Vadnais Heights Press

Welcome Hockey Fans!

Township hosts four-day hockeyfest this weekend

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — The biggest event to occur this year in White Bear Township is here.

The first puck of Hockey Day Minnesota 2023 drops Thursday evening, and the weekend-long athletic extravaganza will last through Sunday. All the action will take place at Polar Lakes Park, located at 1280 Hammond Road.

An estimated 10,000 people are expected to attend the annual hockey event based on ticket sales as of last week. Preparing for Hockey Day has therefore been a massive undertaking, according to White Bear Township Administrator Pat Christopherson.

“We're coordinating our staff and the whole volunteer group that's been working on this to pull this off. We have an appreciation for the people who have put a ton of time into this,” Christopherson said.

He added that pulling off the logistics for such a large-scale, public-private event is challenging but that Hockey Day 2023 has momentum behind it and people who are completely dedicated to making it a success.

Corey Roberts, who’s on the Hockey Day Minnesota 2023 volunteer committee, praised the committee members who have devoted countless hours and resources to making Hockey Day a reality. The committee is chaired by Jon Anderson and Nick Guzzo.

Remembering 1st hockey tourney

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

For a man of 93, John Resler has an uncanny memory for names and places.

For instance, he remembers the first player to score the first goal in the first-ever state high school hockey tournament: Bears defenseman George Kieffer. Or the tall Thief River Falls star forward (and future Olympian) who shot the

winning goal from the blue line to beat White Bear Lake 3-2: Bob Baker.

If there is consolation, it is that the Bears placed third in that history-making tourney. Thief River Falls lost to Iron Range powerhouse Eveleth, 4-3.

The year was 1945. Resler recalls the event clearly because he was there on the ice playing right wing for the Bears. He was 15.

His foremost memory though,

about that inaugural game? “Not winning,” Resler grumbled.

“I swear John remembers the day he was born,” quipped wife Virginia. “The tourney was a highlight of John’s life, and he’s never forgotten that they lost (twice).”

A well-thumbed scrapbook lovingly compiled by his late mother certainly helps jog any fading

“Most of us started as strangers, and came together as a team to pull this off,” Roberts said.

He also noted how the tagline for the event is “more than a game.”

“This sport is so rooted in the community that it is more than a game; it's their lives, in a lot of respects,” Roberts said.

To anybody who hasn’t yet decided whether they’ll attend, Roberts said they won’t regret getting tickets and experiencing Hockey Day.

“It’s going to be a spectacle,” he said.

Scan For Souvenir Edition

Ethnic Studies World History coming to WBLAHS South Campus

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A new social studies elective is coming to White Bear Lake Area High School South Campus in the 2023-24 academic year in response to the popularity of its North Campus counterpart.

The course, Ethnic Studies World History, will be an optional, full-year class in which students learn about global history through a lens of racial equity and social justice.

“Students will gain a deeper understanding of how the social, economic, intellectual and political contributions of these communities directly connect from prehistory to 1500 C.E., through colonization, to our present global reality,” according to the course description.

Ethnic Studies World History is intended to be “highly collaborative and personal” and develops students’ critical analysis, reading, writing and community leadership skills. The class won’t have any prerequisite classes and will be open to all students interested in taking it.

The course will be similar to Ethnic Studies U.S. History, which is in its second year at North Campus for sophomores and has grown in enrollment from its first year.

Districtwide Family Engagement Coordinator Briana Santoscoy said the U.S. History class has proven to be popular among students and has generated excitement among those enrolled in it.

“It jumped from three sections the first year that we offered it in 10th grade to six this year. So there’s definitely a lot of interest,” Santoscoy said.

Those initial three sections in the 2021-22 academic year had a total of 105

enrolled students; the six sections this academic year total 179 students.

WBLAHS South Campus Principal Dan Bosch also spoke to the course’s beneficial impact at the school.

“Students who have taken this course have shared with us their positive experience about their learning and the relationships that they've built with their peers and their teachers,” he said.

According to Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Babiash, the World History class would be one of several possible courses that would count toward students’ 3 1/2 social studies credit requirement for graduation.

As with all new course offerings in the district, several criteria went into considering the proposed World History class:

• College and career-readiness standards.

