Vadnais Heights Press by Press Publications

Above: Andy Wietecki clears the surface of White Bear Lake near Ramsey County Beach in preparation for the upcoming Polar Plunge fundraising event for Special Olympics Minnesota scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25 starting at 12 p.m.

At left: Members of the Frozen Dunkers hit the water during last year’s event.

The Polar Plunge event on White Bear Lake, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run, has helped kick off a season of plunges around the state for 23 years. Find more information at plungemn.org.

Study provides ‘first step’ for downtown’s future

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

WHITE BEAR LAKE

— City staff and the City Council now have a framework to help guide them in decisionmaking regarding future projects in the downtown area.

Public Works Director/ City Engineer Paul Kauppi described the downtown parking and mobility study as a “large brainstorming exercise” that provides a “framework” for future projects.

The study, which took nearly two years to complete, reviews pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic; evaluates current and future parking needs; and explores concepts for landscaping, public spaces, lighting and wayfinding. A steering committee was

Plastic-free February: Challenge empowers residents

BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR

In Minnesota, only about 10% of the 656,420 tons of plastic that gets thrown out each year becomes new products, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

Plastic is everywhere: the bag you go shopping with, the cup you drink your coffee out of, the film on top of your leftovers.

For the second year, Ramsey and Washington counties are joining forces with Hennepin County for the PlasticFree Challenge 2025 this February.

organized to review the data, conduct an analysis, generate concepts and make final recommendations to the City Council. (See “Steering Committee will present parking, mobility study to council,” Jan. 8.) SEH Senior Planner Mark Nolan recently presented the study’s findings to the City Council. “Ultimately, the City Council will decide if anything gets implemented from this plan. It is really up to the city and council to move things forward from here,” Nolan explained.

Nolan described the study report as the “first step” that provides some possible concepts for future projects based on input from staff, the steering committee and

Hennepin County launched the challenge in 2021.

“(Hennepin County) invited us to join last year, and we thought it was a super cool initiative. We don’t usually have many of our programs cross and touch paths, so it was a cool opportunity,” explained Ramsey County Health Educator Kaija Schlangen. “We tried (the challenge) for the first time last year and we had some great participation from residents from all three counties and wanted to continue to provide it this year as an opportunity

1,2 or 5 people across 3 counties participated actions were completed by participants plastic straws, cups, utensils and bottles were not used pounds of carbon dioxide emissions were prevented pieces of litter were picked up minutes were spent on learning to become plastic-free are the only plastics that are acceptable in your recycling bin

WHAT’S HAPPENING

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

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT PIPE ORGANS

When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23

Where: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi

Details: Bill Chouinard, Organist & Music Coordinator at St. Andrew’s, will play, demonstrate, and answer questions. A few hymns will be sung and a complimentary buffet will follow the program. Free and open to the public; RSVP requested.

Contact: 651-983-3846 or alan@ astonishme.org

THE WRITER'S ROOM: AN OPEN STUDIO FOR WRITERS

When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Avenue

Details: Write in the company of fellow writers in an inspiring space, led by Amber Guetebier. For adults and teens 16+, all levels.

Contact: 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts. org

GATEWAY STATE TRAIL CANDLELIGHT WALK

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24

Where: Gateway State Trail at Stillwater Road/Wildwood Elementary School

Details: Two-mile walk on a trail lit with hundreds of luminaries. Bonfires, hot beverages and marshmallows for

roasting. Leashed dogs welcome. Contact: 651-231-6968 or Linda. Radimecky@state.mn.us.

'MISERY'

When: Jan 24-Feb. 9

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, White Bear Lake

Details: Live performance based on the thriller by Stephen King. Ticket information online. Contact: lakeshoreplayers.org

POLAR PLUNGE

When: Noon Saturday, Jan. 25

Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Avenue

Details: The White Bear Lake Plunge has raised over $3M for Special Olympics Minnesota in its 22-year history. Sign up as an individual or team.

Contact: plungemn.org

43RD ANNUAL JAZZ NIGHT CLUB

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25

Where: White Bear Lake Area High School Student Union

Details: Five students bands and featured guest artist perform along with a meal by Donatellis, dancing and swing dance

Rat Pack Entertainment Presents: Celebrate LOVE with

lessons at 6:45 p.m. Tickets available for dinner and dinner/dance. Contact: whitebeark12mnus-4777-uscentral1-01.preview.finalsitecdn.com/ online-ticketing

MAHTOMEDI OUTDOOR SKATE PARTY

When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26

Where: Mahtomedi District Education Center ice rink

Details: Celebrate winter with community skating party, bonfire, hot beverages and food. No registration required. Alternate date Feb. 2. Contact: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo

SKATE WITH BEARS

When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26

Where: White Bear Lake Hippodrome, 4855 Bloom Ave.

Details: Free community skating event. Bring skates.

Contact: whitebear.ce.eleyo.com

CARD CRAFTING CLASS

When: 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30

Where: White Bear Lake Community Health Club, 1430 Highway 96 E

Details: Space limited, register online in advance.

Contact: https://form.jotform. com/243376395140155

COMMUNITY DANCE

When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31

Where: Best Western Plus White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61 N.

Details: Dance to the sounds of Ranger Things while supporting the BEAR'ly Open fundraiser for the food shelf. Free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and contests. Buy tickets online. Contact: bearlyopen.org

BEAR'LY OPEN

When: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. Feb. 1

Where: White Bear Lake County Park at Ramsey Beach

Details: Golf-on-ice fundraiser for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Players use golf clubs, hockey sticks, tennis rackets or anything else that can propel a tennis ball through an 18-hole course. Games, food, beverages and activities along the way. Registration required. Contact: bearlyopen.org

Public comments

WPublisher’s View

ith the first of the year meetings our cities, counties, townships and school boards are swearing in the newly elected officials. These elected officials are crucial in carrying out annual budgets, ordinances, zoning and planning issues, appointments, improvements, discussing current issues and preparing for future trends. Now that they are in place, I challenge our residents to participate, get involved, and get to know your elected officials. Residents tend to get more involved once they buy a home and have kids in local schools. It is important to be civil in your dialogue and concerns if they arise, and remember there is a learning curve for people serving in these roles.

Carter Johnson

If you are passionate about what is happening in local government or schools in your community, get involved. Try by volunteering with an entry-level position in the classroom or lunchroom, or on a park or planning commission and over time, you will learn how to navigate situations and better understand how to help make the needed decisions for the community.

Residents can also get involved by attending meetings and being part of the public comment process. Most cities use a three minute rule, where those addressing the city council or school board are limited to speaking for a maximum of 3 minutes. In some cases, you are required to register or submit a request prior to the agenda being published or posted. In other areas it’s as simple as arriving early and signing in to participate in the public comment period. If you want to participate, find out what your city or school board's rules are on public comment. It's never fun to sit through a two-hour meeting to find out you don't get a chance to be heard.

I understand why city councils and school boards have had to ratchet down the public comment period because some groups and residents have taken advantage of the process by shouting, taking up too much time or having too many people talking on the same topic and wasting time. Most public meetings if done right should be no more than 60-90 minutes. While these measures to maintain order may be necessary, they have also created barriers to an open and transparent operation. It might be time to go back to open public comment and make it easier for residents to be heard.

Without a doubt, the school districts had to put in the hardest measures to prevent public comments, because public comments became so disruptive the board couldn't get anything done.

I believe the majority of our local elected officials are doing a good job and work hard to listen and to be engaged, but they have also had to protect themselves and their time from some unruly individuals and inefficient processes. The process for public comment needs to be reevaluated and be more welcoming. The members of the public who are commenting also need to be respectful. Informing the public about projects to come in the next few years can be helpful in getting consensus. As your local newspaper, we also have a role in keeping the public informed of the actions taken by local government bodies.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Nurture your green thumb with aloe

WGardener’s Grapevine Tim Newcomb

inter can be a struggle for Minnesota gardeners as we long to get our shovels back in the dirt. A great way to stay in touch with your green thumb when the skies are gray, and the ground is frozen is to take care of houseplants. One of my favorite indoor plants, and an easy plant for beginners to grow, is aloe. There are more than 400 species of aloe to choose from with the most popular being aloe vera. A large and beautiful plant with big thick leaves, aloe vera has a temperament that’s amenable to forgetfulness. It also propagates quickly and easily, making it a perfect choice to spread throughout your house or to share with friends.

