Vadnais Heights Press by Press Publications

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

Kathy Ingebrand started to notice something was off when she found herself being short with her family. She was becoming easily agitated, forgetting things and misplacing items.

The 60-year-old Mahtomedi resident thought perhaps some of those things could be attributed to her ongoing hormone treatment for menopause, but it turned out something else was going on.

“Her daughters started noticing some changes,” Pete, Kathy’s husband, explained. “They play a lot of games at the lake … they said she was forgetting things she should know.”

So, when Kathy went in for her checkup, she brought up memory issues. After a couple of failed memory tests, she was referred to a neurologist. At the age of 59, Kathy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. (Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.)

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s

Former Marketfest director looks forward to ‘next generation’

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

A search is underway for the next Lisa Beecroft.

Beecroft, who has been in involved in Marketfest on and off for the past 18 years, recently announced that she is stepping away from the position and making changes to her business, Beecroft Marketing & Events LLC, to pursue a new opportunity at the University of Minnesota.

“Lisa gave her time and talents to

make our community better. She did it in a way that maintained traditions while continuing to grow and adapt to our changing world,” explained Marketfest Chair Dan Perry.

“Lisa’s passion for Marketfest was clear. Although she worked tirelessly on the event, you could always tell that she found reward in the smiles and joy that were created.”

Beecroft, who also served as the publicity chair for Manitou Days for several years, stepped away from the role until Deb Stender passed

away in 2018. “They needed someone who knew how to run it,” Beecroft explained. Although she was supposed to fill the role on an interim basis, she ended up staying.

“I loved being a part of the community,” the White Bear Lake resident said. “It is a very welcoming community … It always felt good to see people enjoying themselves.”

Each week, Marketfest sees anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 people

Karin Housley District 33 Patti Anderson District 33A

SEE BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS, PAGE 22 SEE MARKETFEST DIRECTOR, PAGE

Lisa Beecroft announces the artwork contest winner Eleanore Cannon at last year’s Marketfest. Also pictured is Emcee Rob Thomas.

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We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

WHAT’S HAPPENING • WHAT’S HAPPENING

When: Jan. 15-26

Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater

Details: Competition brings top snow sculptors from around the world. Walk through the finished sculptures, visit the indoor market and concessions tent, and listen to live music at the block party Saturday from 6:30-9 p.m. Full list of activities online.

Contact: worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn.com

COUNTY ROAD E CORRIDOR ACTION PLAN OPEN HOUSE

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16

Where White Bear Lake Fire Station #2, 2240 County Road E East

Details: Learn more about the latest phase of the County Road E Corridor Action Plan and share feedback about County Road E branding concepts. Open to the public. Hosted by the cities of White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights and Gem Lake.

Contact: whitebearlake.org/e

SNOWSHOE AT THE WINERY

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17; and select Fridays and Saturdays in January & February

Where: 7 Vines Vineyard, Dellwood Details: Exlpore the vineyard on snowshoes. Guided walk lined with ice luminaries. Live music, bonfire, mulled wine and Bingo. Registration information online.

Contact: mywahooadventures.com

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD SHELF DISTRIBUTION

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

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

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 651-246-3638 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

CHILI COOK-OFF AND BAKE SALE

When: 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

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

Details: Public chili tasting event and fundraiser for Support the Troops MN. Prizes for red and white chili. To enter contest call American Legion by Jan. 17 to register. Contact: 651-255-1432

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20

Where: Parkview United Church of Christ, 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Annual program includes keynote speaker Michele Norris and a panel discussion with local civic, school and student leaders.

BEAR LEGACY BREAKFAST

When: 8-9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22

Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union

Details: Enjoy breakfast, learn about educational programs at WBLAS, and tour the new high school and field house at the annual fundraiser for the White Bear Area Education Foundation. Registration required. Contact: wblaef.org

Skip the resolutions

Habits are hard to change, so skip the resolutions. It may be a good idea to have your spouse, children and other special friends help you make them. You know what I mean?

Be gentle, be kind, be encouraging, and that’s not always easy.

In all our newspapers we try to celebrate success, years of service, and enter contests within the associations for quality of work.

The Press celebrates years of service of staff members. On a snowy day in December, Myrna Press reached the 17year mark at the front desk as executive assistant to Carter and Gene. At the end of the day, she was presented a gift for being the first one at work that day, as a number of employees surrounded her with accolades of loyalty and competence. When asked, “What made you come in on this snowy day, or at least not come in until a little later?” she answered, “It’s just how I was raised.” She grew up on a farm in North Dakota where a strong work ethic was expected. Maybe by now you have found it interesting that her last name is Press.

Last call for ballots

I thought our November state and national elections were over. They are still counting ballots and there is likely to be some re-elections where ballots can’t be found right here in Minnesota.

On the presidential side, there were people who were surprised at the outcome. Maybe there were lessons learned. Minnesotans were frustrated with the spending that had been going on and the corruption in food programs for children, not holding construction and software companies to their bids, dealing with the safety of light rail and the overruns of the light rail construction in the southwest metro. The project is now delayed nine years.

People voted across the country and showed their displeasure with government leadership, the expansion of government, and the excessive programs affecting the economy.

The future challenges will include controlling medical costs, immigration, insurance rates, and inflation which far exceeds incomes.

It was another indication that every vote counts, if they got counted.

Generational living

A trend is emerging of multi-generational housing. Homes that have adult siblings, adult children over the age of 18, and parents and/or grandparents residing with the primary home buyer. A local realtor, Joe Benson, sent me some information on this statistic. Between 2013 and 2024 it has been gaining traction. 17% of homes purchased last year were multi-generational households.

A number of factors bring this about, such as high interest rates and housing costs. It also points to the growth of condominiums and large rental units, especially near freeways, light rail and inner-city housing. Storms and fires caused many people to lose their homes.

Memory lane

Conversations with friends who are of similar ages to this 88-year-old bring around words like fender skirts, steering knobs, curb feelers, emergency brakes, and a clutch or a dimmer switch.

What about running boards? Waiting in the driveway for your daddy to come home so you could ride up to the house on the running board on the outside of the car. Do you remember the days when your home had hardwood floors and then you would cover them wall-towall with carpeting?

The coffee maker was a changeout from a percolator and we changed words for Dyna Flow and Electrolux vacuums. The word supper is on the way out, being replaced by dinner.

Try this in conversations. It can be fun.

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications

Supreme Court hears arguments on TikTok ban

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Jan. 10 about the federal law that would ban TikTok in the United States effective Jan. 19. TikTok’s owner and supporters say the ban violates the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of speech. What does this mean for me?

Movers & Shakers

Kevin Goldberg

TikTok, Inc. v. Garland is important if you’re one of about 170 million U.S. users and creators on the popular app. Congress passed a law – which President Joe Biden signed – that would go into effect on Jan. 19 and is currently being reviewed by the Supreme Court. The law requires ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to (1) sell the app, (2) stop making the app available in the United States, or (3) pay a fine of $5,000 per user. This fine would also be imposed on any other company that makes TikTok available in the United States, such as the Google and Apple app stores.

It is unlikely that ByteDance would pay a fine that would run

• Limited to 350 words.

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into the billions just to operate TikTok in the United States. It is even less likely that an app store would pay this fine. If the Supreme Court upholds the federal law, it is likely that the only way TikTok will be easily available to U.S.-based users is if ByteDance sells it. Why are lawmakers trying to ban TikTok?

Lawmakers have claimed that the TikTok app allows ByteDance to share Americans’ personal information with the Chinese government, which could then spread antiAmerican propaganda in a way that threatens U.S. national security.

TikTok has also been criticized as an outlet whose users spread misinformation and for its popular “TikTok challenges” that encourage people to post videos of risky behavior. The law banning TikTok was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on Dec. 6, 2024. The Supreme Court is reviewing that decision. The Court of Appeals agreed with the government’s claims about national security and that a ban is the best way to avoid those threats.

During his first term in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to ban TikTok, but it was struck down by a lower court in 2020.

In December 2024, Presidentelect Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban. What does TikTok owner ByteDance say? ByteDance says the ban would violate the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech. The company was joined in its challenge of the law by eight TikTok creators and by the nonprofit Based Politics, which uses social media to promote free markets and individual liberties to younger audiences. They say there’s no proof that ByteDance gives personal information to the Chinese government or that it’s used to spread anti-American propaganda. They argue that means there is no real threat to national security. And they say there are other ways to achieve the goal of protecting national security besides banning TikTok, such as by requiring TikTok to provide regular reports to the government. What happens now?

The court could issue its ruling before Jan. 19 or order a delay on when the law goes into effect while it reviews the case. ByteDance could also seek a 90day extension of the deadline, as permitted by law.

Kevin Goldberg is a First Amendment specialist at the Freedom Forum.

BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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., Thursday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

About the Town

Gene Johnson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Invest in local businesses

I’d like to take a moment to highlight a wonderful addition to our downtown community. The transformation of a long-closed garage into a sleek, modern store is truly remarkable. The black exterior, floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant pendant lights create a striking appearance, particularly at night when the building becomes a beacon of sophisticated design. Honestly, it could easily pass for a high-end restaurant!

This project is a testament to the vision and creativity of the young entrepreneur behind it. It shows how a thoughtful remodel can breathe new life into an old structure and elevate the entire area.

I encourage other local businesses to take inspiration from this example and consider ways to enhance the appearance of their buildings. A little investment in design and curb appeal can make a big difference in how our community looks and feels, and it shows pride in our town. Let’s celebrate these efforts and encourage more like them to help White Bear Lake continue to shine!

Scott Nintzel White Bear Township

Dog beach comments

I would like to thank all those involved with getting our dog beach to where it is today. My wife and I have lived in the White Bear area for over 36 years and consider this dog beach an absolute, one-of-a-kind treasure. The fencing and water barrier that were added to the north side have worked very well. We visit the dog beach regularly and have seen very few problems over the years. We often patronize the downtown restaurants and stores either before or after our dog beach visits. Let’s not let a few with questionable motives shut down something so positive for our beautiful area. Thank you.

Tim

& Bonnie Bjork White Bear Lake

MARKETFEST DIRECTOR: ‘Not

the event as a resident.

per night. Last year, vendor spots were sold out.

Beecroft said she always enjoyed hearing stories about people who had moved away but still came back every year to enjoy the event.

“It is such a big draw of people; they have fond memories of it, and they continue coming back year after year,” she said. “What makes it unique is it changes from week to week. There is always something new that you haven’t seen before.”

Perhaps her favorite Marketfest memory is from 2022, celebrating the kickoff for Hockey Day Minnesota. “It was cool to see those two worlds (hockey and music) collide, because it exposed us to other parts of the Twin Cities,” she said.

It is no secret that Beecroft loves music — perhaps that’s why she accepted a marketing and communications position at the University of Minnesota’s School of Music.

One of her favorite bands that regularly plays at Marketfest is Salsa del Soul. “Hundreds of people are dancing. It is the middle of the afternoon, and you have got people out dancing in the middle of a courtyard,” she recalled. “People are leaning in and enjoying the best of summer.”