• Employment trends.

• Enrollment trends.

• Perspectives from employers, postsecondary institutions, former and existing students.

• The district’s equity decision-making protocol.

• The school’s capacity to implement the course, such as staffing, scheduling and facilities availability.

Mark Domschot, a social studies teacher at North Campus who’s taught Ethnic Studies U.S. History, said that course has been rewarding to him and his students for many reasons.

According to feedback from his students at the end of the 2021-22 school year, he said they enjoyed “deeper learning of events that happened in history, feeling included in the stories and learning, seeing a connection between history and what is happening in the world today, having guests from

different cultural backgrounds come in as classroom guests to share their experiences and life stories and curriculum that was in-depth and thought-provoking.”

“We have been intentional in creating a classroom setting where strong, trusting relationships are formed,” Domschot said.

Board Member Scott Arcand voiced his appreciation for the new social studies class.

“This is an exciting course that we're adding, and I’m just excited to see that we're putting it in the curriculum,” he said.

In other action, the school board:

• Approved the sale of the 2023A general obligation facility maintenance bonds in the amount of $33,415,000. J.P. Morgan was the winning bidder for the sale, with the lowest true interest rate of 2.66%. The district received 18 bids overall for the sale.

• Approved the board members’ compensation for 2023, the levels for which remain unchanged since 2018. The board chair and clerk will each receive $5,450; the vice chair and treasurer will each receive $5,250; and all other members will each receive $5,050.

• Approved the board’s regular meeting and work session schedule through August 2024. Regular meetings will occur on the second Monday of the month, and work sessions on the fourth Monday of the month except during the months of June, July and December, when no work session is scheduled. The March 2024 regular meeting will be held on the first Monday of the month due to spring break, and the May 2024 work session will be held on the third Monday of the month due to Memorial Day.

• Appointed Board Member Kathleen Daniels as White Bear Lake Area School’s representative to Intermediate School District 916 board for 2023.

• Appointed Matthew Mons as the district human rights officer; Alison Gillespie as the Title IX coordinator; and Lisa Ouren, as the district Americans with Disabilities Act/504 coordinator.

• Appointed Wayne Kazmierczak as the 2023 Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for the purpose of reviewing and approving documents required for compliance to federal programs included in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

• Approved Knutson, Flynn and Deans; Ratwik, Roszak, and Maloney; Rupp, Anderson, Squires and Waldsperger PPA; and others as needed as the district’s legal counsel for calendar year 2023. Mathew Mons, director of human resources, will also be acting as general counsel.

• Approved Bremer Bank, the Minnesota School District liquid asset fund and US Bank as the district’s official depositories for 2023.

• Appointed the White Bear Press as the district’s legal publication for 2023.

• Approved an annual resolution increasing the district’s micropurchase threshold to conform to statute.

• Approved the school board’s operating procedures for 2023.

• Approved board policies related to bullying prevention, acceptable use of electronic technologies, immunization requirements, homeschooling, assessment of student achievement, staff development for standards and transportation of nonpublic school students.

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Hockey Day Minnesota

HOCKEY DAY MINNESOTA will be celebrated at Polar Lakes Park in White Bear Township this week, Jan. 26-29. The four-day event will include outdoor hockey with girls and boys high school teams, college teams, and alumni and all-star teams as well as many other entertaining events. Go online to hockeydaymn.com to get details. Planning for the event goes back to 2017.

Hockey is big time in Minnesota. Hockey Day began in 2007 and is celebrated like the Minnesota fishing opener.

About the Town

White Bear has members in the Hockey Hall of Fame at Eveleth. The boys have made 19 state tournament appearances over the years, but never won the title.

Let’s all celebrate.

WE ARE STAYING in Minnesota this winter. As many know, our boat was destroyed by Hurricane Ian when it hit Fort Myers, Florida in September. We are enjoying the heavy snowfall and now the January thaw, but there is something else we are enjoying. When in Florida, we would drive 16 miles east to have broasted chicken at the Alva Diner with country-style dining. It was reasonable and good. Now we found that true with a couple of local restaurants. On a recent Thursday night, we enjoyed broasted chicken at the Blacksmith Lounge in Hugo. When owner George Reus died last year, his two daughters, Jennifer Ehlert and Georgie Gibbons, stepped up to the plate to take over.