Originating from southern Africa, aloe vera has long been used for its medicinal properties. The clear gel, which comes from scraping the insides of the leaves, is used to treat burns and minor skin abrasions. It’s important to note that whole aloe leaves also contain aloin, a latex-like substance, which

• Limited to 350 words.

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

is mildly toxic to people and animals due to the presence of anthraquinone glycoside. Aloin can cause minor skin irritation if touched or abdominal cramping and diarrhea if ingested.

Aloe plants evolved in subSaharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which are hot, dry regions with long stretches of drought conditions. This is why it’s a great plant for beginning gardeners – it can thrive with neglect. However, aloe does have a few basic requirements for successful growing.

Aloe Care Tips

• Use a well-draining succulent mix when planting or repotting. This allows the roots to dry out quickly and completely between waterings.

• Choose a pot that is only an inch or two larger than the plant. If there is too much soil in the pot, moisture can cling to the excess soil and potentially cause root rot.

• Avoid overwatering, which is detrimental to aloe. Every few weeks or so, check the plant’s moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait to water. This is true even if the leaves are brown. If brown leaves occur and the soil is wet, make sure the plant has the proper type and amount of dirt

and the proper amount of light.

• Place your aloe in bright but indirect light, such as in the middle of a well-lit room or in a shaded window. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.

• Repot new aloe shoots when they reach a height of four to six inches. In addition to having more plants, you’ll ensure that your mother plant isn’t overcrowded, which can reduce airflow and encourage disease.

Aloe plants are visually interesting, low maintenance and easy to acquire from fellow gardeners, greenhouses or home improvement stores. Even if you’ve struggled with houseplants in the past, give aloe a try – it will help chase away the winter blues, and you might find your thumb turning green before spring arrives. Anxious to start planning your 2025 garden? Save the date for Anoka County Extension Master Gardeners Home Landscape and Garden Fair, Saturday April 12, 2025, at Bunker Hills Activity Center in Andover. Check our website for more information https:// anokamastergardeners.org/

Tim Newcomb is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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

• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published.

• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.

• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• Deadline is 5 p. m., Thursday of the week prior to publication.

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to whitebearnews@presspubs. com, fax it to 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Love Real Dogs of WBL

Thank you and Ricka McNaughton for the “Real Dogs of White Bear Lake” article in last week’s White Bear Press. It really struck a chord with me.

I smiled and nodded agreement as I read of Roger Schwinghammer’s experiences with his companion Buddy. Thank you.

Jim Guarnera Pine Springs

No shows

On Jan. 14, the opening day of the 2025-26 Legislative Session, the duly elected DFL Representatives chose to not show up at the Capitol to represent their constituents. Among them was our representative here in Senate District 36B, Brion Curran. Why, you ask?

Because after decades of the DFL holding the majority in the MN House, this session the GOP was given the majority, due to the actions of the Democrats. After the Nov. 5 election, evidence came to light that the DFL knowingly and willingly ran a candidate for the House District 40B seat who did not live in the district. District Court Judge Castro ruled that person ineligible to be certified as the winner, leaving that seat void. Without a winner of that

seat, there are 133 certified members of the Minnesota House of Representatives: the GOP holds 67 certified seats and the DFL holds 66 certified seats.

This summer, I ran for the Minnesota House to be a servant leader to all the residents of House District 36B. If elected, I would have been very proud to serve you all, no matter which party was in the majority. I would have chosen the people over the party and been present to do the work of the people, unlike our current socalled representative, Curran.

Patty Bradway Vadnais Heights

Where are you?

Brion, where are you? First day of work was Tuesday, and you still haven’t shown up for work. You said you wanted the job.

Luke Michaud White Bear Lake

Dangerous nominee

As Donald Trump prepares to take office, one of his most recent cabinet nominees could be one of the most dangerous. Kash Patel is up for Senate confirmation to head the FBI. Not only does Patel have no regard for the true meaning of justice, but as a Trump loyalist, he is poised to use this new power to serve the interests of billionaire cronies over the

American public.

Among other shocking behaviors, Patel authored a book naming an “enemies list,” and has publicly threatened media figures and journalists with jail time. He has also promoted the idea of converting the FBI headquarters into a “Museum of the Deep State.” On top of that, Patel is objectively unqualified with zero experience managing anything near the scale of the FBI which employs 35,000 employees in 55 field offices throughout the country and more than 60 offices overseas.

Please join me in contacting our Senators and imploring them to vote against Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel as FBI director. While the issue of federal justice is not political, Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar represent the Democratic Party in the U.S. Senate and are therefore likely to oppose Patel’s nomination. Still, they need urgent calls from citizens to back their efforts to influence colleagues who may otherwise consider confirming Patel’s nomination.

Carolyn See Grant

Thank you for Alzheimer’s story I liked your article about the Mahtomedi woman

who is taking the Kisunla infusions for Alzheimer’s.

My twin sister has been a patient at Mayo and is taking the Lecanemab or Leqembi infusions.

We experienced a similarity in the insurance coverage aspect. The only coverage available in network was through Mayo Clinic. The two offerings in the Twin Cities for the Infusions were out of network. Consequently, we go to Mayo frequently! Thanks for your article so prominently displayed in the paper. It is important.

Ginny Bement Mahtomedi

Taxation without representation

Let us not forget - the fact remains if our elected DFL Rep. Brion Curran cared to follow our laws and showed up to work this past week - this quorum dispute along with the waist of our tax dollars litigating it - would be a MUTE issue!

We the people expect Brion to do their job on behalf of the citizens who pay them. If Brion continues to choose not to do their job, we need to sign the petition to recall Rep. Brion Curran.

Terry Nyblom Vadnais Heights

Garden Club grants announced

The Mahtomedi Garden Club is offering community beautification grants for gardenrelated projects in public areas of Mahtomedi, Willernie, and adjacent communities. Project proposals are due April 1. For information and to apply, go to mahtomedigardenclub.org.

Scholarships offered to high school juniors

The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) Scholarship Program will award up to five $2,000 scholarships to high school juniors. All students currently enrolled in 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial school, or a home-study program, are eligible to apply for the program. Applicants should submit a written essay on the topic of promoting awareness of township government by June 1. Winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges and will be notified in September.

For more information and application details, contact the MAT offices at 1-800-228-0296 or visit mntownships.org/about/scholarship-program.

CHURCH BRIEFS

Church sponsors diaper drive

First Presbyterian Church White Bear Lake is sponsoring a diaper drive through Feb. 11. Donations of diapers can be dropped off, or can be purchased on Amazon and sent directly to the church. A link for donations can be found on the church website, fpcwbl.org. Monetary donations are also welcome. All donations and proceeds will go to the White Bear Lake Food Shelf.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 4821 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake.

St. Andrews welcomes new staff

St. Andrew's Lutheran Church announced the addition of two staff members to the Children, Youth and Family team. Robin Kime is the new youth minister who will oversee high school programming and peer ministry. Rory Jean Snyder is the new Confirmation and youth minister, who will oversee Confirmation and middle school programming.

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

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:

White Bear Township

• Deputies took a theft report Dec. 12 from Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, after loss prevention employees spotted a thin man in his 20's wearing a multicolored hat and green camouflage jacket stealing merchandise. The case is under investigation.

• A St. Paul woman, 30, was arrested for theft Dec. 13 at Cub Foods, following a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert after she was found to be only pretending to scan items at the self-checkout station before walking out the door with the merchandise she stole. The second party to the theft was identified and mailed a citation. The KOPS alert was issued for the purpose of identifying the arrested woman.

• The Cub Foods store reported a Dec. 16 theft during which a van pulled up to a pallet of ice melt packages outside the store. A person got out of the van, loaded up three bags of the product and drove off.

• Deputies took custody of a wallet that was found at City Hall in the 4200 block of Otter Lake Road on Dec. 17.

• A Little Canada woman, 48, was arrested on a gross misdemeanor warrant at the Cub Food store after she was detained for shoplifting on Dec. 18.

• An Inver Grove Heights woman, 37, was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign in the 1200 block of Brandlewood Road at 11:06 p.m. Dec. 19.

• White Bear Township man, 38, was arrested for domestic abuse at 11:09 p.m. Dec. 19 after he threatened his mother when she asked him to shovel the driveway in the 5600 block of Jenni Lane.