The event only happens because of the existing partnership between the city, businesses and residents. “It is a community partnership where you have to work together with the city, the businesses and the residents in that area to make sure you respect them while showcasing all they have to offer,” Beecroft said. “That’s why Marketfest started in the first place 35 years ago; it was to showcase downtown White Bear Lake and bring people to the area during a time when the retail area was suffering.”

Beecroft says it is time for her to train the next person in. “I’m excited for the next generation of Marketfest. It continues to evolve,” Beecroft said. “Another person will come in and they will bring new energy and ideas, and it will continue to grow and expand and be a part of the community.”

Jones said the Marketfest board feels confident in the pool of candidates who have applied to be the next director. Beecroft says she won’t be a stranger, but she is looking forward to attending

“I’m not disappearing from the community,” she said. “It is really nice to think about being able to enjoy it instead of having to run it. I can be a volunteer, a participant … I don’t have to be in charge of it.”

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm can be reached at 651-407-1227 or whitebearnews@presspubs.com. Jack McNeely Otter

Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

Rotary Matters wblrotary1@comcast.net

Jack McNeely is a 5th-grader at Otter Lake Elementary and has been selected as this year’s academic achiever. Jack is a leader in the classroom - he sets a positive example by following classroom expectations and demonstrating empathy for his peers. Jack is also a member of the Otter Lake Student Ambassador program and has participated in several service learning projects. Jack sets goals for himself and works hard to achieve them. His favorite subject in school is Math. Outside of school, Jack is active in basketball. He enjoys opening Pokemon cards and drawing.

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

White

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:

Vadnais Heights

• Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested a St. Paul man, 45, in the 800 block of County Road E on several out-of-county warrants after he stole merchandise from the Walmart store Dec. 1. The suspect tried to flee, but deputies located him in a car leaving the parking lot.

• A 30-year-old woman from Fargo, North Dakota, was cited and trespassed from the Walmart at 12:05 p.m. Dec. 2, after she was caught shoplifting. Deputies stayed on scene to investigate the report of a teenage male shoplifting perfume, earrings and a necklace totaling more than $30. Deputies later returned to the Walmart to cite and trespass a Vadnais Heights man, 20, for shoplifting Pokemon cards. On Dec. 9 deputies took another shoplifting report from the store and gathered evidence for an investigation.

• Thievery at the Walmart continued, after a White Bear Lake woman reported her purse stolen Dec. 3 while she was shopping at the store.

• Retail theft during the Christmas shopping season didn't occur only at the Walmart; a Blaine man, 54, was arrested at the Famous Footwear store in the 900 block of County Road E on Dec. 3 after he was caught stealing sneakers.

• A St. Paul man on Dec. 4 reported a bow and arrow, pressure washer and sound system stolen from his rented storage unit in the 1000 block of Birch Lake Blvd. S. Later that day, a Vadnais Heights woman reported the lock to her storage unit at the same location had been cut. Her belongings were then rummaged through.

• A North Branch man on Dec. 4 reported his daughter's purse and cell

phone stolen while they were shopping at the Target store in the 800 block of County Road E.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 28, was arrested in the 3200 block of Monterey Avenue for burglary, making terroristic threats and assault with a deadly weapon Dec. 6 after he confronted and assaulted several juveniles before trying to flee from the scene.

• A St. Paul woman, 37, was arrested for DUI at 10:26 p.m. Dec. 6 in the 3200 block of Highway 61 after she blew by deputies working at another traffic stop and failed to move over on the highway.

A Vadnais Heights woman, 29, was arrested Dec. 8 in the 600 block of Belland Avenue after she physically assaulted her mother, 60, during an argument.

A St. Paul man, 18, was arrested for drunken driving at 7:40 a.m. Dec. 8 in the 4400 block of Centerville Road.

• A resident in the 300 block of Sunflower Court reported fraudulent activity on her bank account on Dec. 8. The case is under investigation.

White Bear Township

• A Hugo man at 4:54 a.m. Dec. 1 reported a trailer stolen from a driveway in the 5400 block of Township Drive.

• A Maplewood man from the 5800 block of Otterview Trail reported his vehicle broken into Dec. 1 while it was parked in front of a gym. Stolen were tools, a laptop computer, camera and other items.

• Deputies responded to a shoplifting report Dec. 2 from the Cub Foods store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive. They collected evidence and interviewed possible witnesses.

• A White Bear Lake woman, 25, was cited Dec. 6 in the 5700 block of Portland Avenue for speeding, failure to provide proof of insurance and driving on a public roadway with expired vehicle registration.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected calls for service in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Grant

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies cited a motorist Dec. 1 on 75th Street N. and Ideal Avenue N. for speeding.

• A motorist of undisclosed identity was arrested on a warrant at 1:26 a.m. Dec. 2 on Lake Elmo Avenue N. and 66th Street N., following a traffic stop.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 12:04 a.m. Dec. 8 on Keats Avenue N. and 60th Street N., following a traffic stop for speeding and weaving. During the stop, the driver was found to be impaired and made to submit to standardized field sobriety testing before registering a blood alcohol content of 0.21 on the portable breath test. A search warrant for a blood sample was drafted and executed. Charges are pending toxicology results.

• Hit-and-run gravel dumping was reported Dec. 9 on 75th Street N. and Manning Avenue N. after a vehicle took multiple rock chip hits to the windshield from a passing dump truck that spilled the rocks and drove on.

• A driver was cited Dec. 11 on Highway 36 for failure to provide proof of insurance following a traffic stop for an object suspended from the windshield. When deputies requested a look at her insurance card, the driver said she didn’t know she was required to carry insurance on her vehicle.

Mahtomedi

• A Stillwater Road business on Dec. 2 reported a male who entered the store and stole smalldollar items. Store management told deputies they didn’t want to charge the party with theft but wanted him banned from the store. When deputies phoned the male, he claimed he was no longer in Minnesota.

• An unidentified motorist was arrested on an extraditable warrant out of Wisconsin at 11:49 p.m. Dec. 2 in front of the Mahtomedi Flats on Wildwood Road, following a traffic stop. He was transported to the Washington County jail without incident.

A motorist was cited at 12:50 a.m. Dec. 3 in the 3000 block of Century Avenue N. for driving after revocation.

• Deputies cited three vehicles overnight Dec. 3 for violating the Mahtomedi winter parking ban

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

Officers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Jan. 1.

• Officers assisted the State Patrol in apprehending a DWI suspect who ran from a vehicle near White Bear Avenue and Highway 36 Jan. 1.

• An individual reported an assault at a New Year’s celebration in the 900 block of Wildwood Road Jan. 1.

• Officers mediated a dispute

prohibiting street parking between the hours of 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 through April 1. The first vehicle was cited at 1:19 a.m. on Juniper Street at Summit Avenue; the second at 1:39 a.m. on Iris Street and Griffin Avenue; and the third at 1:50 a.m. on Greenwood Street.

• An adult female was arrested for disorderly conduct and drug possession Dec. 5 at Quinny’s Pub in the 3000 block of Century Avenue N., following a report of a person outside the restaurant smoking meth.

• A motorist was cited Dec. 6 on Wildwood Road and Birchwood Road for driving after revocation and expired registration, following a traffic stop for the tardy tabs.

• A motorist reported herself for crashing into the pumps at a gas station in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road Dec. 8. She told deputies that when she pulled into the station, she mixed up the gas and brake pedals and ran into the stanchion near the pump and significantly damaged the front passenger bumper of her vehicle. The vehicle had to be towed.

Deputies cited a motorist for failure to provide proof of insurance Dec. 10 on Mahtomedi Avenue and Juniper Street, following a traffic stop for speeding. They cited a second motorist Dec. 10 on Wildwood Road at Stillwater Road for speeding. A third motorist was cited Dec. 11 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road for driving after revocation. A fourth motorist was cited for cell phone use Dec. 13 in the 3000 block of Century Avenue and a fifth motorist was also cited for cell phone use Dec. 13 on Century Avenue at Long Lake Road. A sixth motorist was cited at 11:45 p.m. Dec. 13 on Century Avenue at Long Lake Road for speeding.

• An unidentified motorist was arrested Dec. 11 on Warner Avenue S. and Dartmoor Road for driving after revocation, after deputies conducted a computer check and pulled the driver over. The driver also received additional fines after being cited for driving after revocation and failure to provide proof of insurance.

• An unwanted person was cited Dec. 13 at the FedEx facility on Long Lake Road, when he showed up after being fired and created a scene.

Willernie

A vehicle parked in the 300 block of Stillwater Road Dec. 9 received a citation under the windshield wipers for displaying expired registration.

between adults in the 2000 block of Cedar Avenue Jan. 1.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E Jan. 1.

• A resident was arrested following a report of domestic assault in the 2600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Jan. 1.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 1900 block of Campbell Circle Jan. 1.

• Officers assisted Ramsey County deputies with a perimeter and drone search of a domestic assault suspect in the 700 block of County Road F

Jan. 2.

• Disorderly conduct was reported Jan. 2 in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue. Coyotes were reported lingering near a house on Ivy Lane Jan. 2.

• Officers investigated a domestic incident Jan. 2 in the 3500 block of Dell Court N.

• Harassment was reported in the 1900 block of 11th Street Jan. 2.

• Fraud was reported in the 1900 block of Rishworth Lane Jan. 2.

White Bear Lake tattoo artist receives sentence

Mathew R. Lampi, 50, of East Bethel, has been sentenced in U.S District Court in Pennsylvania to 15 month in prison for interstate transport of stolen human remains. Lampi is the owner of Get to the Point Tattoos in White Bear Lake.

According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Lampi previously entered a guilty plea to a felony indictment, admitting that he had purchased and transported in interstate commerce stolen human remains. Lampi admitted that he had purchased human remains, including the corpse of a stillborn baby boy, from Jeremy Pauley, a resident of the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Pauley purchased stolen human remains from Candace Chapman Scott, who stole the remains from her employer, a Little Rock, Arkansas, mortuary and crematorium. Scott stole parts of cadavers she was supposed to have cremated, many

of which had been donated to and used for research and educational purposes by an area medical school, as well as the corpses of two stillborn babies who were supposed to be cremated and returned as cremains to their families. Scott sold the stolen remains to Pauley and shipped them to Pauley in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Pauley sold many of the stolen remains he purchased to other individuals, including Matthew Lampi. Lampi and Pauley bought and sold from each other over an extended period of time and exchanged over $100,000 in online payments.

Among the items Pauley sold and shipped to Lampi in Minnesota was the corpse of a stillborn baby named Lux. Lux’s mother, who had engaged a funeral home in the Little Rock area to cremate her son’s remains, was given ashes purported to be the cremains of her deceased son. Instead, Scott stole the baby’s body

and sold and shipped it to Pauley, who then sold and shipped it to Lampi.

In addition to 15 months in prison, Lampi was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and restitution to Lux’s mother of $1,700. Both Pauley and Chapman Scott are awaiting sentencing after entering pleas of guilty to federal charges in Pennsylvania and Arkansas, respectively.