Gene Johnson

MY WIFE KATHY was with her doctor for an annual checkup this past week. The key advice from the staff at Vadnais Heights Clinic was, “Be careful on the ice. Walk like a penguin.”

The following day, I was visiting with Dr. Sarah Boo and told her about it. “Being careful on the ice is called the Minnesota shuffle,” she responded. Our daughter Stephanie added, “When inside a home or business, it is the Minnesota stomp your feet.”

DIGITAL CURRENCY IS a morning topic over coffee. If you have noticed how people pay their restaurant check, it’s often with a credit card. Paying for gasoline is usually done with credit cards.

As we move more and more into digital currency, it has the potential to completely change how society thinks about money. Bitcoin, Ethereum and thousands of other cryptocurrencies today exist only in electronic form. This is leading large banks in this country and around the world to research how digital currencies might work. In the political world, our government would have access to personal information such as what we earn and how we spend it, more than they currently know from our tax returns.

Electronic versions of currency are already functioning in many worldwide financial systems. The US currency in circulation is about one-tenth of the overall money supply. The remainder is held in financial institutions in electronic form.

As decentralized cryptocurrencies seem to be working, we may see government and central banks creating their own digital currencies.

Despite all the research and testimony before Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has said the possibility of a Fed-backed digital dollar remains remote for now.

Digital would allow faster payments, less expensive international transfers, more access to the public, and support for more than seven million American households that do not have a bank account according to FDIC. What do you think the future of money will be? Canada has already dropped the penny as a coin. Hiding currency under the mattress may become a thing of the past.

Talking winter skin health with U of M T

he winter months bring fun activities for those willing to brave the outdoors, but time outside in the dry and cold air can be tough on our skin. Dr. David Pearson, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, dermatologist with M Health Fairview and the director of the Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases Specialty Clinic, talks about how to keep your skin healthy during the winter.

Q : What unique challenges does our skin face in the winter?

gets to 28°F — this only takes about 30 minutes when the thermometer reads 0°F. Our skin isn’t physiologically equipped for unprotected, prolonged exposure to these temperatures, so be sure to put on a warm coat and hat when you’re going outside.

Q : What common skin issues do you see during the winter?

U of M

Dr. Pearson: Our skin is our interface with the environment. As temperatures and humidity levels drop, one of the first places we experience this is on our skin — particularly in places like Minnesota where it gets very cold and dry. A number of studies have looked at measures of skin (and even fingernail) moisture content in winter versus summer, and unsurprisingly, it’s much lower. When our skin dries out, its barrier function is compromised and we become more susceptible to external allergens, irritants and even infections. The effects of cold can range from being a nuisance to quite dangerous. Frostbite can occur when the skin temperature

Dr. Pearson: We see lots of dry skin, even incidentally in people who come in for other skin concerns. Winter is often a more difficult time for people with eczema — especially on their hands — as well as other areas on the body. We also see many irritant reactions, such as from frequent tissue use during respiratory virus season or lip licker’s rashes. In my area of specialization in autoimmune connective tissue diseases, I see a lot of Raynaud’s and pernio (chilblains). Raynaud’s is the rapid onset of white or blue discoloration of the fingers and/ or toes from cold exposure due to constriction of blood vessels. Pernio is the delayed onset of tender pink bumps on the fingers and toes 1-2 days after cold exposure.

Q : What are your go-to recommendations for those suffering from dry winter skin?

Dr. Pearson: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! It’s pretty intuitive, but it bears repeating. The environment treats our skin differently in the winter, and that means we may have to change our behaviors to acclimate. I generally recommend a thick moisturizing cream that you have to scoop out of

a jar or squeeze out of a tube over those with a pump handle, which tend to be thinner. I don’t like a lot of additives, perfumes, scents, etc. — keep it simple. Ceramides may be helpful in restoring the skin barrier, so those can be a good ingredient to look for. There’s some data suggesting humidifiers can be helpful in certain circumstances, but probably less so than moisturizers. I also recommend a gentle soap that doesn’t have perfumes or scents either, as these can be irritating to the skin.