• A Minneapolis man, 27, who was known to store employees, was mailed a citation for shoplifting Dec. 20 at the Cub Foods store after he was observed passing all points of sale without paying for his merchandise.

Loretta Harding

WASHINGTON CTY 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:

Dellwood

• Washington County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) deputies on routine patrol on Evergreen Road and Shady Woods Road at 11:42 p.m. Dec. 26 observed a vehicle with its license plate incorrect by one or two characters. When deputies spoke to the registered owners of the vehicle about the discrepancy, they said they had just received the plates in the mail three weeks earlier. Deputies advised the people to go back to the DMV and obtain the correct plates for the vehicle. Grant

• A driveway alarm going off at 11:06 p.m. Dec. 23 in the 9000 block of Ivy Avenue N. to alert the homeowner about intruders, turned out to be caused by wildlife, after deputies located a large number of animal tracks in the yard.

• A suspicious male reported Dec. 24 in the 7000 block of 101st Street N. turned out to be the owner taking pictures of his car for Instagram. Deputies described the encounter as “cool car and cool kid.”

• A motorist was cited Dec. 26 on 75th Street N. and Jamaca Avenue N. for speeding 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. A Minnesota motorist was cited for driving after suspension Dec. 27 in the 10000 block of Manning Avenue N. , following a traffic stop for a missing headlight. The valid passenger was directed to take over at the wheel.

• Deputies reported that a male in the 7000 block of Dellwood Road N. on Dec. 28 thanked them for doing a welfare check on him.

• Deputies dispatched out to a wild animal call Dec. 28 in the 11000 block of Irish Avenue N. found an injured deer with an arrow sticking out of it. As the deer was walking around and its injury didn't appear fatal, deputies left the deer alone to go through life sporting an arrow.

Mahtomedi

• Suspicious people reported Dec. 24 on Long Lake Road for loading packages from a UPS truck into a black sedan turned out to be UPS workers transferring packages for delivery.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT

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

• Theft was reported in the 2600 block of Sumac Court Jan. 8.

• An order for protection violation was reported in the 2300 block of Lakeaires Blvd. Jan. 8.

• A North St. Paul man was arrested for DWI and second-degree test refusal following a traffic stop at the intersection of Radatz Avenue and White Bear Avenue Jan. 9.

• An individual was arrested on an outstanding warrant at a Midland Avenue residence Jan. 9.

• Theft of a vehicle was reported in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Jan. 9.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 1500 block of Highway 96 Jan. 9.

• Officers responded to a verbal argument between a male and a female in the 4800 block of Highway 61 Jan. 9.

• Officers responded to multiple disorderly people Jan. 10 in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue.

• Officers responded to disorderly conduct in the 5000 block of Division Avenue Jan. 10.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety and for driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop near Interstate 694 and Century Avenue Jan. 10.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4700 block of Miller Avenue Jan. 11.

• A Mahtomedi man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop in the 800 block of Wildwood Road Jan. 11.

• A person sleeping in the storage closet of a business in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue S. Jan 11 was trespassed from the location.

• A homeless man was arrested for starting a blanket on fire on a Roth Place sidewalk Jan. 11.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Coyote sightings on the rise: the do’s and don’ts

There has been an increase in coyote sightings around Press Publications’ coverage areas. While most coyotes tend to avoid people and domestic animals, they have been known to kill sheep, turkeys, calves, cats and small dogs, and may also raid garbage cans.

If residents should see or know of a coyote(s) in their area, they must secure all garbage bins, wildlife feeders and other food sources to prevent them from gaining access. All small dogs and cats should be confined to kennels and be kept under close supervision outside; pet owners should also consider installing coyote-proof fencing around their yards. Owners must also ensure their pets have been vaccinated for rabies, distemper, parvovirus and other diseases based

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Jan. 11.

• A Maplewood man was arrested for fleeing police following a report of a stolen motor vehicle on Highland Avenue Jan. 12.

• Officers responded to disorderly conduct Jan. 12 in the 1900 block of Webber Street.

• A person stole merchandise from a store in the 2600 block of County Road E East and then fled in a vehicle Jan. 12.

• Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 2000 block of County Road E Jan. 12. A short time later, an adult male with a gunshot wound was reported at a nearby hospital. The case is under investigation.

• A St. Paul woman was arrested for DWI following a two-vehicle accident in the 2000 block of County Road E Jan. 12.

• Officers responded to a verbal domestic dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Jan. 13.

• Two vehicle windows were smashed overnight Jan. 13 in the 2000 block of County Road E.

• A license plate was stolen in the 2000 block of County Road F Jan. 13.

• Officers responded to a disorderly person in the 2100 block of Lilac Lane Jan. 13.

• Officers responded to a domestic incident in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Jan. 13.

• Theft was reported in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Jan. 13.

Theft from a vehicle was reported Jan. 13 in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1500 block of Park Street Jan. 14.

• Officers mediated a civil issue in the 1400 block of Park Street Jan. 14.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road Jan. 14.

on veterinarian recommendations. If a resident should come face-to-face with a coyote and it does not immediately run from them, they should chase and shout at the animal to scare it off. Under no circumstances should residents try to feed coyotes or leave pet food and cats and small dogs outside unattended. Although these steps should prevent most coyote problems, removing the animals may be necessary if aggressive behavior is observed. This removal is the responsibility of the landowner or tenant. Residents should contact their local DNR Wildlife office or conservation officer for information on pest control or coyote removal techniques. If the resident lives in a city that prohibits certain traps or firearms, they must obtain a city permit or assistance from their local animal control agency.

Jan.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF | CONTRIBUTED At 10:30 p.m. Thursday,

17, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a Toyota 4Runner that went through the ice on White Bear Lake. The driver was able to make it out of the vehicle safely and was unharmed.

CONTRIBUTED

A local resident witnessed the stranded Toyota 4Runner and the driver trying to recover the truck with a rental pickup. He quickly sprung into action to help pull the SUV with his four wheel drive and tow strap.

Vehicle goes through Ice

PLASTIC-FREE FEBRUARY:

FROM PAGE 1

for residents in all of our counties to learn more about their plastic usage.”

Washington, Ramsey counties take

The eco-challenge gives residents the tools and inspiration to reduce their impact on the planet and contribute to a healthy and sustainable future. Last year, 1,755 people from all three counties participated in the challenge. This year, the hope is that those participants will return and more will join in.

“Plastics are all around us, especially single-use plastics. There is a lot of work that needs to continue to go on more upstream with governments and businesses taking more of a role with single-use plastics,” Schlangen said.

“There is a lot of work that individuals can take as well to just notice how much plastic plays a role in our everyday lives and how making these small swaps at home can add up to some big impacts.”

This year, one thing Schlangen wants to focus on switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or beeswax wrap.

Residents can sign up for the challenge by joining an existing team, creating a team or “competing” as an individual.

Washington County Environmental Specialist Jess Hall says the challenge is meant to “empower residents to reduce plastics in their own lives” while advocating for change within their communities.

“It is sometimes difficult to understand how our individual actions matter, but when taken together, you can see the larger impact that reducing plastics can have,” Hall explained. “This challenge can help educate residents on different ways that their consumption habits contribute to our waste.”

Challenge participants commit to various actions in eight categories, including Plastics 101, At Home, Food, On-the-Go, Personal Care, Community, Kids and Pets. Actions range from

on challenge

watching a documentary, ditching disposable cleaning wipes, buying unpackaged produce, using a reusable mug, buying reusable bathroom products, picking up plastic litter, making the change to cloth diapers or preparing homemade dog treats.

“The goal with this challenge isn’t that you end the month and you are completely plastic-free and you’re not using plastic at all in your life. I think that would be very difficult to achieve in the world that we live in today, but the goal is that you become more aware of the plastic that’s being used in your life and notice some simple swaps that you didn’t think of before,” Schlangen explained.

Plastic-Free Challenge 2025 runs the entire month of February, but the hope is that its impacts reach far beyond the month. For more information, or to join, visit tcplasticfree.ecochallenge.org.

MOBILITY, PARKING STUDY: Provides ‘framework’ for future of downtown

FROM PAGE 1

the public.

“It sets the foundation at a really high level of what some of the downtown could potentially look on based on the core values that we heard,” Nolan said. “It is meant to reflect what the community wants downtown, how to get people downtown, (and) how to get people to stay and spend their money downtown.”