The case is part of a multiyear investigation into interstate trafficking of stolen human remains. Multiple defendants have been charged in this district of Arkansas, and several have entered pleas of guilty.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

United States Attorney’s Office

2025 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW: Legislators detail priorities for this session

FROM PAGE 1

Sen. Heather Gustafson District 36 651-296-4197

sen.heather.gustafson@ mnsenate.gov

Minnesotans work hard for their money, and our government should work twice as hard to protect it.

That’s why I’m introducing a bill to create the Office of the Inspector General. We’ve seen too many cases of bad actors committing fraud by stealing public dollars that should be going to feed hungry kids or care for vulnerable adults. This new position will ensure accountability, transparency,

Rep. Patti Anderson

District 33A

651-296-3018

patti.anderson@ house.mn.gov

The 2025 Legislative Session is guaranteed to be historic. As of this writing, House Republicans will have a majority in a previously tied house, 67-66, due to a judge ruling that a DFLer is ineligible to hold office since he didn’t live in the district he was elected to serve.

My priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session are

Rep. Elliott Engen District 36A

651-296-2365

rep.elliott.engen@ house.mn.gov

The 2025 Legislative Session offers Minnesota an unprecedented chance to address our most pressing challenges with bold, decisive action. For the second time in our state’s history, the House of Representatives is evenly divided providing a unique opportunity for a new path forward that ensures government works on behalf of Minnesotans and the working class.

Rep. Brion Curran District 36B

651-296-4342

rep.brion.curran@ house.mn.gov

I want to thank the voters of District 36B for re-electing me as your representative in the Minnesota House. It’s an honor to return to the Capitol this January and continue advocating for our White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights White Bear Township, Gem Lake and Birchwood Village neighbors. With an evenly divided

Sen. Karin Housley District 33 651-296-4351

Sen.Karin.Housley@ mnsenate.gov

It’s that time of year again – a time for reflecting on what has passed, how previous legislation has affected Minnesotans, and what we must do moving forward.

The state’s December budget forecast was recently announced, which confirmed exactly what

and fiscal responsibility in state government. An Office of Inspector General is more than catching fraud after it happens; it’s about building on a culture of accountability and proactive oversight.

Our new budget must invest in our schools, but also make sure funding matches our school district’s needs. As a longtime Centennial teacher, I know firsthand we need a solution to reduce taxpayer and education funding disparities. For years, our district’s schools have been asking for equalization in funding. I will work to pass my bill changing funding formulas to provide fair equalization, making school levies, operating referendums, and programs more affordable.

I am also focused on public safety. I carried legislation that provided $300 million in public safety aid to every city, county, and Tribal Nation in Minnesota in the 2023 tax bill. This funding helped the Centennial Police Department add an officer to

simple: stop the fraud and focus on restoring fiscal responsibility and government accountability to cut the projected $5.1 billion deficit.

First and foremost, addressing the projected $5.1 billion budget deficit is critical. Over the past two years, the DFL majority pursued reckless spending policies that depleted a record $18 billion surplus while raising taxes by $10 billion and growing the state budget by nearly 40%.

Our caucus is committed to cutting wasteful spending and ensuring state agencies operate effectively within their means. We will oppose tax increases that burden hardworking families and businesses, instead prioritizing thoughtful reforms to restore fiscal balance. To be clear, tax increases to close the deficit are off the table.

Additionally, we are dedicated to curbing unchecked growth in government bureaucracy that has allowed

At the top of my agenda is tackling the $5.1 billion budget deficit that threatens the economic stability of our state. Over the past two years, corrupt spending and untethered growth in government bureaucracy have drained resources and left taxpayers footing the bill. Now is the time for disciplined and decisive leadership. Our plan focuses on cutting unnecessary spending, holding state agencies accountable and ensuring every dollar is spent wisely. Raising taxes to fill the gap is simply not an option. Instead, I’ll be proposing legislation to create a State Department of Government Efficiency and Ethics - rooting out fraud, corruption and greed in government agencies. To help hardworking families, I will also be introducing the largest tax cut in Minnesota’s history. This initiative includes targeted relief for working families, putting more money in their pockets at a time when they need it most. Minnesotans have been stretched thin by rising costs and over-taxation — it’s

House, I’m looking forward to finding common ground with my colleagues and building a stronger economy for workers and families in 36B.

My top priority this legislative session is ensuring that our local communities’ needs are met. This year is a budget year, meaning the House, Senate, and Governor must come together to pass an overall state budget. I am committed to passing a responsible, bipartisan budget that keeps our state running and improves the lives of Minnesotans.

As your state representative, it’s my job to ensure our budget responds to the needs of our cities, local schools, police, and fire departments, and to advocate for local projects in our capital investment bill that help our region thrive. In 2023 I was proud to pass significant funding for local public safety needs into law, and I look forward to building on that progress this year.

many have been concerned with: raising taxes will cover spending increases for now, but it is not a viable, long-term solution that our state can afford. The forecast estimated a meager surplus of $616 million at the end of 2026, followed by a massive $5.1 billion deficit by 2029. It wasn’t too long ago we had a historic surplus that was spent away in record time. Minnesotans cannot afford this to be the new normal. In fact, Minnesota’s budget has grown from a $39 billion general fund budget in 2014 to $71 billion in 2024. Minnesota is already ranked the 46th worst state when it comes to local tax burdens, and with such a massive deficit to contend with, I’m concerned the Democrats will push for additional tax increases that families in this state cannot afford.

We need to focus on repairing the budget and getting our state’s finances in order. Minnesota families

their force, and helped other departments access new training, better equipment, or build up their staff. I will reintroduce this bill in the coming session. Public safety needs are also top of mind when considering mental health, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. I have been advocating for more resources to help victims with experiences we don’t publicly see. Two out of three victims of abuse stay in their abusive relationships and 4 in 5 victims of abuse do not report their attacks. Often because they have nowhere to go or can’t afford to leave. Alexandra House is our only local emergency shelter and I’ll continue to fight for the resources they need.

I’ll also work to get the White Bear Community Market and other food shelves throughout the state the resources they need to handle record demand for their services.

so much fraud over the past few years. The days of automatic budget increases must end. We will demand accountability from state agencies, requiring them to justify spending and deliver measurable results for taxpayers while implementing oversight procedures aimed at stopping fraud.

These priorities aren’t just my priorities. They’re the priorities of the people of Minnesota. I heard countless times on the campaign trail that we need to restore sanity and stop the fraud, and that’s exactly what we aim to do. Responsible governance is not just about fixing the present—it’s about securing long-term stability and prosperity.

The 2025 Legislative Session is a historic opportunity for Republicans and DFLers to work together for the future of our state. Republicans will tirelessly work to address the deficit without raising taxes, stop the fraud, and restore sanity to the Capitol.

time to give them a well-deserved break and empower them to invest in their own futures. My proposal includes a sales tax exemption on infant care items, back to school supplies and more.

Finally, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. I will be reintroducing the SHIELD Act, a plan to make Minnesota’s schools the safest in the nation. Every child deserves a secure learning environment, and every parent deserves peace of mind. From enhanced school security measures to innovative prevention strategies, this legislation will put student safety at the forefront.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, but the opportunities are immense. By reforming government and demanding it serve you again, we can achieve meaningful progress for Minnesota families, strengthen our state’s future and set a new standard for servant leadership in 2025. I’m excited to get to work.

Ensuring residents have access to clean drinking water will also be a major focus. Last session I passed a bill creating a working group of environmental and health experts to partner with local officials and find solutions to ensure White Bear Lake can be enjoyed for future generations. I will also continue working to keep harmful chemicals out of our air and water. Finally, I will continue breaking down barriers for our neighbors with disabilities and improving state laws to match the current needs of those receiving health and human services care. I’ve heard concerns from constituents about transportation for seniors and people with disabilities getting to appointments and community events which I hope to work on this year. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on issues facing our community. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

deserve to know we are working to keep life affordable, and that means repairing the budget, so they don’t have to worry about higher taxes in 2025 and beyond. One of my top priorities moving forward will be reining in the out-of-control spending and holding government accountable for any missteps that cost the taxpayers. It’s also important that we crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse. It seems like every week there is a new fraud allegation in our state, and we must get to the root of this problem – taxpayers should not be left footing the bill for this mismanagement. I will also be working to introduce a bill that eliminates taxes on tips, allowing Minnesotans to keep their hard-earned money to use where they see fit.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I look forward to doing what’s necessary to alleviate the high cost of living in our state and putting Minnesotans first.

Editor’s note: Press Publications reached out to Rep. Mark Wiens, Sen. Judy Seeberger, Rep. Leon Lillie and Sen. Tou Xiong and did not hear back before press deadline.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF SALE OF TAX FORFEITED LANDS

Ramsey County, Productive Properties, will sell to the highest bidder, the following parcels of land. These properties forfeited to the State of Minnesota for the non-payment of property taxes. The public sale will be held via online auction and conducted by the Minnesota Department of Administration, Fleet & Surplus Division using their MNBid site.

Some key Terms and Conditions are as follows: 1.) the initial price of each property is equal to the estimated market value (“EMV Auction Price”), as determined by the most recent assessment; 2.) the sale will be sold to the highest bidder, but for no less than the initial EMV Auction Price for 30 days after it is initially made available at auction; 3.) if no buyer is willing to pay the initial EMV Auction Price, the price for each property must be reduced to the minimum bid amount, as deﬁned by Minnesota Statutes, section 282.005, subdivision 2 (“Minimum Bid Auction”) and will run for an additional 10 days; 4.) if no buyer is willing to pay the minimum bid, properties will be removed from auction, the state is deemed to have purchased the property through a credit bid, and parcels may be disposed of as otherwise provided in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 282. The EMV Auction Price and Minimum Bid Auction Price are set forth in the 2025-1 AUCTION LIST. The EMV auction will open for bids on February 3, 2025 and will close on March 5, 2025. The Minimum Bid auction will open for bids on March 6, 2025 and will close on March 17, 2025. The full Auction List, Complete Terms of Sale, and link to the auction can be found at ramseycounty.us/productive properties. The full Appraisal List, Complete Terms of Sale, and link to the online auction can be found at ramseycounty. us/productiveproperties

TAX-FORFEITED LAND ONLINE AUCTION

EMV SALE: FEBRUARY 3, 2025 – MARCH 5, 2025

MINIMUM BID SALE: MARCH 6, 2025 – MARCH 17, 2025

See Below for AUCTION LIST 2025-1

Any parcels for which no bid is received during the public sale can be rebid for purchase beginning the next business day, March 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the ofﬁce of the Tax-Forfeit Land Section for not less than the Minimum Bid price set forth on the 2025-1 AUCTION LIST.