Q : Should people still wear sunscreen/SPF in the winter?

Dr. Pearson: In short, yes. Getting into a routine with sunscreen improves consistency of use, so I often recommend working in a combined moisturizer/ SPF product every day. The long answer is a little more nuanced. In Minnesota, our UV index — a measure of how much ultraviolet light reaches us — is pretty low in the winter. People’s skin is usually covered up in the winter, but there’s actually a fair amount of reflection of UV light from the snow. Prolonged exposure through outdoor activities (or long drives) can add up. If you’re lucky enough to travel south or upwards in elevation, I would definitely recommend applying sunscreen like you would during the summer months.

“Talking...with U of M” is a resource whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

• Limited to 350 words.

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

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

• Letter writers are limited to 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 vadnaisheightsnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Journalist photos@presspubs.com Other departments obits@presspubs.com classified@presspubs.com callaspecialist@presspubs.com

Dr. David Pearson

Gene Johnson is publisher emeritus of Press Publications.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Campaign promises

Council Member Katherine Doll Kanne made a campaign promise to some of her supporters to make Vadnais Heights a GreenStep City. Most of us don’t know what that means, but it sounds good and gives you a warm feeling that you must be doing something good.

The new City Council wasted no time. One of their first actions after being sworn in was to direct that city staff prepare a resolution for Vadnais Heights’ participation in the Gold Leaf Pilot Program. We are not sure what the Gold Leaf Pilot Program is, but it is connected to the GreenStep Cities organization. The GreenStep Cities programs have been joined by some of our neighboring cities and some have gone through many of the steps. Some cities found it difficult and time consuming, so to get more cities to join they made a simpler program with 44 projects that cities can choose from.

At the City Council meeting, the council members were asked what the program was and what we were going to get out of it. The council knew close to nothing about the content of the program and had no plan on what they would do or accomplish. Steve Rogers asked good questions and was reluctant to approve something with no clear plan. Erik Goebel indicated that we only needed to do two of the 44 projects and we could get a plaque. The people behind the Gold Leaf Program said that they would provide an intern who could

do the legwork. However, when the intern leaves, the city will need staff time to do any future projects.

The council passed the resolution unanimously without any knowledge of what the city will be doing or the potential costs or benefits. This is reminiscent of the famous statement that, “We need to pass the bill before you can see what is in it.” Vadnais Heights does not have time or the money to waste on feelgood programs that have no measurable benefits. “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” — Yogi Berra.

Craig Johnson Vadnais Heights

Appreciate column on character

I’m writing to let you know how much I appreciate Gene Johnson’s article, “Reflecting on 2022,” in the Jan. 4 edition of the White Bear Press. I especially liked the last paragraph. It reminded me of the book, “The Road to Character,” written by New York Times columnist David Brooks. These are selected quotes:

“Most of us have clearer strategies for how to achieve career success than we do for how to develop a profound character.” (page xi)

“We live in a culture that teaches us to promote and advertise ourselves and to master the skills required for success, but that gives little encourage-

ment to humility, sympathy, and honest self-confrontation, which are necessary for building character.” (page xii)

“Truly humble people…are more likely to assume that we are all deeply divided selves, both splendidly endowed and flawed—that we each have certain talents but also certain weaknesses. And if we habitually fall for those temptations and do not struggle against the weaknesses in ourselves, then we will gradually spoil some core piece of ourselves. We will not be as good, internally, as we want to be. We will fail in some profound way.” (page 9)

“People who are humble about their own nature are moral realists. Moral realists are aware that we are all built from ‘crooked timber’—from Immanual Kant’s famous line, ‘Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.’ People in the ‘crooked-timber’ school of humanity have an acute awareness of their own flaws and believe that character is built in the struggle against their own weaknesses.” (page 11)

“People who live this way believe that character is not innate or automatic. You have to build it with effort and artistry. You can’t be the good person you want to be unless you wage this campaign. You won’t even achieve enduring external success unless you build a solid moral core.” (page 12)

Thanks for letting me share - keep up the good work!