In addition to stakeholder input, 453 direct interactions were received via an online survey and comment map in addition to 437 in-person attendees to open houses.

The study looked at traffic volumes and patterns as well as parking and pedestrian usage.

From 2018 to 2022, there were 140 intersectionrelated crashes and 523 crashes between intersections (involving mostly property damage). The intersection of Highway 61 and Fourth Street had the highest crash rate, particularly involving rear-end collisions and pedestrian/bicycle crashes.

During the analysis period, a total of 11 crashes involving pedestrians and bicycles occurred at study area intersections. Specifically, six pedestrian crashes and one bicycle crash occurred at the intersection of US 61 at Fourth Street. An additional pedestrian crash occurred at the intersection of Fourth Street at Bloom Avenue. Three other bicycle crashes occurred at study area intersections.

The highest crossing activity of Highway 61 occurred at the Fourth Street intersection: approximately 225 pedestrians and bicyclists crossed daily at the signalized location. The highest crossing activity of a side street occurred at the northern Eighth Street intersection, involving approximately 50 daily pedestrians and bicyclists.

5 concepts

The first concept is for Banning Avenue, which prioritizes parking lot screening via a low fence with entrances to the sidewalk area, plantings and street trees. The concept creates a more inviting pedestrian space with additional shade and places to sit without affecting vehicle parking.

The second concept is for what Nolan described as “Washington Square 2.0.” The concept maintains Washington Square’s current form and function with amenity improvements for enhanced comfort, safety and accessibility. Diagonal parking is included on the west side, and a wide, pedestrian-oriented area is included on the east side, adjacent to the businesses. Improvements include curbless design, colored pavement, enhanced pedestrian amenities, curb extensions and ADA-parking stalls located to the north and south.

The third concept is adding curb extensions/bumpouts at 12 intersections in the core of downtown. These are extensions of the curb and gutter into the roadway at intersection corners to define parking bays. “Many communities are incorporating curb extensions into their roadway designs to shorten pedestrian crossing distance, increase the visibility of pedestrians and signage, and to calm traffic,” Nolan explained. On average, one parking space would be impacted (removed) from the roadway to allow for the bump-out. The fourth concept is for Clark Avenue. Improvements focus on improving the pedestrian experience, restoring the historic landscaped median and walkway from the south to Third Street and maximizing available parking supply. The existing narrow concrete median is replaced by a wide 18foot median with planted boulevards and a sidewalk facility centered in the median. Diagonal parking is recommended, with an estimated parking supply of 71 spaces. A mid-block pedestrian crossing is provided, as

well as enhancements such as street trees, improved lighting, colored pavement and high-visibility crosswalks.

The fifth concept is for Third Street, which focuses on improved pedestrian comfort and safety while accommodating vehicle mobility and parking activity. The street’s intersection with Highway 61 is modified to eliminate turning movements from the highway onto Third Street and creating a 90-degree intersection. Additional improvements include enhanced pedestrian amenities, including lighting, colored pavement and curb extensions. A raised crossing of Third Street at Washington Square increases pedestrian visibility and serves as a traffic calming device at one of the primary pedestrian crossings downtown.

Nolan pointed out that if the concept were to move forward, additional engineering and design work would be necessary.

Parking

Overall, parking in the downtown area typically meets the daily needs of users; however, concerns have been voiced that lack of parking is an issue. Per the study findings, during busy hours (midday and evenings), parking spots are available, but visitors may not find a spot immediately near their primary destination, resulting in the need to park a block or two away. Parking utilization counts do not indicate a current need for large-scale investment in additional parking structures or lots. There are several strategies available to address parking, Nolan explained, including parking enforcement, shared parking agreements with businesses, management of employee parking locations, improved functionality of existing parking areas and paid parking.

The estimated cost for all the improvements is over $14 million.

“Obviously that’s a big number … That’s kind of the pie in the sky. As we get into final design, we can

start pairing that down,” Kauppi said. “It is a menu of options … what components do we want to include, not include or maybe partially include?”

Council feedback

Mayor Dan Louismet thanked the steering committee for all of their hard work. “The downtown area is the crown jewel of the community. I’d rather take longer and get it right than rush it through and screw it up,” he said. “I think you have presented us with a lot of great options … Is all of this going to be implemented? Probably not, but we have got a lot of options.”

Although he said it is too early to commit one way or the other, Louismet said he couldn’t imagine ever supporting the concept of closing off the entrance to Third Street from Highway 61.

“Downtown is a great asset to the city,” said Council Member Bill Walsh. “It is working, to a large extent, so goal number one is to not screw it up. Whatever we do, don’t ruin what is right downtown.”

Walsh added that going forward, the council needs to be cognizant of not losing that “small-town” feel while it is determining what projects it wants to pursue.

Council Member Kevin Edberg said, “The potential expenses are the equivalent of a whole new fire station, and I am not at all clear on where the revenues come from to support the proposed expenses.” He added that the council should “wrestle” with that now, rather than after a design is in place.

Edberg encouraged residents who want to stay involved in the process to keep an eye on council work session agendas and attend when it is an item of discussion.

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

White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC

Joy Shadrack is an outstanding student at Mahtomedi High School and an even more amazing person. Joy brightens up any room that she enters and is truly a positive influence on everybody. Joy is always so grateful for everything and any help she receives along her high school journey. She loves to help others and is a part of our Link Crew and is a wonderful mentor to others. Furthermore, she recently helped with our registration video for incoming ninth grade students and did an amazing job welcoming the class of 2029 to MHS. Joy is also an excellent student and is planning on going off to college and no doubt, with her optimistic outlook, is going to be even more successful in college.

Joy Shadrack

Mahtomedi High School Rotary Matters

CONTRIBUTED

Residents of Washington and Ramsey Counties are encouraged to join the plastic free challenge this February.

MAP MADE BY PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The city of White Bear Lake, in collaboration with consultants SEH and HKGi, completed the comprehensive Downtown Mobility and Parking Study. The above map shows the study area.

•

• We build, supply and install all of our cabinets and countertops.

• Cambria dealer and installation associate.

Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109

| www.forestproductssupply.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING

3 ways to find a financial planner you can work with

No matter where professionals may be in their careers, retirees may note that retirement will arrive more quickly than expected. That notion applies as much to young professionals just starting their careers as it does to seasoned workers for whom retirement is just over the horizon.

That retirement can quickly creep up on professionals underscores the significance of planning for those days when workers will no longer be drawing a paycheck. Going it alone when planning for retirement can be a risky endeavor, not to mention an unnecessary one. Financial planners can help anyone get on the road to retirement. Professionals can keep these three tips in mind as they look for a financial planner to help meet their retirement goals.

1. Recognize why you need a planner Financial planning firms provide a range of services, and individuals should identify what they’re hoping a planner can do for them prior to

individuals must identify what makes them unique and then seek a planner whose experience and specialty aligns with their needs.

seeking a financial planner, prepare a list of questions covering everything from compensation structure to the advisor’s personal approach to

find one they will be comfortable working with.

3. Inquire about fiduciary status

According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a fiduciary is an investment advisor who is obligated to choose investment products that are in the best interest of the client regardless of the impact on the fiduciary or his or her firm. That can provide investors some added peace of mind when hiring individuals who will be handling their money. However, it’s still important that individuals who hire a fiduciary pay attention to their investments. Fiduciaries are not immune to unethical conduct, and some may still make mistakes when choosing investments. It’s important that investors acknowledge that even the most well-meaning fiduciary can choose investments that don’t work out. There’s always risk involved with investing, but working with a fiduciary can help investors feel better about taking on such risk.

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:

Ramsey County, Minnesota.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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

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.

Qwest Corporation Easement for utilities 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 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:

PARCEL 43

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

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.

PIN:

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

NAME NATURE OF INTEREST Reference information Del Co Limited Partnership Fee Owner

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

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.

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.

PIN: 32-30-22-44-0008 – Abstract Property

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

PARCEL

PARCEL 36

TEMPORARY EASEMENT DESCRIPTION:

Over,

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, according to the recorded plat thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota. Abstract Property ADDRESS: 1114 County Road D East, Saint Paul, MN 55117

EXHIBIT

Winter weather windows of opportunity

Above: Young sledding enthusiasts recently glide down one of the steeper hills at Lakewood Hills Park in White Bear Lake on the thin layer of snow left after the above freezing days that preceded a subzero plunge in temperatures.