Please send any questions regarding this notice or inquiries for further information to the PTRES TFL Email at TFL@CO.RAMSEY.MN.US Given under my hand and ofﬁcial seal this 23rd day of December, 2024. Tracy West, Ramsey County Auditor-Treasurer 90 West Plato Blvd , St. Paul, MN 55107

RAMSEY COUNTY TAX FORFEITED LAND

ONLINE SALES TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ramseycounty.us/productiveproperties

Please carefully review all the terms and conditions contained in this document. Some of the terms and conditions in this document will be included in the deed you receive if you are a successful bidder. You are encouraged to have a qualiﬁed attorney review this document. ONLINE SALES: This public sale is guided by Minnesota Statutes, section 282.005. Some key Terms and Conditions are as follows: 1.) the initial price of each property is equal to the estimated market value (“EMV Auction Price”), as determined by the most recent assessment; 2.) the sale will be sold to the highest bidder, but for no less than the initial EMV Auction Price for 30 days after it is initially made available at auction; 3.) if no buyer is willing to pay the initial EMV Auction Price, the price for each property must be reduced to the minimum bid amount, as deﬁned by Minnesota Statutes, section 282.005, subdivision 2 (“Minimum Bid Auction”) and will run for an additional 10 days; 4.) if no buyer is willing to pay the minimum bid, properties will be removed from auction, the state is deemed to have purchased the property through a credit bid, and parcels may be disposed of as otherwise provided in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 282. The EMV Auction Price and Minimum Bid Auction Price are set forth in the 2025-1 AUCTION LIST

The public sale will be held via online auction and conducted by the Minnesota Department of Administration, Fleet & Surplus Division, using their MNBid website. The EMV auction will open for bids on February 3, 2025 and will close on March 5, 2025. The Minimum Bid auction will open for bids on March 6, 2025 and will close on March 17, 2025.

AUCTION REGISTRATION: All bidders must register by providing a Driver’s License or other acceptable photo ID and registering though the State of Minnesota’s MNBid site.

PROHIBITED PURCHASERS OR BIDDERS: No person or entity, or entity controlled by such person, that (1) is an owner or taxpayer of real property situated in Ramsey County that has delinquent property taxes, (2) has held a rental license in Ramsey County and the license has been revoked within the last five years, or is currently the subject of a revocation proceeding, (3) currently has a contract for purchase of tax-forfeited lands for a structure that does not meet the requirements of a code compliance inspection report or home inspection report issued within the past year, and has not filed a certificate of code compliance with the Tax-Forfeited Land section or successfully finalized and closed-out all permits through the city in which the parcel is located, or (4) within the past five years, has had a contract for purchase of tax-forfeited lands cancelled, or currently subject to cancellation. After a winning bid, but prior to closing, a search will be performed to determine if the winning bidder is a prohibited purchaser or bidder and closing of the sale will not take place until the search verifies the winning bidder is not a prohibited purchaser or bidder. In the event a winning bid has been awarded to a prohibited bidder or purchaser, the property will be offered to the 2nd highest eligible bidder, and then the 3rd highest bidder, until all bidders have been exhausted. In the event all bidders have been exhausted, the property may be re-offered at a future auction, or placed on the over-the-counter sales list, at the sole discretion of Ramsey County ADDITIONAL PROHIBITED PURCHASERS OR BIDDERS: None of the

following individuals (either personally or as an agent or attorney for any other person) may bid on and purchase a parcel of tax-forfeited land unless the parcel was owned by the individual before forfeiture: district court administrators, county auditors, treasurer, assessors or supervisors of assessments, land commissioners or assistant land commissioners for tax-forfeited lands, or any deputies or employees of any of the above individuals. (M.S. 282.016) YOU MUST FOLLOW THE All INSTRUCTIONS OR ELSE YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BIDDING PROCESS. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!

CLOSING PROCESS & PAYMENT TERMS: There are several steps required to close the sale after a property has been won at auction. This process follows:

1. Buyer wins high bid on an auction property

2. MNBID Surplus Services sends Buyer an Award Letter serving to notice the Buyer they have won

3. PAYMENT 1. Within fourteen (14) business days from the date of the bid award, buyer shall submit payment to “Surplus Services” by either mailing or physically dropping off Cashier’s Check or Money Order made payable to “Surplus Services” at 5420 Old Highway 8, Arden Hills, MN 55112. Please contact mnsurplus.auction@state.mn.us or 651-6394022 for assistance in completing this ﬁrst payment. THE AMOUNT OF THIS PAYMENT IS THE WINNING BID AMOUT AS LISTED ON THE AWARD LETTER

4. MNBID Surplus Services remits payment and contact information of winning bidders to Ramsey County Productive Properties staff

5. Ramsey County staff will contact Buyer to schedule a closing with Ramsey County and provide Buyer with a cost sheet breaking down the additional costs to close. PAYMENT 2. At this closing, Buyer will ﬁll out a simple Closing Information Form and provide certiﬁed funds made out to “Ramsey County” to pay for the additional statutory fees required upon the purchase of tax-forfeited property. At the closing with Ramsey County, Buyer must provide funds for the following: 3% Assurance Fee; State Deed Recording Fee; Deed Preparation Fee; and Deed Tax. An example of expected costs can be found on the next page of these terms.

6. Once Ramsey County has received the Closing Information Form and Funds to Close, staff will send in deed application to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The state deed is generally returned to the county within 2-6 weeks and will be sent for recording. Once the deed has been recorded, Ramsey County staff will mail out the deed to the buyer.

BIDDER DISQUALIFICATION: In the event a bidder wins a property auction but fails to complete the closing requirements within the required timeframe, that winning bidder will not be eligible to purchase any other properties during this auction, and the property will be offered to the 2nd highest eligible bidder at their winning bid amount, and then the 3rd highest bidder, until all bidders have been exhausted. In the event all bidders have been exhausted, the property may be re-offered at a future auction, or placed on the over-thecounter sales list, at the sole discretion of Ramsey County.

PROPERTY TAX: Tax-forfeited property is removed from the county assessment tax rolls at time of forfeiture. Property is returned to the tax rolls immediately after sale, and the payment of property taxes will commence the year following the year of sale. For example, if the property is sold in 2024, payment of property taxes will commence in 2025. It is the Buyer’s responsibility to contact Ramsey County, or the city assessor where the property is located, to determine estimated future taxes payable.

FEES: At the closing of the sale, the following fees will be collected:

• Assurance Fee: 3% of the total sales price

• State Deed Recording Fee: $51.00

• Deed Preparation Fee: $25.00

• Deed Tax $.0034 of the total sales price

EXAMPLE OF COSTS TO EXPECT BASED ON $200,000.00 OFFER

Purchase Price: $200,000.00

3% Assurance Fee: $6,000.00

Deed Preparation Fee: $25.00

Filing Fees: $51.00

State Deed Tax (Price x .0034) $680.00

TOTAL $206,756.00

SELLER NOT ABLE TO PAY CLOSING COSTS, SPECIALS, OR STATUTORY FEES: Ramsey County will not contribute funds toward payment for buyer’s additional closing costs, special assessments cancelled due to forfeiture, assurance fee or other statutory fees.

FORMER OWNERS: If you are a former owner of a parcel being auctioned, you must pay the Minimum Bid price or the amount of delinquency, whichever is more, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 282.01, Subd. 7.

*All sales are ﬁnal, and no refunds or exchanges are permitted.

*Ramsey County is not responsible for locating or determining property lines or boundaries.

PROPERTY CONDITION: All property is sold “as is” and may not conform to local building and zoning ordinances. The county makes no warranty that the land is “buildable”.

Purchasers are encouraged to contact the city where the property is located for information about building codes, zoning laws, or other municipal information that effects the property.

Purchaser acknowledges that Buyer(s) were able to obtain authorization from Ramsey County to perform soil testing at Buyer’s own expense, before purchasing parcel or parcels. The sale will not be rescinded if soil problems of any type are discovered after the sale.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INDEMNIFICATION: The purchaser shall indemnify Ramsey County and/or the State of Minnesota for environmental

contamination as a result of purchaser’s use and occupancy of the property.

STATE DEED ORDERING: Conveyance of tax-forfeit property is made by State Deed on a form prepared by the Minnesota Attorney General and executed by the Minnesota Department of Revenue on behalf of the State of Minnesota. By law, a State Deed cannot be ordered until the full purchase price for the subject property has been received by the County Auditor. Therefore, to process an order for a State Deed, the full purchase price must be tendered. TITLE: The County or the State of Minnesota does not warrant the condition of title. The buyer will receive a documentation of Purchase at the time of the sale and/or the Commissioner of Revenue will issue a deed from the State of Minnesota after full payment is made. Tax forfeiture will create a break in the chain of title. SELLER CONVEYS TAX TITLE, and the services of an attorney may be necessary to make the title marketable.

CODE COMPLIANCE CLAUSE: If a structure exists on the property that does not meet the requirements of a code compliance inspection report or home inspection report issued within the past year, then within twelve (12) months of the execution date the buyer, as a condition of the Contract for Deed, shall ﬁle with the Tax-Forfeited Land section of Ramsey County a certiﬁcate of code compliance, as required by the city in which the property is located. Buyer must provide seller with proof of compliance or the buyer will be in default of the Contract for Deed.

FOR ALL LAND NOT IN A PLATTED SUBDIVISION: There are restrictive covenants required for marginal lands and wetlands including lands in Auditor’s Subdivisions (see Minnesota Statutes 2007, Section 103F.535, Subd. 1, and Minnesota Statutes 2007, Section 282.018, Subd. 2.)

SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS: Local improvements not yet assessed, and any special assessments levied after forfeiture, must be assumed by the purchaser (APPLICABLE TO MINIMUM BID SALE ONLY). In addition, any remaining balance of cancelled special assessments that existed prior to the tax-forfeiture MAY BE REASSESSED by the municipality. It is the responsibility of the prospective purchaser to contact the city to determine special assessments that may have been canceled and may be subject to reassessment, and the city’s terms for the payment of such assessments.

DEED CONDITIONS: The following terms and conditions will be included in the deed you receive from the State of Minnesota.

REVERTER: If the purchaser, their successor, or assigns, shall not comply with the above terms and conditions, title to the property shall automatically revert to the State of Minnesota. Compliance with the above terms and conditions shall be evidenced by a certiﬁcate of compliance recorded in the real property records of Ramsey County.