Georgia Haug Minneapolis (subscriber)

Post Office mishaps

The Jan. 18 Press reported on the vehicular damage to the Vadnais Heights Post Office (“Post office closed until further notice”) – the second time that office has had windows broken out and boarded up in recent memory. These events have curtailed operations at that office, in a city of 13,000 residents, causing postal patrons to drive elsewhere to collect mail, mail parcels out and buy stamps. This at a time when mailing items at boxes after the last pickup is deemed risky. Is it not time to install steel or iron anti-“smash-and-grab” pilings, those vertical, anti-damage structures used by Best Buy, supermarkets and other stores? While representing an expense, it would be a way to avoid business disruptions, the cost of hiring a multi-person glass replacement crew and the lost pay of clerks who cannot be scheduled to work the counters in a closed office.

Sandy Waterman Vadnais Heights

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• Residents in the 900 block of Evergreen Court reported their Waste Management trash can was stolen overnight Dec. 14-15.

• A bag containing an unknown crystalized substance was reported found Dec. 15 on the floor near one of the cash registers at a business in the 800 block of County Road E. Ramsey County Sheriff's Office deputies collected the item to be placed into custody for destruction.

• Top Ten Liquors in the 9001 block of County Road E on Dec. 16 reported two bottles of liquor, valued at $25 each, stolen from the store Dec. 16. A Keep Our Police Safe (KOPS) alert was issued for the getaway vehicle.

• The two front tires of a vehicle were reported slashed at 1 a.m. Dec. 17 while it was parked in a driveway in the 3300 block of Greenbrier Street.

• The driver’s-side passenger window of a vehicle parked in the 900 block of Greenhaven Drive was reported smashed in Dec. 17. Nothing was noticed to be missing from the vehicle, however.

• The Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E on Dec. 17 reported felony theft by one of its employees. The case is under investigation.

• A Maplewood woman, 51, was cited at the Walmart Dec. 17 for misdemeanor theft after she was detained by loss prevention personnel for under-ringing $172.11 in merchandise and passing all points of sale.

• A Minneapolis man, 36, was arrested for possession of stolen property Dec. 17 at an unnamed big-box store in the 900 block of County Road E after deputies were called out to the scene of suspicious activity by a potential shoplifter. The suspect was seen entering and exiting the store a number of times and accessing a vehicle stolen out of Oregon.

White Bear Township

• A North Branch man, 35, was arrested Dec. 12 in the 2500 block of Taylor Avenue for violating a harassment restraining order.

• A Circle Pines man, 31, was arrested on multiple Ramsey County warrants Dec. 14 in the 1100 block of County Road J after deputies assisted the Centennial Lakes Police Department.

• An Amazon delivery driver was reported for a hit-and-run accident Dec. 14 after he struck a garage in the 2500 block of South Shore Boulevard a nd left the scene. After striking the garage, the white box van pushed the wall in approximately 12 feet between the two overhead doors. The i ncident number was needed to file a claim with Amazon.

• A St. Paul man reported the catalytic converter stolen from a Toyota Tundra Dec. 15 while it was parked in an employee lot at the Water Gremlin on Otter Lake Road.

• A gym workout bag was reported stolen from a vehicle parked overnight Dec. 16-17 in a driveway in the 4000 block of White Bear Parkway a fter the front passenger window was smashed in.

• Disorderly conduct was reported Dec. 17 outside the movie theater in the 1100 block of County Road J. The case has been referred to the city attorney for consideration of charges.

• A Medina man, 20, was arrested for third-degree DWI and test refusal Dec. 19 on Highway 61 and County Road E after deputies were dispatched out to the scene of a male passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle.

• A resident in the 1100 block of County Road D reported that a package delivered to his apartment f ront entryway at 2:27 p.m. Dec. 20 was stolen by the time he returned home at 5:30 p.m. FedEx video has been obtained, and the apartment complex video may also have suspect information. The case is under investigation.

• D eputies assisted with a K-9 probable-cause search Dec. 20 of a vehicle in the area of I-694 and Highway 61 and found one pound of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and unidentified pills. All were turned over to the other agency.