At right: A notable size differential is illustrated by ice boats recently gathered on the frozen surface of White Bear Lake near the fishing pier.

Above: A tiny songbird rests in subzero temperatures on the frosted rim of a heated birdbath. Because of springs and pressure ridges, shards of ice and an evergreen tree, at left, mark an area on White Bear Lake with possible thin ice, despite the recent cold string of

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Weather Tidbits

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

or Agency

Frank Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates

weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency facing lawsuits

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is facing lawsuits from nearly 100 people who allege it mishandled pollution from Water Gremlin.

The news comes shortly afater Water Gremlin and its parent company, Okabe, agreed to a settlement of lawsuits filed by people who accused them of causing health issues.

The lawsuit claims the state agency did not protect the public from Water Gremlin, which the plaintiffs allege

caused cancer, illnesses and deaths.

“We received notice of this lawsuit,” said a spokesperson for the MPCA.

“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Attorney General Office are reviewing the complaint. We do not comment on pending litigation.”

Press publications reached out to Attorney Dean Salita of Schmidt & Salita Law Team in Minnetonka, but did not hear back before press deadline.

STUDENT NEWS

The following students were named to the Dean's list or received academic honors at a college or university in Fall 2024:

Marquette University: Maggie McCarty of Mahtomedi.

Montana State University: Anna Barton of Birchwood; Annelise Daniels, Teagan Giese, and Will Schwieters, all of White Bear Lake.

South Dakota State University: Christine Atilade and Abigail Harper, both of Vadnais Heights; Clara Cunningham of White Bear Lake.

Southern New Hampshire University: Landon Witt, Aveline McCabe, and Madison Medin, all of White Bear Lake; Abdihafid Maxamed of Vadnais Heights.

University of Minnesota-Crookston:

Tia Cyriac of White Bear Lake. University of Minnesota-Duluth: Mackenna Buckley of Mahtomedi. University of Minnesota-Rochester: Amanda Meyers of White Bear Township.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: Skylar Gillow Clowser of Dellwood; Kevin Andrews, Ellie Donovan, Kaia McKeown, Hanna Meslow, and William Simpson, all of White Bear Lake; John Diffley, Will Garry, Mary McCormick, Griffin Mitchell, Aaron Moriarity, Riley Schwietz, and Katherine Swanson, all of Mahtomedi.

University of Wisconsin-Superior: Phillip Moua and Sophia Sagerer, both of White Bear Lake.

PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES • PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights City Council will meet and conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 800 East County Road E, to consider a concept planned unit development application submitted by Chase Real Estate for the property at 0 Labore Road (PID #283022430031).

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding this matter will be given an opportunity at this time. The application is available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours and will be posted on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. Questions or comments should be directed to Nolan Wall, Planning/Community Development Director, at 651-204-6027 or nolan. wall@cityvadnaisheights.com

FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

Kevin P. Watson, City Administrator

Dated: January 22, 2025

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22, 2025.

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 786

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights City Council will meet and consider Ordinance No. 786: Setting Mayor and Council Compensation for 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at City Hall, 800 East County Road E.

The materials are available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours. Questions or comments should be directed to Kevin Watson, City Administrator at kevin.watson@cityvadnaisheights.com or 651-204-6000. FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

Kevin P. Watson, City Administrator

Dated: January 15, 2025

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22 and 29, 2025.

NORTHEAST METRO 916

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA BOARD NOTES DECEMBER 11, 2024

The regular meeting of the School Board of Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District was held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Bellaire School and the following business was transacted. Meeting Called to Order

The meeting was called to order by Chair Forsberg at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call of Attendance

Members present: Knisely-12, Palmer-13, Jones-14, Forsberg-16, Nitardy-622, Clark-623, Dols- 833, and Hockert-834. Members Absent: Bock621, Daniels-624, Theisen-831, and Payne-832. Also present: Dr. Val Rae Boe, superintendent.

Approval of Agenda

Adopted the agenda as posted, making a change to move Action Item 9.1 to immediately follow the first presentation, limit discussion to the approved agenda, and accept the list of items proposed for consent adoption. Board Calendar Dates

• Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - Regular School Board meeting at 6:00 p.m.

• Thursday, January 16 and Friday, January 17, 2025 - MSBA Annual Leadership Conference, Minneapolis Convention Center

• Thursday, January 30, 2025 - Open House, Career and Technical Center and Mahtomedi Academy from 3:00–6:00 p.m.

• Friday, January 31, 2025 - 916 Education Foundation Bingo Event at Quora Education Center at 5:30 p.m.

Questions and/or Comments from Citizens Present on Non-Agenda Items None.

Recognition of Retirement

Jasmine Smith, principal of Karner Blue Education Center, recognized Chris Lyden, DAPE Teacher, who is retiring on December 20 after providing District 916 with 35 years of service.

AI Policy Assistant Demonstration

Elam Noor, director of technology, demonstrated an AI tool created to answer questions staff may have about district policies in an easier way. The tool is designed to only use district policies and information found within the district handbook. This was demonstrated to member district superintendents a few weeks ago and a few districts have reached out for more information. Elam shared that a guide sheet has been created listing the codes and tools used to develop this tool. He also shared that 916 could have a member of their data team come out and do a demonstration and answer any questions related to how a district could develop their own policy assistant.

First Reading of School Board Policies

Policies 506, 515, 515 Form, 516, and 524 were presented for a first reading. Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Boe commented on the following items that were included in her written report: (a) 916 Leadership Announcements; (b) 3rd Annual Equimetrics Survey; (c) Mid-Year Strategic Actions Update; and (d) Strategic Actions Program Spotlight: Career and Tech Video

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Approved the consent items, accepted as part of the approval of the agenda, consistent with the recommended actions presented by the administration.

Approval of Minutes

Payment of Bills and ACH Payments

Personnel

Joint Purchasing Contract Renewal

Retirements (10+ Years)

Approved the retirement of Chris Lyden, DAPE Teacher, who has provided the school district with 35 years of service. His retirement date is December 20, 2024.

Adopt Proposed Policy Modifications

School Board Policy 208 states: If a policy is modified with minor changes that do not affect the substance of the policy or because of a legal change over which the school board has no control, the modified policy may be approved at one meeting at the discretion of the school board.

Approved policies 606 and 615

Approval of

vides form submission, document processing, approvals management and long-term secure storage of critical business and educational documentation. This is the yearly renewal for the licensing on that system. A large portion of this licensing is reimbursed to Northeast Metro 916 by our nine participating member districts.

Approved renewing the annual subscription to LaserFiche through OPG-3, Inc. effective December 19, 2024 through December 18, 2025 at a total cost of $80,120.46.

Board Forum

Chair Forsberg thanked all Board Members who participated in Delegate Assembly and highlighted how wonderful it was to see how many Board Members were there representing both their district and Northeast Metro 916.

Chair Forsberg thanked Board Members Payne, Hockert and Theisen, and any others, who may not be returning in 2025. She stated that the first business of 2025 would be electing board officers. She encouraged members to consider all positions and said they would be given an opportunity to self-nominate prior to the January meeting.

Member Oksnevad shared that AMSD will be having their session preview on January 10th which will include many legislators in attendance as well as exciting conversation. All are welcome to attend.

Member Knisely shared that many school districts are having their legislative breakfasts and setting their legislative priorities which may be slightly different than the priorities set by MSBA or AMSD. He also reminded Board Members that both AMSD and MSBA hold Days at the Capitol and recommended attending as it is important and enlightening and you do not have to be a delegate in order to attend.

Meeting Adjourned

Adjourned the meeting at 6:44 p.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22, 2025.

NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 916

AD FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given by the School Board of Intermediate School District No. 916 located at 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110, that it will receive lump sum sealed bids for:

BELLAIRE EDUCATION CENTER

FIRE ALARM AND HARDWARE

2540 COUNTY ROAD F EAST

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA 55110 ON FEBRUARY 6, 2025 @ 3:00 PM LOCAL TIME AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN PERSON, located at 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110, Attention: Jamin Wood – Operations and Facility Director at which time and place all bids will be opened publicly and read aloud. Bids received after this time will be returned unopened.

The project consists of Fire Alarm / Hardware at Bellaire Education Center. The Project consists of Hardware Upgrades at (4) four locations, Fire Alarm Component, and Panel Upgrades.

The District reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities in bidding.