“AS-IS” SALE: Buyer agrees that the property shall be sold and that buyer shall accept the property “as is, where is, with all faults”, with no right of set-off or reduction in the purchase price, and that such sale shall be without representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, including without limitation, warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, and seller does hereby disclaim and renounce any such representation or warranty. Buyer specifically acknowledges that buyer is not relying on any representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever, express, or implied, from seller, agent, other agents, or brokers as to the condition of or as to any matter concerning the property. Buyer further acknowledges and agrees that it is relying solely upon its own independent examination, inspection, study, and knowledge of the property and not upon any information or representations made to it by seller, its officers, directors, contractors, agents or employees or any person whomsoever. Buyer hereby expressly assumes all risks, liabilities, claims, damages, and costs (and agrees that seller shall not be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages) resulting or arising from or related to the ownership, use, condition, location, maintenance, repair, or operation of the property. Buyer acknowledges that any condition of the property which buyer discovers prior to or after the closing date shall be at buyer’s sole expense, and buyer expressly waives and releases seller and seller’s agents, commissioners, employees, directors, officers and representatives from any claims, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, fines, liens, judgments, costs or expenses under federal law, state or other law, that buyer might otherwise have against seller or seller’s agents and/or representatives relating to the physical characteristics or condition of the property including the environmental condition of the property. Buyer acknowledges that the purchase price reflects the “as- is” nature of this sale and any faults, liabilities, defects, or other adverse matters that may be associated with the property. Buyer has had the opportunity to fully review the disclaimers and waivers set forth herein, with its counsel, and understand the significance and effect thereof. This provision will be included in the State Deed that conveys the property. The above terms shall run with the land and shall be binding on the purchaser, and the purchaser’s successors and assigns.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you have additional questions regarding the sale or the terms and conditions of the sale, you may contact the Tax Forfeited Land section at:

Phone: (651) 266-2080

Email: TFL@co.ramsey.mn.us

In Person: 90 W. Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN

This Notice of Sale of Tax-Forfeited Land, and the 2025-1 AUCTION LIST are on ﬁle in the ofﬁce of the Ramsey County Auditor/Treasurer in the Property Tax, Records and Election Services Department and notice is hereby given in accordance with state statutes.

The County Auditor has the authority to remove any parcel prior to sale where insufﬁcient time exists for board approval of the removal from the auction and to bring it back to the County Board for ratiﬁcation of the removal.

IN ORDER TO PROTECT YOUR LEGAL INTERESTS, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT WITH YOUR ATTORNEY REGARDING THE CONTRACT AND ON OTHER LEGAL MATTERS

MAHTOMEDI & WILLERNIE

After nationwide search, Mahtomedi hires neighbor

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Mahtomedi Fire Department has a new chief, and his name is Joel Schmidt. Although Schmidt has yet to be officially sworn in, the Mahtomedi City Council has approved the interview panel's recommendation to appoint Schmidt.

Mahtomedi cast its search net across the nation to find the best possible fire chief for its department. The search team reached out to nationwide organizations such as the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, International Fire Chiefs Association, Women in Fire, National Association of Hispanic Firefighters and International Association of Black Professional Firefighters.

Regionally, the city contacted organizations, cities and colleges in South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Minnesota to spread the word that Mahtomedi needed a fire chief.

In the end, its chosen chief comes to Mahtomedi from just across the lake. A White Bear Lake resident, Schmit served most recently with the White Bear Lake Fire Department, where he has been Assistant Fire Chief of Operations and Training since 2018. Before that, he served as fire captain with White Bear Lake from 2006 to 2018. Altogether, Schmidt has been with the White Bear Lake Fire Department for more than 18 years.

Prior to his work with the White Bear Lake Fire Department, Schmidt served as lieutenant/ paramedic/ specialist with the Mdewakanton Public Safety Department from 2010-2018, as lead firefighter instructor with Century College and as paramedic with Allina Medical Transportation from 2005-2011. He holds an associate degree in paramedic technology from Century College, as well as a number of relevant certifications and licensures.

Rank-and-file Mahtomedi firefighters will likely already be familiar with Schmidt from past mutual aid events.

To assist Schmidt with a smooth transition into his new role, Assistant Chief Tim Albrecht served as interim fire chief for Mahtomedi since Schmidt's predecessor, Chief Terry Fischer, retired in September 2024. After council approved the hiring of two firefighter/EMT's at its Jan. 7 meeting, Schmidt will have a full staff of 20 to help him get the work done.

The process Mahtomedi used to find its new fire chief

After Fischer announced his retirement in June 2024, the City Council at its June 18 meeting authorized Bart Fischer (no relation) of David Drown Associates (DDA) to assist the city in hiring its next fire chief. The search firm spent three weeks developing a position profile and advertisement for candidates and met with council members, city staff and key stakeholders. Council approved the profile and ad at the Aug.

20 meeting, and the position was advertised the next day on LinkedIn to dozens of related organizations and by direct phone call outreach.

Although DDA charged the city $27,000 for the search, the work it did freed city staff to continue their normal activities. Because the city knew more than a year ago that a fire chief search was imminent, the fee amount had already been included in the 2024 budget.

The active recruitment reached more than 130 possible applicants; 23 candidates applied for the position. The candidates were ranked on required experience, education and desired attributes. The initial screening produced 10 semifinalists, who completed a work personality index and video interview.

The interview panel interviewed the three finalists and recommended that council appoint Schmidt to the position.

LORETTA HARDING | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Mahtomedi City Council welcomes new Fire Chief Joel Schmidt at a recent meeting. He previously worked for the White Bear Lake Fire Department.

Display earns Holiday Lights Contest victory

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

At the age of 7, Grant Ulrich is already known by many as a “Christmas enthusiast,” as he has developed a passion for all things Christmas.

“His room is over the top … He has got a Christmas village, and he has like four strands of lights in his room,” said Grant’s mother, Amelia.

Grant is the winner of Press Publication’s Holiday Lights Contest for his display outside of his home in the Diamond Point East neighborhood in Hugo.

“He pretty much took care of everything that was not on a ladder,” said Grant’s father, Matt.

For the past 10 years or so Matt says the family has decorated for Christmas. After a neighbor decided to move to the country, they acquired his holiday decorations.

“He had a pretty extravagant display,” Matt explained. “It was all synchronized to music … We kept it going.” Matt added that he tries to have a “special bonding” activity with each of his children, and putting up Christmas lights is his and Grant’s.

They typically begin to put up decorations the weekend before Thanksgiving. Last year was when Grant started to get involved, but this year was the first year that he really got into it, Amelia said. “(Grant) was out there every day for a week.”

Shortly after the display was up, a windstorm came through and Matt and Grant had to go back out and fix some things. Grant also helped put up lights at his grandmother’s house.

Grant said the most challenging part of the display was pounding the stakes into the ground.

The Christmas tree is Grant’s favorite part of his display.

“It has a remote that controls it. He keeps track of

the remote,” Matt explained. “He keeps it in his pocket every day. Brings it to school.”

Amelia explained that the family drove around to check out the other displays in the contest and Grant did not think he would win. When Grant heard the news he had won, he was excited and couldn’t stop saying “I won, I won!”

She added that Grant would also get excited when he saw motorists slowing down outside so they could check out his display.

So, what did Grant ask for this Christmas? More lights and displays to add to his yard next year. Perhaps he will rise to the top of the displays again in next year’s Holiday Lights Contest.

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

SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Grant Ulrich, of Hugo, is Press Publications’ Holiday Lights Contest winner.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE 2: CONDEMNATION COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-24-6234 JUDGE LEONARDO CASTRO AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING County of Ramsey, Petitioner,

v. Jeffrey D. Halverson, Kathleen Halverson, State of Minnesota Department of Transportation-Metro Right of Way, Premier Bank, Vadnais Vine & Liquor, Inc., Minneapolis SMSA Limited Partnership c/o U S West NewVector Group, Inc., T14 MelTel, LLC., Verizon Wireless, LLC., Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc., Dokmo Northwood Villa, LLC., Alliance Bank, Victor De La Cruz, Rosalie De La Cruz, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., Persaud Properties Equities, LLC., Qwest Corporation, Gervais Lake Apartments, LLC., Vadnais Lincoln Limited Partnership, Northern States Power Company, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Colliers Mortgage, LLC., Trellis Co., Del Co Limited Partnership, Steve Cruz, Ciiab Lor, Ya K Yang, Oscar Omar Lopez, Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC., Tyrone J. Moore, U.S. Bank, NA, Mesa Investments, LLC., Ronald T. Jarosch, Judy A. Jarosch, MidWestOne Bank, Jason J. Groholski, City of Vadnais Heights, City of Maplewood, City of Little Canada, County of Ramsey, and all other parties unknown having any claimed right, title or interest in the premises herein, together with the unknown heirs or devisees, if any, of the parties that may be deceased, and including. unknown spouses, if any, Respondents.

IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LAND TO THE RESPONDENTS HEREIN ABOVE NAMED: You, and each of you, are hereby notified that on the 5th day of March, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. via ZOOM before Judge Leonardo Castro. Petitioner will present to the above-named court a Petition now on file herein for condemnation of certain land for highway purposes. Parties wishing to appear at the remote hearing at 11:30 a.m. on March 5, 2025, can join by logging into zoomgov.com. After connecting, enter the following Meeting ID and Passcode:

Meeting ID: 161 397 7241

Passcode: 084871

If you plan to appear by ZOOM, please notify the petitioner’s attorney listed below in order to receive a copy of any proposed exhibits and orders provided to the court. You are not required to notify the petitioner’s attorney, but failure to do so may prevent you from having access to the exhibits and proposed orders submitted.

The object of the Petition is to acquire by “quick take” condemnation under the right of eminent domain the real property interests as described in the Petition.

The land desired and proposed to be taken are situated in Ramsey County, Minnesota, and are described in the Petition, together with the names of all persons appearing of record or known to Petitioner to be the owners of said land or interested therein including all whom Petitioner has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each as nearly as can be ascertained.

At the hearing, the County of Ramsey will ask the Court for an order permitting payment to the respective owners or deposit with the Court an amount equal to Petitioner’s approved appraisal of value of the parcels described in the Petition, thereby transferring title and the right to possession of the property to the County of Ramsey effective February 1, 2025. Furthermore, the County of Ramsey will ask the Court to ascertain the allocation of funds so deposited and to establish a procedure for the withdrawal of those funds. Neither payment to the respective owners nor deposit with the Court shall prejudice or affect the right of a respective party to apply for additional payment in this proceeding. Finally, the County of Ramsey will ask the Court to establish procedures by which commissioners shall hear all allegations and proofs of persons interested herein.

A party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the court hearing and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a court order, and a court order approving the public use or public purpose, necessity, and authority for the taking is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days after service of the order on the party. Furthermore, a party wishing to be heard as to the appointment of the commissioners who will ascertain the amount of damages must appear at the court hearing.

Any person not appearing at the hearing, or otherwise filing a notice of appearance with the district court, may not be notified of further hearings or actions related to the Petition.

Dated: December 31, 2024

JOHN J. CHOI

Ramsey County Attorney

By: s/ Scott Schwahn

Scott Schwahn (#0222239)

Kevin S. Plaisance (#0504690)

Assistant Ramsey County Attorney 360 Wabasha St. N., Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 266-3041 (Schwahn) (651) 266-3178 (Plaisance) scott.schwahn@co.ramsey.mn.us kevin.plaisance@co.ramsey.mn.us

Attorneys for Petitioner

Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 8, 15 and 22, 2025.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE 2: CONDEMNATION COURT FILE NO. 62-CV-24-6234 JUDGE LEONARDO CASTRO AMENDED PETITION County of Ramsey, Petitioner,

IN THE MATTER OF THE CONDEMNATION OF CERTAIN LAND

TO: THE DISTRICT COURT ABOVE NAMED

The County of Ramsey brings this Petition and respectfully states and alleges:

That this proceeding is taken pursuant to law in the name of and on behalf of the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, by John J. Choi, the duly elected, qualified and acting County Attorney, at the request of the Board of County Commissioners of Ramsey County, as shown by County Board Resolution No. B2021-040, dated February 16, 2021, a certified copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof.