• A Richfield man, 64, was arrested at 11:49 p.m. Dec. 21 in the area of Highway 96 and McMenemy Street for driving after cancellation due to b ehavior inimical to public safety after deputies were called to the scene of a stalled vehicle.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Shots were reportedly fired Jan. 11 in the 3400 block of Highway 61.

• T heft was reported Jan. 11 in the 1900 block of Eugene Street with a $420 loss. There are no suspects as of press deadline.

• A W hite Bear Lake man was arrested for third-degree DWI Jan. 11 and booked at the Ramsey County Jail.

• A n officer was dispatched to the 5000 block of Wood Avenue Jan. 12 after a license plate was stolen.

• A disturbance noise complaint was reported Jan. 12 in the 4800 block of Centerville Road.

A n Oakdale man was arrested Jan. 12 for third-degree DWI in the 2700 block of County Road E.

• A victim reported her identity was used on Jan. 9 at a store in Maplewood, with a total loss of $60. There was no probable cause for charges as of press deadline.

• T wo motor vehicles were stolen Jan. 12 in the 1800 block of C ounty Road E. The State Patrol recovered one, though the other is still missing.

• L ewd behavior was reported Jan. 12 in the 4700 block of Highway 61.

• Disorderly conduct was reported Jan. 12 near the intersection of County Road E and Century Avenue.

• O fficers responded to the 3500 block of Century Avenue Jan. 12 for a noise disturbance.

• F raud was reported Jan. 13 in the 3400 block of Century Avenue.

• Police received a report Jan. 13 that a storage unit in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road had been broken into back in December 2022. There was no suspect information as of press deadline.

• Online fraud was reported Jan. 13 of a $318.58 attempted purchase. There was no loss, and t he suspect was unidentified. Attempted theft of a catalytic converter was reported Jan. 13 in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive.

• A 48-year-old North St. Paul man was booked at the Washington County Jail Jan. 14 for first-degree DWI and driving after h aving his license canceled for being inimical to public safety. He also had three previous DWIs within the 10-year enhancement period. The incident occurred following a traffic stop near Hadley Avenue and Highway 36.

• A DWI was reported Jan. 14 during a traffic stop at the intersection of Buerkle Road and Highway 61.

• A n officer responded to a report of motor vehicle theft Jan. 14 in the 2000 block of County Road E East. The reporting person’s vehicle was stolen from the parking lot within the previous 10 minutes at an estimated $20,000 loss. The suspect was unidentified as of press deadline.

• O fficers were dispatched to a noise disturbance Jan. 15 in the 4900 block of Highway 61.

• T heft by swindle was reported Jan. 15 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue. The victim sent money for Vikings tickets that were never mailed, at a $150 loss.

• A d river was arrested and booked at the Ramsey County Jail Jan. 15 for second-degree DWI. The arrest happened after an officer responded to a report

of a vehicle stuck in a snowbank in the 3900 block of Highland Avenue. An infant was in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

T he suspect refused to be tested for alcohol consumption.

• O fficers responded to a report of a female trespassing Jan. 15 in the 1400 block of Park Street. The suspect was gone when officers arrived, and they were unable to locate her.

• F raud was reported Jan. 16 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue.

• O fficers responded to a dispute reported Jan. 16 in the 1900 block of Florence Street.

• A storage unit burglary was reported Jan. 16 in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road. There were no reported losses and no suspect information as of press deadline.

• A missing person report was issued Jan. 16 in the 1900 block of Ninth Street. The investigation continues, and no foul play i s suspected.

• Disorderly conduct was reported Jan. 17 in the 3500 block of Century Avenue.

• A noise complaint was reported Jan. 17 in the 1700 block of County Road E.

• C riminal damage to property was reported Jan. 18 in the 4600 block of Centerville Road.

• T heft was reported Jan. 18 in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road.

• A n officer responded to a theft report Jan. 18 in the 1400 block of Highway 96. The theft is a $112 loss, and one suspect remains unidentified.

• O fficers responded to a robbery Jan. 18 in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road. There were no injuries, and one suspect remains u nidentified.