A cashier’s check, certified check or bid bond payable to the Northeast Metropolitan, Intermediate School district No. 916 in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid shall be submitted with each bid. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a satisfactory Performance and Payment Bond.

All bids must be submitted in person in a sealed envelope at the place and time indicated above. Envelope shall be plainly marked for the Project to be bid as follows: NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN, INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 916 FOR BELLAIRE EDUCATION CENTER FIRE ALAM AND HARDWARE PROJECT NUMBER: 24055.

And shall be addressed to Operation and Facility Director – Jamin Wood, NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN, INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 916, 2540 County Road F East, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

A Bidder may view and order bid documents by going to the Franz Reprographics web site at www.franzrepro.com and selecting the Franz Public Plan Room. Please select your project from the list of public projects. Once you have selected the project, please review the Bid Details for information on ordering documents and the cost of the non-refundable purchase price. To receive Bid Notices, Bid Addendums, Construction Bulletins, Shipped Order Confirmations, and Downloads, for this project, you must place the following email address in your list of Outlook Contacts and indicate that it is a Safe Sender: notice@designbidbuild.net These notifications are sent from this email address. If you do not do this, your email server may block the receipt of these notifications. Please contact Franz Reprographics, 763503-3401, for help accessing the Online Plan Room or ordering non-refundable documents.

An optional pre-bid meeting will be held on January 29, 2025 @ 3:00 PM at the Bellaire Education Center, 2540 East County Road F East, White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110. Pre-Bid Meeting Attendees shall meet and sign in at the main entrance, before scheduled start time for the Meeting.

No bids shall be withdrawn subsequent to the opening of bids without the consent of the Northeast Metropolitan Intermediate School District No. 916 for a period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled time of closing bids.

Facility Director: Jamin Wood NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 916

2540 County Road F East White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22, 2025. RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES

Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information.

If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@

ramseycounty.us if you need assistance. Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details.

To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan SOLICITATION: RFB-EMCOM4022-DC

OPENING DATE: 2/13/2025

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY (THE “COUNTY”), THROUGH THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS CATALOG BIDS FOR THE EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF A MISSION CRITICAL DC POWER SYSTEM AT VARIOUS PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS SITES. THE INTENT IS TO ESTABLISH A FIVE (5) YEAR OPEN CONTRACT FOR USE BY THE COUNTY AND OTHER ELIGIBLE UNITS OF MINNESOTA GOVERNMENT WITH WHOM THE COUNTY HAS A WRITTEN AGREEMENT.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22, 2025.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE OF RAMSEY COUNTY CHARTER COMMISSION MEETINGS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ramsey County Charter Commission will hold its 2025 regular meetings at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, on the following dates: January 27, 2025; February 3, 2025; May 5, 2025; August 4, 2025; and October 20, 2025. For greater community accessibility and public participation, the Charter Commission meets at rotating locations throughout the county. The Charter Commission may also meet virtually when permitted under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 13D.01.021, subd. 1. Agendas, minutes, and location information will be posted 3 days prior to each meeting date at ramseycounty.us/CharterCommission. Any questions or comments may be emailed to ChiefClerk@co.ramsey.mn.us.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22, 2025.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES

JANUARY 7, 2025

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:04 a.m. with the following members present: Jebens-Singh, McGuire, Miller, Moran, Xiong, and Chair Ortega. Also present was Ling Becker, County Manager. AGENDA of January 7, 2025 was presented for approval. Motion by Moran, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved.

MINUTES of December 17, 2024 were presented for approval. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved.

2025 OATH OF OFFICE – Commissioner Tara Jebens-Singh – by Judge Timothy Mulrooney, Commissioner MaryJo McGuire – by Judge Timothy Mulrooney, Commissioner Kelly Miller – by Judge Timothy Carey.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner Xiong. POLICY ITEMS

Board of Commissioners – Election of the Chair for 2025. Motion by Moran, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2025-001)

Board of Commissioners – Election of the Vice-Chair for 2025. Motion by Xiong, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2025-002)

Board of Commissioners – Rules of Procedure for 2025. Motion by Moran, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2025-003)

Board of Commissioners – Appointments to Standing Committees for 2025. Motion by Xiong, seconded by Moran. Unanimously approved. (B2025-004)

Board of Commissioners – Appointments to outside Boards and Committees for 2025. Motion by Miller, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2025-005)

Board of Commissioners – Appointment of Members to the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 2025. Motion by Jebens-Singh, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2025-006)

Board of Commissioners – Appointment of Members to the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority for 2025. Motion by Moran, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2025-007)

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

County Manager’s Office – Contract with Press Publications, Inc for 2025 Newspaper Publications. Motion by Xiong, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2025-008) COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Presented by County Manager, Ling Becker. Discussion can be found on archived video.

OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

Discussion can be found on archived video.

BOARD CHAIR UPDATE

Presented by Chair Ortega. Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Ortega declared the meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 22, 2025.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISSOLVE Caliber Stucco Inc., a Minnesota corporation, filed its Notice of Intent to Dissolve with the Minnesota Secretary of State on January 3, 2025, and is in the process of dissolving its corporate status in accordance with Minnesota law. Claims of all

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISSOLVE

Zephyr icemen in ‘steep learning curve’ season

It’s a rare season below .500 for Mahtomedi with a very young roster this year. Last week, the Zephyrs beat South St. Paul 6-0 at home, lost to firstplace St. Thomas Academy 5-1, and tied Two Rivers 3-3. The Zephyrs are 5-10-2 overall.

“We have a hard working team this season. Because they are young and lack experience, it has been a steep learning curve for us,” said coach Jeff Poeschl, who went over 500 wins last season. “Our goals, objectives, and philosophies remain the same as any other year; we intentionally play the most rigorous schedule as possible, trusting that we will be battle tested

and prepared for a deep run in the playoffs.”

Scoring against SSP were Mac Appert (twice), Devin O’Donnell, Cody Loida, Winston Wright and Shey Sorenson. Wes Strub stopped 21 shots. Zach Zins had the lone goal against St. Thomas Academy (14-2). Against Two Rivers, Brock Gutterman scored in the first period and Winston Wright scored twice in the third period to give the Zephyrs a 3-2 lead. Two Rivers got a late power play goal to force overtime. Strub made 31 saves.

Bruce Strand

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi picked up three wins last week, improving to 13-3 with seven straight wins. The Zephyrs beat Roseville Area 76-61 as Anna Greene netted 22 points and Sarah Poepard 21. Berkley Blaisdell added 13 points and Greta Seiss seven. The Zephyrs beat North St. Paul 77-39, with Poepard sinking 21 points and Greene 19. Ella Frazier added 10 points, Grace Prose nine and Emily Muetzel six. On Friday, Greene delivered 26 points and the Zephyrs turned back Two Rivers 69-45. Poepard added 12 points and Blaisdell and Muetzel 10 each. The top

three teams in the Metro East are Hill-Murray at 6-0, Mahtomedi 6-1 and Hastings 5-1.

WRESTLING

Mahtomedi won two of three matches in a quad, beating Cretin-Derham Hall 37-34 and Roseville Area 34-29, then losing to Woodbury 59-13. Aidan Carlson was 3-0 at 133 including a 20-19 win against Woodbury. Evan McGuire had two pins and a forfeit at 215. Winning two of three were Owen Eigen at 145 and Aiden Boex at 172.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi picked up conference wins last week over North St. Paul

Raiders repel Bear skaters for SEC lead

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

67-48 and Two Rivers 66-56, improving to 4-1 in the Metro East and 8-6 overall. Against North, Mark Graff delivered 18 points and four assists. Jacob Wilson added 15 points off the bench, going 3-for-3 on three pointers. Noah Carlson added seven points and six steals. The Zephyrs made 18 of 21 free shots. Against Two Rivers, Graff sank 20 points, Willie Roelofs 19, Hank Roelofs 12, Wilson eight and Carlson seven.

GYMNASTICS

Mahtomedi defeated Hastings 131.00 to 114.15, improving to 4-0. Competing all-around were Lucy Otto, first with 33.00, and Lily Bush, second with 31.55. Otto (8.450) placed second on vault, Addison Briske (8.250) third, and Bush and Keely Bohm fourth (8.100). Cassia Hartmann (8.675) won bars with Bush (8.250) second and Margo Bruner (7.900) third. Bruner (8.650) won balance beam with Addi Eitel (8.150) second and Otto (7.950) fourth. Otto (8.950) won floor with Eitel (8.525) second and Adele Schroeder (8.20) fourth.