II.

That the County of Ramsey also deems it necessary, expedient, and for a public use and purpose to obtain by “quick take” condemnation under the right of eminent domain the permanent easements and temporary construction easements in the lands as described in this Petition, together with all structures, trees, shrubs, grass and herbage to be damaged thereby.

III.

In the attached Exhibit B, where “fee title” is identified, the interest being conveyed is fee simple title.

IV.

In the attached Exhibit B, where a “permanent easement” is identified, the interests being conveyed include all rights necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of all public right-of-way and utility uses now known or adopted in the future. Such rights include, but are not limited to, the right: to remove and use all plants, trees, ground cover, and natural growth now existing, or later planted or grown; to permanently grade or alter the grade of the land, and to remove and use all earth and other material not reasonably necessary for lateral and subjacent support; to limit or allow the location, number, and related characteristics of access from the remainder property to the public right-of-way; to store equipment or supplies; to access, both ingress and egress, from the most reasonably convenient rights-of-way; to remove any physical improvements or fixtures that interfere with its use as a public right-of-way; and to exclude from the area any use or improvement that conflicts with the rights conveyed herein. Reasonable and convenient access to the remainder will be maintained.

In the attached Exhibit B, where a “temporary easement” is identified, the interests being conveyed include all rights of possession and use, for a limited period of time, necessary or incidental to support the related construction project, including the right: to stage equipment or supplies; to access other portions of the construction project; to make minimal permanent alterations to the grade of the land that do not substantially impact the remainder; to remove (and restore in substantially similar condition) any plants, ground cover, or physical improvements; to access, both ingress and egress, from the most reasonably convenient rights-of-way; and to install any temporary improvements. Reasonable and convenient access to the remainder will be maintained. The term of the temporary easement shall be for 24 months beginning on March 1, 2025 and ending March 1, 2027, or for 24 months from the date when granted pursuant to order of the district court, whichever is later. In addition, the interests identified in this paragraph include the option of the Petitioner to extend the temporary easement for up to two six-month terms to be held consecutive to the original term and to each other at the monthly rate determined for the initial term.

VI.

The County of Ramsey identified redundant access (see Exhibit C) for the following parcels: 35, 37, 43 and 55. Pursuant to the Ramsey County Access Management Program, only one access per residential property from a county road is allowed. It is county practice to remove redundant access upon implementation of an improvement project, therefore the County will remove secondary access from the above-referenced parcels.

VII.

Personal property not specifically identified as being acquired, including, but not limited to, fencing, irrigation systems, pavement, curbing, or signage, or trees, shrubs, plants, or ground covering, is not included in this petition, except to the extent the above rights provide for the removal, replacement, use, or repair of such property. It is the intention of the Petitioner to address any claim of damage related to personal property destroyed, removed, lost, or otherwise damaged, but not repaired or replaced in substantially similar condition, in accordance with applicable relocation laws, including Minn. Stat. § 117.50 - .56 or the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

VIII

That the purpose for which said interests in land described in this Petition are being acquired is for the widening, addition to and realignment of County Road D for the purpose of public travel and transportation and related uses.

The taking in this matter is to obtain rights sufficient to support the construction and maintenance of a public highway, including related facilities. Unless specifically identified, pre-existing utility, pipeline, access, and other easements or interests shall remain in full force and effect and shall only be impaired to the extent necessary for the County of Ramsey to construct and maintain a public highway, and related uses, on the land being acquired. For any parcel being taken by this condemnation proceeding that is subject to pre-existing utility, pipeline, access, or other easements or interests, the County of Ramsey shall work as needed with the easement holder to adjust facilities to accommodate the construction or to adjust construction plans to minimize related damages.

X It is the intent of the Petitioner that reasonable access, in at least one direction, to the main thoroughfare will be maintained for any remaining interest of a property from which a permanent or temporary easement is taken.

XI Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, should tests or evaluations undertaken by or on behalf of the County of Ramsey indicate the possible presence of pollutants, contaminants, or hazardous substances on any of the property described in this Petition, the County of Ramsey reserves the right to defer effecting the transfer of the interest to any of the property as described herein for a reasonable time until the County of Ramsey can evaluate whether it wishes to proceed with the taking, abandon these proceedings and dismiss the Petition as to said property, or otherwise respond to such information.

Further, the County of Ramsey reserves the right to recover costs of cleanup and testing and all other damages resulting from the presence of pollutants, contaminates, or hazardous substances on the property described herein, from all potentially responsible parties in a separate legal action.

XII.

That a party wishing to challenge the public use or public purpose, necessity, or authority for a taking must appear at the hearing of this Court at which the County of Ramsey, as Petitioner, shall present this Petition to the Court and state the objection or must appeal within 60 days of a Court order.

XIII.

That the land in these proceedings to be taken are situated in Ramsey County, Minnesota and are more particularly described in attached Exhibit B which is made a part hereof. The names of all persons appearing of record or known to the County of Ramsey to be the owners of said land, or interested therein, including all whom the County of Ramsey has been able by investigation and inquiry to discover, together with the nature of the ownership of each, as nearly as can be ascertained, are set forth on attached Exhibit B

XIV.

The County of Ramsey hereby moves the court for an order transferring title and possession of the parcels described herein prior to filing of an award by the court appointed commissioners, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 117.042. WHEREFORE, the County of Ramsey prays for an order of this Court as follows:

1. Adjudging that said taking is for a public purpose, is necessary, and is

authorized by law; and

2. It be further adjudged that the County of Ramsey is entitled to take and hold such property for the public use pursuant to the Notice of Intent to Take Possession, on file with this Court; and

3. Appointing three disinterested commissioners, and at least two alternates, to ascertain and report the amount of damages that will be sustained by the several owners on account of the taking; fixing the time and place of the first meeting of the three commissioners; prescribing their compensation; establishing procedures for the disbursement of funds deposited with the district court; establishing procedures by which commissioners shall hear all allegations and proofs of persons interested herein; and requiring the commissioners to file their report with the District Court Administrator within 365 days from the date of the order appointing the commissioners unless said time be further extended by order of the Court; and

4. For such other and further relief as may be proper and pursuant to law

Dated: December 31, 2024

JOHN J. CHOI

Ramsey County Attorney

By: s/ Scott Schwahn Scott Schwahn (#0222239) Kevin S. Plaisance (#0504690) Assistant Ramsey County Attorney 360 Wabasha St. N., Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 266-3041 (Schwahn) (651) 266-3178 (Plaisance)

scott.schwahn@co.ramsey.mn.us

kevin.plaisance@co.ramsey.mn.us

Attorneys for Petitioner

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The undersigned hereby acknowledges that costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney and witness fees may be awarded pursuant to Minn. Stat. Section 549.211 to the party against whom the allegations in this pleading are asserted.

/s/ Scott Schwahn Scott Schwahn

EXHIBIT A

RAMSEY COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION B2021-040

Sponsor: Public Works

Meeting Date: 2/16/2021

Title: 2021 - 2025 Transportation Improvement

Program

File Number: 2021-037

Background and Rationale:

In order to qualify for state and federal funding and to proceed with construction projects, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners must approve the Public Works 5-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP is a planning document and funding estimates identified in the TIP are reflected in the County’s Capital Improvements Program Budget. Similar programs havebeen developed each year since 1988. The Public Works Department, annually, prepares the TIP using a collaborative process whereby the County solicits projects and input from area municipalities. Project inclusion in the TIP is based on a cooperative dialogue with municipal and state partners, along with technical analysis and consideration of funding opportunities. While funding limits will continue to challenge program delivery, communication and engagement with municipal partners ensures local needs and prioritiesare examined and addressed to the extent possible.

Projects included in the TIP are also looked at through the lens of the Ramsey County All Abilities Transportation Network (AATN) policy, which prioritizes the most vulnerable users (i.e. pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities) first.

The design, construction and right of way costs identified in the TIP are estimates based on best practices in the industry. The funding landscape for transportation projects can be volatile and the ultimate delivery of the TIP is dependent on future funding levels. Partnering on projects with area communities, bordering counties, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other state agencies will continue to be a critical way for Ramsey County to get the most from our available funds.

Recommendation: The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners resolved to:

1. Adopt the 2021-2025 Public Works Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

2. Authorize the County Engineer to prepare plans and agreements for all projects identified in the TIP, and to issue solicitations in accordance with County policies and procedures and the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s list of “Pre-Qualified Vendors by Work Type”.

3. Authorize the County Engineer to execute Right of Way Plats and Certificate of Surveys for Highway projects that require the determination of existing right of way for the delineation and /or acquisition of property, for planning studies or disposition of excess County property.

4. Authorize the County Manager to enter into contracts and agreements, and execute change orders and amendments to contracts, supplemental agreements, and agreements related to theexpenditure of TIP Project Funds utilizing County State Aid, Federal, and participating funding associated with the construction of the approved projects in the 2021-2025 or a previously approved TIP in accordance with the County’s procurement policies and procedures.

5. Authorize the County Engineer and County Attorney to acquire temporary easements, permanent easements, fee title, and enter into Limited Use Permits with the State of Minnesota for projects in the 2021-2025 TIP, or previously approved TIP, by negotiation or condemnation.

6. Authorize the County Engineer to approve negotiated settlements for up to $100,000 over the County’s appraised value per parcel for temporary and permanent easements and fee title.

7. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute purchase agreements, settlements, closing documents, Limited Use Permits, and other related real estate documentation associated with County Board approved acquisitions of real property.

8. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute cooperative agreements and maintenance agreements with cities, counties, the State, and other governmental agencies for their participation in projects listed in the 2021-2025 Public Works TIP or previously approved TIP.

9. Authorize temporary cash loans from the County General Fund to the Road and Bridge Capital Improvement Program fund and the Wheelage Tax fund for costs of projects listed in the 2021-2025 Public Works Transportation Program, or previously approved TIP, and for maintenance project expenditures occurring before bond or wheelage tax proceeds are received pending receipt of Federal, County State Aid Highway, State, participating funds.

A motion to approve was made by Commissioner McGuire, seconded by Commissioner MatasCastillo.

Motion passed.

Aye: - 7: Carter, Frethem, MatasCastillo, McDonough, McGuire, Ortega, and Reinhardt

By: Janet Guthrie

Attest: /s/ Mee Cheng

Chief Clerk - County Board, Mee Cheng Date Certified

(Continued

EXHIBIT B

PARCEL 5

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across Temporary Easement Parcel 15, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 21, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Together with a Temporary Easement over, under and across the north 14.00 feet of the south 47.00 feet and the north 8.00 feet of the south 55.00 feet of the west 83.6 feet of the following described property:

That part of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SW ¼ of SE ¼) of Section 33, Township 30, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying south of the southerly right of way line of T.H. 694-393 and lying west of the following described line:

Over, under and across the north 9.00 feet of the south 42.00 feet of the following described property:

PARCEL 5

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across the north 9.00 feet of the south 42.00 feet of the following described property:

PIN:

Beginning at a point in the south line of said Section 33, distant 248.31 feet east of the South Quarter corner thereof; thence northerly at right angles to said south line to the southerly right of way of T.H. 694-393 and there terminating.

and there terminating.