Dancing, featuring Wild Cat Combo Date: Feb. 3, 2023 Time: 8 pm to 11 pm

Location: White Bear Country Inn, White Bear Lake

you to our Premier Sponsor: White Bear Mitsubishi

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COPS&COURTS

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

The Washington County Sheriff's Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Grant

• A power wire was reported in the road in the area of Kimbro Avenue N. and 88th Street N. on Dec. 15 following a winter storm that dumped about 4 inches of very wet snow in the area. The wire had been lying there for several hours when the reporter called in, and Xcel had already been notified. The following day, a tree was reported down and blocking a roadway in the area of Ironwood Avenue N. and Irish Avenue N. Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies notified public works and set out flares to wa rn drivers.

• A resident in the 7000 block of Jocelyn Lane N. reported a door to their neighbor's home left open and the house possibly burglarized Dec. 18 while t he homeowners were out of town. When the homeowners returned, they discovered that their house had, indeed, been burglarized, but nothing was missing.

• Deputies issued a citation for expired tabs Dec. 20 after they observed a vehicle on Highway 36 without current tabs.

• A resident in the 7000 block of Keats Avenue N. reported receiving a possible scam text Dec. 21 claiming to be from the

U.S. Postal Service and asking for money to deliver a package. The complainant suffered no financial loss and just wanted the incident reported.

Mahtomedi

• A tree was reported for falling into the middle of the road on Hickory Street and Gosiwin Avenue on Dec. 15, following a winter storm of heavy wet snow.

• A semi was reported Dec. 16 for rolling down a hill on Long Lake Road at Century Avenue. The truck was moved out of the way without incident.

• A person with a gun was reported Dec. 18 in the area of Iris Street and Park Avenue.

• A large trailer was reported missing Dec. 18 from a parking lot on Long Lake Road.

• Both tires on the driver's side of a vehicle were reported slashed Dec. 18 while it was parked in the area of Juniper Street and Summit Avenue.

• A FedEx employee reported a road rage incident Dec. 20 during which a male followed him to his place of work on Long Lake Road and exchanged words with him. The enraged male then left the area.

• Deputies cited a motorist Dec. 20 in the area of Wildwood Road and Birchwood Road for failure to provide proof of insurance, following a traffic stop for displayed tabs that expired in January 2022. The motorist received a verbal warning for

the tardy tabs and for presenting an expired driver's license.

• Tools were reported stolen Dec. 29 from a Fernwood Place residence.

• A Minnesota motorist was cited Dec. 30 on Wildwood Road for speeding 60 mph in a 45 mph zone by westbound deputies on patrol. The driver, whose attitude was described as “good,” admitted to speeding.

Pine Springs

• A motorist was cited at 12:05 a.m. Dec. 31 on southbound I-694 over Highway 36 for driving without a valid Minnesota d river's license.

Willernie

• A Warwick Lane resident reported a vehicle that drove onto t he lawn Dec. 21 and damaged the grass.

• A wallet was reported stolen Dec. 24 from Frigaard's Bar on Stillwater Road.

• An Evergreen Road resident reported hearing a single gunshot coming from the north Dec. 30. Deputies located the nearest address in that direction, but nobody was at home at the time.

• Residents in the area of Warwick Lane and Paddington Road on Dec. 31 reported no water in the area due to a major water main break. Deputies contacted the Willernie Public Works Department.

Police issue missing person alert

The White Bear Lake Police Department requests the public's assistance in locating a missing man, David Bigham, Jr. According to a social media post, the WBLPD reports Bigham, Jr. left his residence Jan. 16 on foot with his destination and direction of travel unknown.

Bigham, Jr. 29, is 6'4” tall and weighs 235 lbs, with blonde hair and blue eyes. He has tattoos on his forearms reading “blood makes you related; loyalty makes you family” and a heart tattoo between his thumb and pointer finger on one hand. He was last seen wearing a gray jacket, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Bigham, Jr. is asked to call 911 or the WBLPD at 651429-8511. As of press time, Captain Dale Hager of the White Bear Lake Police Department said they do not have a reason to believe Bigham, Jr. is vulnerable, and will update the public if the situation changes.

SARAH & RILEY ELLEFSON

ROYAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS

David Bigham, Jr.