NORDIC

The Mahtomedi boys and girls both placed a close second behind Two Rivers in a five-team conference meet at Battle Creek. Luke Vipond, Zephyr senior, placed first in the boys race, with senior Zhenghong Schlechte fifth and junior Liam MacChesney eighth. Giada Garrity, eighth-grader, led the girls, placing fourth, with junior Isabel Vipond seventh, eighth-grader Claire Lane ninth and junior Annika Winke 10th.

Bruce Strand

White Bear Lake had a chance to take the Suburban East lead but Cretin-Derham Hall fended off the Bears 2-1 in before a huge crowd at TCO Sports Garden.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Raiders are now 9-0 and the Bears 8-1-1 in conference.

The Bears (10-3-2 overall) led 1-0 on a power play goal by Blake Eckerle, assisted by Jack Stanius, at 6:17 of the first period. CDH goalie Owen Nelson stopped their

GIRLS HOCKEY

other 18 shots. John King pulled the Raiders even in the second period and Max Bennett gave them a 2-1 lead 9:44 into the third period. Bear goalie Leo Gabriel made 21 saves.

The Bears edged Roseville Area 2-1. They gave up a short-handed goal but their next two power plays resulted in goals by Stanius (assisted by Eckerle) and Nash Roed (Eckerle and Tanner Olsen), all in the second period. Gabriel made 21 saves.

The Bears won 5-1 over Grand Rapids (12-4) on two goals by Stanius and one each by Evan Newlander, Noah Norman and Eckerle. Will Distad and Roed made two assists each.

Bruce Strand

Abby O’Brien scored 26 points, leading White Bear Lake to a 56-45 win over Cretin-Derham Hall at home. The Bears (10-7) then lost to Stillwater 58-35. O’Brien, senior forward, scored 13 points in each half against CDH, hitting four 3-point shots. Chloe Theissen scored 12 points, Addison Post seven and Elise Dieterle six for the Bears (10-6). Sage Gilbert scored 21 for the Raiders (8-6). The Bears made eight 3-pointers and were 8-for-15 on free throws. Stillwater (11-4) was led by Annika Peper with 20 points and Lia Buckhalton with 12. Dieterle sank 14 points and Thiessen 10 for the Bears.

BOYS BASKETBALL

While Bear Lake lost a high-scoring affair to undefeated, top-ranked Cretin-Derham Hall 99-86, then lost to Stillwater 66-57. Montef Dixon and Jojo Mitchell each scored 27 points and Ty Schlegel 26 for CDH (12-0). The Bears (4-7) almost kept up, with Korey Raheem hitting 22 points, John Johnson 20, Colin Piper 11, and Rithy Sain eight. Both teams had their high game of the season. Against Stillwater, Johnson had 18 points and Piper and Raheem 10 each. Piper nabbed eight rebounds.

White Bear Lake scored three firstperiod goals and beat a good Forest Lake team 4-2. The Bears are 6-13-2 and the Rangers 11-5-4. The Bears then lost to Cretin-Derham Hall 7-2. Against Forest Lake, Madelyn Lee started it with a shot into the upper right corner of the net, Lily Howard sniped from the top of the left circle into the same spot, and Grace Bailey made it 3-0 with a shot in traffic that went through the five hole. Forest Lake’s Abigail Sklavenitis scored twice in the second period. It remained 3-2 until an emptynetter by Amanda Smythe. Macie Marston made 16 saves. Smythe and Lee had the goals against CDH (11-6-3).

WRESTLING

White Bear Lake placed seventh of 17 teams at Park Center’s tournament. Christian Carlson (17-6) was 133 pound champion, beating Tomas Ochocki of South St. Paul 4-1 in the finals. Indiana Kane placed third at 114, Galvin Nathanson placed third at 139, Samuel Mortenson placed fifth at 160, Mason Magnuson placed sixth at 215, and Nikolai Milligan placed seventh at 127. The Bears, with multiple forfeits due to illnesses, lost dual meets to Mounds View 68-6 and Forest Lake 61-12.

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

White Bear Lake Basketball January 22, 2025

Elise Dieterle has been a welcome addition to the White Bear Lake basketball team after transferring from Stillwater for her senior year. The 6-foot-1 forward leads the Bears (107) in scoring with 14.6 points per game and is rebounding strongly. In a recent four-game win streak she had games of 30 and 20 points. “She has been our most consistent and reliable offensive player all season,” coach Jeremy Post said. “Her presence has to be accounted for by the other team at all times.”

BRUCE STRAND | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Berkley Blaisdell had games of 13 and 10 points for the Zephyrs.

BRUCE STRAND | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Blake Eckerle (left) and Jack Stanius celebrated Eckerle’s goal that opened the scoring against Cretin-Derham Hall.

Exploring the Art of Printmaking With “The Fine Print”

Something new and bold will be making its mark on White Bear Center for the Arts’ Exhibition Hall starting this February. “The Fine Print” brings the diverse world of printmaking into view through a brand-new exhibition. Featuring works from emerging and established printmakers from around Minnesota, the show will highlight a broad range of printmaking techniques.

Unlike previous group exhibitions, “The Fine Print” is a medium-specific show, selected through an open call for entries. “We want to celebrate artists that primarily do printmaking in their career and expose the community to a new process of art,” explained Exhibitions Manager Karna Holub.

The open call attracted 127 submissions, resulting in a 56-piece show curated by experienced Twin Cities printmakers Christopher Alday, Genie Hien Tran, and Edson Rosas. “There was a pretty solid variety of techniques used in the pool of submissions,” said Christopher, who typically works in screenprinting and letterpress printing. The curators’ vision while choosing pieces for the show? “To highlight what can be done and created with printmaking,” he said. Each piece they chose offers a unique perspective on the craft, showcasing the different styles and techniques nestled under the umbrella term of printmaking.

For those curious to learn more about printmaking, the

exhibit will also give visitors a chance to engage with the medium through special interactive components. Visitors can become familiar

with different types of printmaking like lithography, woodcut, etching, and screen printing, and even make their own print to take home. In

The Hidden World of Words at WBCA

Walking into an art center, you might expect to find students crafting clay pots and dipping paint brushes into watercolor palettes. But what about a group of writers studiously scribbling away? More and more over the past two years, the classrooms at White Bear Center for the Arts have been home to groups of writers as they experiment with their chosen art form: writing. This is thanks in large part to Amber Guetebier. In her less than three years as a writing teacher at WBCA, Amber has cultivated a vibrant, inclusive space, making WBCA a place where writers of all ages and stages can grow, thrive, and most importantly have fun while doing it.

Since 2022 when Amber began teaching writing classes, her vision for WBCA’s writing program has started to take shape, grounded in the belief that writing is just another art form. It’s a creative entity that requires space, time,

typical WBCA style, there will be corresponding classes that people can take if they feel inspired by the exhibit.

Taught by none other than fellow curator Edson Rosas, Reduction Relief Printing will teach students the safe carving techniques and color theory needed to create a relief print. There is a session for adults, as well as one for teens.

Karna hopes that “The Fine Print” will inspire future exhibitions that explore other specific artforms while continuing to push the boundaries of what WBCA visitors can experience in its exhibition spaces.

The Fine Print will be on view in the WBCA Exhibition Hall from February 8-March 27.

and dedication as well as community.

“There’s something magical about a group of writers when they find their people,” Amber said. “To know they’re not alone in a cabin in the woods, but if they wanted to be, the other writers would get it.”

In the last year, she’s engaged over a hundred students in her classes, whether it’s through a casual writing session, discovering their voices at events like

Upcoming Avenue of the Arts Events:

Artistic

Essentials: Still Life in Pastel

White Bear Center for the Arts

February 14-16, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM

Learn to paint

Writer’s Speak: An Open Mic Night for the Community, or putting their nose down for a writing intensive. Keith Harrower, a writer who has attended writing classes at WBCA for over five years attests to the power of the writing community that Amber has built.

“Amber has created a safe space for writers of all levels and ages,” he said.

“[She] is dedicated to making each writer feel welcomed and respected for their

simple still-life set-ups in pastel by discussing design, composition, painting fundamentals, and the importance of accurate drawing.