PIN: 33-30-22-34-0003 – Abstract Property

That part of the west 50.0 feet of the east 599.0 feet of the south 377.75 feet of the Southeast Quarter of Section 32, Township 30, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota, subject to Highway and County Road D.

32-30-22-44-0006 – Abstract Property

PIN: 32-30-22-44-0006 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 771 County Road D East, Saint Paul, MN 55117

PIN: 33-30-22-34-0003 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 1015 County Road D East, Saint Paul, MN 55117

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference information

Persaud Properties Equities, LLC Fee Owner

Qwest Corporation Easement for utilities

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference information

Vadnais Vine & Liquor, Inc. Fee Owner

Minneapolis SMSA Limited Partnership

c/o U S West NewVector Group, Inc. Tenant

State of Minnesota

Department of Transportation, Metro Right of Way Drainage Easement

T14 MelTel, LLC Communication, Access, and Utility Easements

Verizon Wireless, LLC Tenant

City of Vadnais Heights Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

PARCEL 15

PERMANENT RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

PARCEL 7

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across Parcel 15, RAMSEY COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 21, as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Ramsey County, Minnesota.

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Gervais Lake Apartments, LLC Contract for Deed City of Vadnais Heights Possible Special Assessments and Easement for underground utilities County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

PARCEL 35

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

PARCEL 35

Over, under and across the south 3.0 feet of the north 36.0

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

of the east 41.1 feet of the following described property: The west 5 acres of the east 20 acres of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 4, Township 29, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota lying northerly of the centerline of Northern States Power Company Easement per Document No. 1557522. Subject to the public rights in and to County Road D.

City of Maplewood Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

PARCEL 43 TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across the south 3.0 feet of the north 36.0 feet of the west 27.0 feet and the south 3.0 feet of the north 36.0 feet of the west 20.0 feet of the east 41.1 feet of the following described property:

Document No. 1557522. Subject to the public rights in and to County Road D.

PIN: 04-29-22-12-0070 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 1134 County Road D East, Maplewood, MN 55117

The west 5 acres of the east 20 acres of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 4, Township 29, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota lying northerly of the centerline of Northern States Power Company Easement per

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference information

Over, under and across the north 9.00 feet of the south 42.00 feet of the following described property:

PIN:

Del Co Limited Partnership Fee Owner Steve Cruz Contract for Deed Northern States Power Company Easement for utilities City of Maplewood Possible Special Assessments County of Ramsey Possible Property Taxes

That part of the west 101 feet of the east 449 feet of the south 377.75 feet of the Southeast Quarter of Section 32, Township 30, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota, lying southerly of Highway 35E.

32-30-22-44-0008 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 0 County Road D East, Saint Paul, MN 55117

PARCEL

PARCEL 37

PARCEL 36

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over, under and across the north 3.0 feet of the west 37.0 feet of the following described property:

Lot 1, Block 2, CANADA WOODS EAST, according to the recorded plat thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota.

PIN: 04-29-22-12-0062 – Abstract Property

ADDRESS: 1124 County Road D East, Saint Paul, MN 55117

NATURE OF INTEREST Reference information Fee Owner Fee Owner

Mortgage Electronic Registration Mortgagee

Possible Special Assessments

Possible Property Taxes

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over,

Lot 2, Block 2, CANADA WOODS EAST,

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Above: Wally Briggs visits with Meka, a Samoyed dog brought to the arts center by Leny Wendell.

At left: Ice carver John Njoes, who has created previous sculptures for Winter Carnival competition, works on a portion of the sculpture he and his partner John Nusser-Cooper carved and assembled during the Winter Open House.

Above: Hannah Bradley was among the high school interns at the White Bear Center for the Arts who assisted with the planning, organization and implementation of the Winter Open House event.

At right: Attendees of all ages were encouraged to pick up percussion instruments to accompany the music of the Folk Revival band.

Above: Ice carvers John Nusser-Cooper and John Njoes pose with the finished sculpture they created.

Minnesota's first woman lieutenant governor, Marlene M. Johnson, will be signing copies of her recently published memoir 'Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership, and

Dr. Amelia Reigstad, owner of the Women Collective in White Bear Lake, has recently released her new book, 'Hello Ms. Perfect: Navigating the Path of Perfection and Claiming your Identity'. An author meet and greet and book launch event is scheduled at the Women Collective on Feb 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. (meet and greet) and 6-8 p.m. (book launch party). RSVP is requested at eventbrite.com/e/helloms-perfect-meet-greet-and-book-launchparty-tickets. The book is also available for purchase on Amazon.

Love' at Lake Country Booksellers in downtown White Bear Lake starting at noon Saturday, Feb. 28.

John Wayne Barker has announced his retirement as executive director of local nonprofit Merrick Inc. Barker who served in the position for 27 years, will retire July 1.

White Bear Lake resident and attorney

Aaron Eken has been promoted to partner at personal injury law firm Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben. Eken has been with the firm since 2021. John Rowley of Vadnais Heights bowled a perfect 300 game Jan. 12 at Splitrocks Entertainment Center in Wyoming. Rowley is a former member of the White Bear High School bowling team.

Deadline for Classified Line and display ads

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City of Centerville Now Hiring

Rink Attendant – Centerville

The city of Centerville is hiring rink attendants to start immediately. Job duties include opening and closing the warming house, light shoveling, light custodial work and communicating with city staff. Hours are evenings, weekends and holidays, through the outdoor ice season. Applicants must be 16+. For a complete application, visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com

Public Services Technician

The city of Centerville is hiring a Public Services Technician. The position is a general labor position within the City’s Public Works Department. Duties include maintenance of sewer, water and stormwater infrastructure, plowing snow on city streets, maintaining public buildings and parks, and other related tasks. Sewer and Water system operator licensure, as well as a commercial driver’s license is required or may be obtained within one year of employment. For a complete application and more details on the job requirements, visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER INDEMNIFICATION:

The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of the Newspaper. Such credit shall not be given for more than one incorrect insertion unless the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change copy submitted as a "proof," the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless they are received by the Newspaper within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication. If an advertisement is requested to run after copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs. No specific page or position shall be guaranteed. The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney 's fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.

SPORTS

Bears wrestlers 4th in tourney, 0-3 in duals

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The White Bear Lake wrestlers got back in action after the break with a busy weekend. The Bears placed fourth of 11 teams in the Elk River Invitational. They lost three dual meets Friday evening at Centennial. Their record is 2-4.

At Elk River, Samuel Mortenson won the 160-pound division, edging Andover’s Sam Braaten 11-10 in the finals after a bye and a 12-0 win. Muayeng (Shaker) Lee was second at 107 with a bye, an overtime win and a 6-2 loss. Indiana Kane was second at 114 with two decisions and a loss by pin. Noah Ludwig was second a 139 with a bye, 5-4 win and 10-5 loss. Porter Cleary was third at 172 with a loss by pin, a 12-9 win and a pin. Charlie Woodcock was third at 189 with a pin, two tech fall wins and a tech fall loss.

At Centennial, the Bears (2-4) lost to Blaine 42-25, to Anoka 41-17, and Centennial 45-17. Ludwig was 3-0 at 139

GYMNASTICS

Mahtomedi scored 134.95 points to beat Champlin Park (115.20) and Park Center (107.45) in their invitational. Lucy Otto (34.50) and Margo Bruner (33.65) placed first and second in All-Around. Otto (8.70) took first place on vault followed by Keely Bohm (8.65) and Lily Bush (8.60). Cassia Hartmann (8.35) placed first on bars followed by Otto (8.150) and Bruner (7.90). Otto (9.00) and Bruner (8.80) placed first and second on beam and Addison Eitel (8.70) third. Floor had similar results: Otto (8.80) first, Bruner (8.50) second and Eitel (8.30) third.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi won conference games over South St. Paul 67-47 and St. Thomas Academy 50-38, both at home, then lost at Minnehaha Academy 72-57. The Zephyrs are 6-6. Against SSP (5-6), Willie Roelofs sank 19 points, Mark Graff 14, Hank Roelofs 11 and Kellen Johnson 10. Against the Cadets (5-5), Graff had 17 points and Willie Roelofs 15. Against Minnehaha (7-5), Graff scored 23 points. The Zephyrs are 6-6 overall and 2-1 in the Metro East.

NORDIC SKI

The Mahtomedi boys team placed first and the girls team placed second in a five-team meet at Highland Park, opening the conference season. With

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS HOCKEY

White Bear Lake scrapped to a 2-2 tie with Park — their first non-win in conference play — and beat Woodbury 4-2. They’re 8-2-2 overall and 7-0-1 in the Suburban East, and will host CretinDerham Hall (7-0) on Saturday. Jack Stanius scored both goals against Park and Leo Gabriel made 21 saves. Owen Corkish had both for Park (3-2-1) and Henry Voss made 26 saves. Against Woodbury, Liam Maloy scored eight seconds into the third period to break a 2-2 tie and Noah Norman scored shorthanded at 7:42. Hunter Doroff and Tyler Lalonde delivered the first two goals. Riley Herberger, backup goalie, stopped 20 shots, with Tommy Dittrich scoring twice for the Royals (5-9-1).

second half when they pulled away from the Mustangs (8-4). Against Park (6-6), Dieterle sank 20 points, O’Brien 15 and Chloe Theissen 10.

GIRLS HOCKEY

White Bear Lake lost to Stillwater 2-1 and East Ridge 4-1. Carlie Griffin scored against Stillwater and Talia Domschot scored against East Ridge. The Bears are 5-12-2.

GYMNASTICS

pounds. He nipped Blaine’s Maxwell Braddy 1-0 and cruised 14-4 and 14-5 in his other matches. Going 2-1 were Cleary (14-8 win and pin), Mortenson (11-1 and 11-0) and Woodcock (two pins).

Two White Bear Lake girls won their division at Elk River. Calli Lactorin was 3-0 at 101-124 pounds with an overtime 11-8 win, a 32-second pin and 9-4 decision. Jamie Herring was 3-0 at 172-185 with two pins and a 10-7 decision. The Bears had five entrants.

Ethan Albrecht placing first and Luke Vipond second, the Mahtomedi boys scored 474, Two Rivers 461, Hastings 449, St. Thomas Academy 403 and Simley 360. John Aufderhar was seventh and Zhenghong Schlechte eighth. Girls team scoring was Two Rivers 476, Mahtomedi 466, Hastings 191, Simley 86 and Tartan 83. Mahtomedi’s Giada Garrity (8th grader) placed fifth, Rachel Brings sixth, Annika Winke eighth and Jessica Aufderhar ninth.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi cruised to a pair of conference wins last week, improving to 10-3. The Zephyrs beat South St. Paul 71-33 as Sarah Poepard scored 16 points, Anne Greene 14, Berkley Blaisdell 12, Grace Prose nine and Ella Frazier eight. Prose pumped in 28 points in an 86-35 win over Simley. Greene had 18 and Poepard 10.

