnea Ousdigian climbs a hill at Alexandria with a Monticello runner trailing.
JON NYSTROM CONTRIBUTED
Taylor Whitehall (right) celebrates her goal against Mahtomedi with Ida Wynn.
BRUCE STRAND PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Victoria Kurilov soared for a kill against White Bear Lake.
Check for invasive species
The DNR reminds lake property owners to carefully check boats and trailers, docks and lifts, and all other water-related equipment for invasive species when removing equipment for seasonal storage. Several zebra mussel confirmations in recent years were initially reported by property owners and lake service providers while removing docks, boats and boat lifts.
Whether pulling equipment directly
onto shore for the winter or transporting it on the road to a storage location, it is important for equipment owners to take steps to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Remember to:
• Keep docks and boat lifts out of the water for at least 21 days before putting them into another body of water. This is state law.
• Look on the posts, wheels and underwater support bars of docks and lifts, as well as any parts of boats, pontoons and rafts that might have
been submerged in water for an extended period.
• If hiring a lake service provider to install or remove boats, docks, lifts or other water-related equipment, check that they are on the permitted lake service provider business list on the DNR website. These businesses have attended training on Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species laws, and many have experience identifying and removing invasive species.
• Equipment owners may need a nocost transportation permit online at
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•
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• Recently remodeled assisted living apartments, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care
mndnr.gov/invasives/ais_transport. html to transport equipment from an access or shoreline property if it cannot be completely cleaned of aquatic plants or prohibited invasive species before transport.
• People should contact an area DNR aquatic invasive species specialist mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts. html if they think they have discovered an invasive species that has not already been confirmed in their lake. More information is available on the mndnr.gov/AIS.