Studio Social

White Bear Center for the Arts

February 19, 6:00-9:00 PM

Drop in for a casual evening of crafting. Paint pottery, enjoy refreshments, take part in a simple printmaking activity, and meet new people! This is a perfect event for those who want an evening of art without the pressure of a formal class.

Misery

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

abilities. This safe environment nurtures a flourishing writer’s community right here in White Bear Lake. It is amazing and fun to be a part of.” Some of her Writer’s Well students, Jo Prouty and Terri Kaiser, have even grown to be instructors themselves, teaching a class on self-publishing this spring.

As more students and teaching artists join the ranks, Amber is excited to see what the writing program will evolve into. “Every teacher brings a new perspective to aspects of writing and this allows us to look at our writing from a new place,” which is important because, as she said, “the best writers never stop writing and they never stop learning.”

Find all writing classes at WhiteBearArts.org/classes.

White Bear Center for the Arts will be hosting “Enchanted Plants: A Botanical Book Launch” on April 23 from 6:008:00 PM.Upcoming

January 24- February 9, 2025

In this heart-pounding thriller, the iconic Annie Wilkes holds her favorite writer captive until he writes her a new book. Based on the hit novel & film from master horror writer Stephen King!

Courtney Burton: Love in Every Note

The Hanifl Performing Arts Center

Friday & Saturday, February 14-15, 2025 - 7:30 PM

Experience the allure of classic love songs from the Great American Songbook on Valentine’s Day weekend! Courtney Burton returns to Lakeshore to celebrate the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and more.

Nancie Darleen (Dugar) Brushaber

03/23/1940 - 01/12/2025

Nancie Darleen Brushaber was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her father headed the ticket office for the Milwaukee Braves and the Milwaukee Auditorium and Arena.

Darleen could get tickets for any event in town, her favorite being the ice-skating shows. She graduated in the inaugural class of 1958 from Nicolet High School with honors and was a proud member of the National Honor Society.

After graduating in 3 & ½ years from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with a B.S. in elementary education, Darleen married her longtime boyfriend, George, the same week she graduated from College in January 1962. They were married almost 60 years. Their honeymoon was a long drive to Boston where George was enrolled in seminary at Gordon Divinity School and doctoral studies at Boston University. Darleen taught 4th grade in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

After ten and a half wonderful years in New England, making lifelong friends and falling in love with the area, in 1972 they moved to Santa Barbara, California where George assumed the post of Vice President and Dean of Westmont College.

The Midwest called them home three years later. In 1975 they took up residence in North Oaks, Minnesota and George served as Vice President and Dean of Bethel College.

Darleen became First Lady of Bethel University in 1982 when George became its President. They served together until their retirement in 2008. Darleen loved supporting her husband in his long career in Christian higher education. She shared and gave of herself in so many ways, quietly working behind the scenes.

After George’s death, Darleen moved in 2022 from North Oaks,MN to Carmel, Indiana to be near her daughter. Darleen’s kindness, generosity, sharp wit and good spirited humor drew many new friends and while she never thought of Indiana as “home” she was happy, and thankful that so many Minnesota friends came to visit her!

The joys of Darleen’s life were her Christian faith, her home, and her wonderful children, daughter Deanna (Tod) Dalberg and son Don (Amy) Brushaber and five precious grandchildren, Brittan Dalberg,

Paul E. Ford

89, of White Bear Lake, MN, passed away on December 28, 2024 after a short time at NorBella Care Center. Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bonnie; his children Terry (Barb), Tammy (Jim) Fisher, Tim, Tony, Trudy (Randy) Kieger; 8 grandchildren and 9 greatgrandchildren. Preceded in death by Daughter-in-Law Tammy Cubus Ford and granddaughter Tanya Ford. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 11:00am, visitation one hour prior at St. Stephens Lutheran Church 1965 East County Rd E., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Minnesota State Forest Nursery seeking pine cones for tree-planting

The Minnesota State Forest Nursery is in need of both jack pine and black spruce cones, as well as decidious and coniferous tree seeds. These cones and seeds play a vital role in the reforestation of state forests, parks and private lands, and collecting them helps grow trees adapted to the state’s climate and produces more resilient forests.

To participate, residents should check the seed and cone collection map on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website to identify drop-off

Taite Dalberg, Dane Dalberg, Kaia Brushaber and Kettly Brushaber. All received her love, support, and prayers. Her recreation was to always be looking for the perfect gifts for them.

Darleen was a friend to many, regularly encouraging others with notes, lunches, birthday parties and perfect gifts – just the right thing for the right person. Darleen was preceded in death by her husband George Brushaber, and her parents, Emerson and Kathleen Dugar. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, brother Don (Cheryl) Dugar, niece Heidi (Andrew) Kuster, and nephew Tyler (Emily) Dugar, and six grandnieces and nephews, and many friends.

A private burial will be held in the spring at Better Place Forest in Marine on St. Croix, MN. Memorials for Darleen may be sent to Eagle Brook Church or to Bethel University (MN) for the Brushaber Leadership Award.

Joseph Frank Miller Jr.

Age 69, died on January 4th, 2025 at his care center following several years of health challenges.

Joe was born in St. Paul to Joseph Sr. and Isabelle Miller, on August 11th, 1955. He attended Cretin Derham Hall Catholic Military school, and later graduated from Metro State University. Joe’s primary occupation was a purchasing agent, but perhaps did his favorite work later as manager of the VFW in White Bear Lake, where the family moved to in the late 80s.

Joe is the type of person who would always have the most gifts to give and funniest things to say. He was extremely generous. In recent years he enjoyed knitting hats and mittens to donate to various charities, which paired perfectly with keeping close tabs on Vikings football.

He was a loving father to his only son Josh, and sisters Barb and Bonnie, as well as his four-legged daughter, Tillie, who will all miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a cause close to Dad’s heart.

Services will be held January 30th, 2025, starting at 10am with visitation, with a funeral at 11, and lunch to follow, at the Church of St. Pius X, at 3878 Highland Ave, in White Bear Lake.

locations in their area. Residents should also call the area’s forest office drop-off location and ask what kinds of cones and seeds they need and how many. They should also follow seed-collecting guidelines to collect clean, viable seeds that will grow into seedlings. Seeds and cones must be kept in a cool, dry, breathable container and delivered to a drop-off location as soon as possible. Please note that the nursery will not accept low-quality seeds or cones. Residents must make sure they know where the seeds and cones were collected and the date, as this information will be recorded when

they drop them off at the area office. Once the seeds and cones have been checked for quality at the offices, a receipt and a check will be written based on the price list and the number of bushels collected. Prices for seeds range from $20 to $150 per bushel, depending on the specific tree species.

A complete map of seed and cone drop-off locations and a price list for different cone and seed types can be found online at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ forestry/nursery/coneseed-collection.html.

Susan Ann Kordosky

Age 70, of Gem Lake

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our loving spouse, mother and grandmother on January, 10 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Arlene (Krenz) Walsh, her brother Patrick and her baby brother Michael. She is survived and missed by husband of 41 years, Gordon, children Kellene (Wayne) Jackson, Kristen (Adam) Meyer, children by marriage Nick (Julie) Kordosky, Joe (Ana) Kordosky, and Mary (Tony Loeks) Wilke, grandchildren Colton and Ryder Jackson, Wyatt and Hadley Meyer, Nicole Wilke and Isabella Kordosky and siblings Mary Kaye (Joe) Rua, Tim (Debbie) Walsh, Steve Walsh and sisters in law Patricia Walsh and Gloria (Doug) Gale along with nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Cody.

Susan was raised in White Bear Lake and graduated from Archbishop Murray High School. She received her BS degree from Metropolitan State University and MBA from Chadwick University. She last worked for Allina Hospitals and Clinics in Human Resources as a Physician Recruiter, retiring in 2014. She thoroughly enjoyed her travels, especially to see grandchildren in Florida and California and loved the contentment of her home in Gem Lake. She was dearly loved and will be so deeply missed. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements: MuellerMemorial.com 651-429-4944

William Glumack

Age 83, of Dellwood, MN.

Survived by wife, Carolyn; Brothers, David (Jonelle), Robert (Patti Jo); Sons, Michael (Kim-Ashley, Amberley, Austin), Mark (Zoey); Granddaughters, Taylor and Brooke and many other family and life long friends.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM, with the Visitation starting at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at The Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 County Road F E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127. Luncheon to follow Service. Arrangements with Honsafamilyfuneral.com 651-429-6172.