GIRLS WRESTLING

Six Mahtomedi girls competed in the Eden Prairie Invitational. Shelby McFetridge placed third at 130 with two tech falls, a loss by pin and a win by pin. Evie Karle was fourth at 113, Olivia Tofte fourth at 136, Elizabeth Carlson seventh at 100, and Kyra Kamrayh seventh at 106.

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Jack Stanius

White Bear Lake Hockey January 15th, 2025

Jack Stanius is the top scorer on the White Bear Lake hockey team that’s 9-2-2 and sharing the conference lead. The 5-foot-9 senior forward has netted 12 goals and assisted on 12 others for 24 points. He had two goals in a recent 2-2 tie with Park and two in a 5-2 win over Hermantown. As a junior, he missed 15 of 30 games with injury but logged 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists). He has committed to the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL. Stanius is also a golf standout; he qualified for the state meet last spring and won the Tanners Brook club title in the summer.

4457 White Bear Parkway, Ste B, White Bear, MN 55110 651-426-5254 info@4seasonsairwbl.com

GIRLS BASKETBALL

With Elise Dieterle sinking 50 points in two games, White Bear Lake picked up basketball wins over Mounds View 69-56 at home and Park 65-53. The Bears are 9-6. Dieterle, a 6-foot-1 senior who transferred this year from Stillwater, netted 30 points against Mounds View, 20 in the second half. She made 10 field goals and nine of 13 free shots. Abby O’Brien added 11 points and Chloe Thiessen 10 for the Bears. They were 2-for-8 on free shots in the first half and 15-for-18 in the

White Bear Lake defeated Roseville Area 139.55 to 127.00. The Bears (3-2) had the top four all-around in Amelia Ahrens 35.50, Josie Mlejnek 34.825, Grace Mueller 34.5 and Addie Mueller 34.375. Grace Mueller won vault (9.025) with Addy Mueller second (9.00). Ahrens won bars (8.70) with Addy Mueller second (8.45). Mlejnek won beam (9.20) with Ahrens second (8.65). Addy Mueller won floor (9.275) with Grace Mueller second (9.15).

BOYS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake lost at Mounds View 53-49, beat Park 70-64 at home, and lost to St. Paul Central 62-61. Against Mounds View (9-2), Colin Piper had 14 points and Rithy Sain eight. At Central, Sain had 13 points, John Johnson and Piper 12 each, Korey Raheem 10 and Gavin Krenz nine.

SWIMMING

The Bears lost to Irondale 99-80. Anthony Parada Romero and Miles Cork were 1-2 in diving. Benedict Hoefer won the 500 freestyle. Finnian McVeigh was second in butterfly and breaststroke. Angelo Roman was second in 100 free. The Bears placed fifth in the section true-team Saturday. Romero won diving (338.25 points) with Miles Cork fourth. Hoefer was third in 200 freestyle and fourth in 100 free.

Bruce Strand

White Bear Lake Archery hosts its first Winter Shootout

White Bear Lake Archery, lead by head coach Paul Erickson, Sr., hosted 25 teams from across the state for their first Winter Shootout. “We’ve got a brand-new field house at the high school, so we are using that we’re going to have 30 targets for the kids to shoot at, so the potential of 60 archers per flight.”

Erickson became interested in archery when his son Paul (also a coach for White Bear) became interested in the sport.

“Back when he was in ninth grade, he had a friend that was on the team, so he would go watch them practice. He never related to his mother and father, ‘hey, I want to do this’. So he would just stay after school and watch them practice. Finally, a year later the coach at the time

called me, said, you know, Paul’s been watching us practice and we could really use him as a filling at a tournament. Is it possible? And it just so happened that the, tournament that they needed him to fill in at is the world tournament in Myrtle Beach. We signed him up for the final two years of his high schooling.”

Now the two coach the team, which consists of 34 high school and 19 middle school students.

White Bear archers didn’t place as a team but one high schooler. Dylan Hood. took 2nd place for high school boys in bullseye shooting. Hood a sophomore shot a 292 out of 300 a personal best for the archer.

LISA SIDDONS | CONTRIBUTED

Elise Dieterle drove to the hoop during her 30-point game against Mounds View.

The White Bear Lake Archery team has 24 high school students and 19 middle school students.

BRUCE STRAND PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Noah Ludwig, who won five of six matches over the weekend, got near-fall points against a Centennial opponent.

has no cure, but there are two new treatments, Kisunla and Legembi, that can reduce cognitive and functional decline in people living with Alzheimer’s. Legembi was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2023 and Kisunla in July 2024.

Kathy started taking Donepezil after diagnosis, but she heard about the two new treatments from her neurologist. She started calling various clinics to see if they had the infusion. “I called so many,” she recalled.

She eventually found a clinic that offered Legembi, but her insurance would not approve it. Her insurance did, however, accept Kisunla, a monthly injection produced by Eli Lilly. Kisunla is for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.

In a clinical study at 18 months, people treated with Kisunla showed a significant slowing of decline of an average of 22% compared with a placebo.

“I was scared to get the infusion because of the side effects,” Kathy explained. “I think for a good six months I was like, ‘I’m not going to do it.’ It’s a big time commitment, and in my head I’m thinking, ‘I want to enjoy my family’; if I can’t get this, it could be like 10 years …”

There were a lot of hoops Kathy had to jump through to make sure she

would be a good fit for the medication. Kathy was ultimately approved for the infusion, which she started in September. She was actually the first patient to receive the treatment at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology in Golden Valley. Kathy started out on a half dose and is now on the larger dose. She didn’t experience any side effects on the half dose, but she did have a four-day headache after her first higher dose.

Kathy is one of 3% of people with Alzheimer’s disease who have posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). “I was seeing specks. I pulled over one day because I thought there were spiders and webs on my window.”

Pete recalled, “She was always cleaning off her glasses like she could never get them clean.”

At first, the eye doctor thought Kathy had dry eye, but the drops weren’t helping, so she was referred to a neuroophthalmologist. PCA is a rare type of dementia that affects the back of the brain and causes a decline in visual processing skills.

“Every day I have to lay down and rest my eyes because I have to release the pressure,” Kathy explained.

Alzheimer’s disease has also impacted Kathy’s cooking, entertaining and social life. She finds herself getting flustered in the kitchen when she is trying to prepare meals. “It takes me forever to grocery

shop,” she explained. “I just get overwhelmed.”

On New Year’s Eve, Kathy was invited to attend a party. All she had to do was bring a book with her for a game. “It took me three hours to pick out two books. I went to six stores,” Kathy recalled.

Since undergoing the infusions, Kathy has noticed small differences; for example, she feels less agitated. Pete said her mood seems better. Only time will tell. After 18 months of the infusion, Kathy will do a PET scan to see what impact, if any, the infusion is having.

Kathy says she is undergoing the treatment for her family. “I do feel good about doing it, because what other option is there?” she asked. “It’s not going to cure you. It’s hopefully going to let you live longer.”

Pete says the hope is that it will slow down the progression and maybe three to five years from now, there will be a drug that can cure the condition. “I don’t want to think long term, I just want to live in the moment, as cliché as that sounds — but it is so true,” he said. “We laugh, we love.”

The Ingebrands have made it a point to travel more. At least once a year, they plan to take a family trip. This summer, they rented a beach house in South Carolina.

“It’s all about making those memories and happiness,” Kathy said.

Managing Editor Shannon Granholm

Design Your Future. Create Your Success.

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Lowell Thomas Carlson

“Tom, Coach, Boomer”

This special husband, father and loyal friend died in White Bear Lake on January 8, 2025. He was born in St. James, MN. to caring parents Dr. Lowell Carlson and Midge Swam Carlson. He grew up with brother and friend, Fred

in Trimont, MN. He graduated from Trimont High School. Tom was very active in a variety of activities but sports was his passion with football #1. His first job detasseling corn was his least favorite but he loved moving on to driving forklifts in the freezer section at Stokley’s factory in Fairmont. Tom graduated with a teaching degree in science from Gustavus and made life long friends with his roommates that were his “Reds” frat buddies. Playing football continued to be important in college with more friendships made. Cokato High School was his next stop, as high school teacher and assistant football coach and later adding assistant wrestling coach. Tom married Gustie Nan Carlson and daughter Lisa and son Joel were added to their family. Tom became Cokato head football coach before moving on to North St. Paul, as a teacher and coach. He loved teaching skills, techniques and encouraging all of his players. Tom was always hard working and summers were busy delivering 7 Up, as a railroad switchman or driving thousand of miles as a driver’s education instructor. Tom fit right into retirement - fishing up at the lake cabin, proudly attending grandchildren’s activities, putting on a farmers hat growing tomatoes, transplanting ferns, and growing sunflowers to attract Monarch butterflies. The last 2 1/2 years with health issues, he lived at Prelude Assisted Living. He received wonderful care there and was known for his kindness, being respectful and of course had a twinkle in his eyes as a joke was on the way. Tom was so proud of his children and grandchildren - daughter Lisa Bonko (Dave); son Joel Carlson (Eva); and grandchildren Nick, Jack and Sammie Bonko, Emma and Andrew Carlson. He had a fondness for his niece, Jodie Carlson Huron, and nephew Paul Carlson. He is preceded in death by parents; sister-in-law Kathy Tunks; and many cousins. Memorial services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3770 Bellaire Ave., WBL on Friday, January 17th at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00. Memorials may be made to NSP High School, Attn Athletic Dept - Football to help defray the expenses of the cost for football players to play his favorite sport. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.

Weekly Outlook

Steven Natale Collova

Age 69, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2024. Born on April 1, 1955, to Helen and Gus Collova, Steve brought light and love to those around him throughout his life, and even shared his birthday with two of his grandkids. He was preceded in death by his father Gus Collova, son Troy Collova, sister-in-law Kelly Macalus, father-in-law Willis Klein and motherin-law Claudette Weller.

Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ruthie Collova; his loving children Crystal (Ben) Butters, Steven Jr. (Mel) Collova, and daughter-in-law Nikki Cimenski; his cherished mother Helen Collova; his siblings Renee Collova, Tim Collova, Bruce (Gloria) Collova, Mark Collova, Rachel (Fred) Komm; and his five beloved grandchildren, Bella, Libby, Max, Vinny, and Griffin, who were the true joy of his life.

Steve worked as a general contractor and carpenter, specializing in residential building and remodeling. He partnered closely with his brother Tim during the weekdays and cousin Denny on weekends. His love for his work and pride in his craft were evident in every project he undertook.

Known affectionately as “Bones” and “Papa,” Steve was a cornerstone of his family and community. He was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s sporting events and dance competitions, taking immense pride in their accomplishments. Steve’s generosity extended beyond his immediate family, as he supported friends and loved ones with various projects. His unwavering dedication and dependability endeared him to all who knew him.

Steve’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his love, hard work, and unwavering commitment to those he held dear. A visitation and memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2024, at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 Buffalo Street, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.