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights City Council will meet on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 800 East County Road E, to consider Ordinance No. 764, amending the 2023 Fee Schedule. Anyone wishing to be heard in regard to this matter will be given an opportunity at this time. The materials are available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours. 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 Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 25, 2023.

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT HEARING AND ASSESSMENT HEARING FOR THE 2023-1 STREET IMPROVEMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the proposed construction of the 2023-1 Street Improvements on Elmwood Street - Stockdale Road to Clover Avenue; Alpine Avenue - County Road F to south limits; and Horizon Street - Alpine Avenue to Centerville Road.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City of Vadnais Heights, Ramsey County, Minnesota will meet on February 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Vadnais Heights City Hall, 800 East County Road E in said City for the purpose of holding a public improvement hearing and assessment hearing on the proposed construction of the 2023-1 Street Improvements for the benefit of the following:

PROPERTIES TO BE ASSESSED: 283022210113 283022210111 283022210112 283022210110 283022210107 283022210097 283022210096 283022210072 283022210095 283022210088 283022210079 283022210078 283022210075 283022210080 283022210071 283022210069 283022210115 283022210114 283022210091 283022210101 283022210100 283022210099 283022210087 283022210086 283022210090 283022210081

283022210082 283022210089 283022210076 283022210083 283022210098 283022210106 283022210109 283022210108 283022210094 283022210085 283022210073 283022210084 283022210092 283022210105 283022210093 283022210104 283022210103 283022210102 293022120004 293022110067 293022110066 293022110060 293022110061 293022110071 293022110072 293022110013

293022110073 293022140028 293022140002 293022140003 293022140004 293022140005 293022140006 293022140007 293022140008 293022130028 293022130029 293022130030 293022130031 293022130032 293022130033 293022130035 293022130034 293022120010 293022120041 293022120040 293022120039 293022120038 293022120037 293022120036 293022120045 293022120046

The estimated total project cost of said improvement is a maximum of $1,721,200. Said project cost will be further refined and determined following bid opening. The assessment amount for this project will be $5,375 and $6,475 as detailed in the Assessment Roll. Written or oral comments will be considered. The area proposed to be assessed for the costs includes all benefited lots, tracts, or parcels of land benefited by said improvement based upon the benefit received.

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Dated this 17th day of January, 2023 Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 25 and February 1, 2023.

NORTHEAST METRO 916 WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA BOARD NOTES DECEMBER 7, 2022

The regular meeting of the School Board of Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District was held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 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, Starck-14, Forsberg-16, Oksnevad-282, Yener-622, Clark-623, Daniels-624, Keto-831, Donovan-832, Dols833 and Hockert- 834. Members absent: Westerman-621. Also present: Dr. Val Rae Boe, superintendent.

Approval of Agenda

Adopted the agenda as presented, with the change listed above, limited discussion to the approved agenda, and accepted the list of items proposed for consent adoption.

Board Calendar Dates

• Thursday, January 12, 2023 and Friday, January 13, 2023 – MSBA Leadership Conference • Wednesday, January 18, 2023 – School Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Questions and/or Comments from Citizens Present on Non-Agenda Items

An EAS spoke regarding safety and staffing within the district.

Presentation: Legislative Update

Valerie Dosland, lobbyist, shared news from the elections, a budget forecast, and a look at the 2023 legislative session. She shared that House and Senate leadership established their respective committee structures and appointed new committee chairs, many of whom are very familiar with the intermediate districts. Valerie shared that the governor and the DFL leadership highlighted education funding as a top priority. Because it is a budget setting year, the per-pupil formula will be on top of mind, as well as reducing the special education cross-subsidy. The intermediate districts will be meeting this week to finalize their Legislative Priorities.

Presentation: 2023 Board Officers

Chair Forsberg shared the process that 916 uses in January to elect Board Officers. Interested Board Members can self-nominate, or indicate their willingness to serve, prior to the January meeting. More information will be sent out in an email. Chair Forsberg added a reminder that the Board Officers also serve as the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee or Executive Committee.

Presentation: Delegates to School Board Annual Conference

Prior to the meeting, the Executive Committee met again to discuss sending delegates to the National Conference. It was decided to recommend attending COSSBA, as that is the organization that Minnesota is now part of. However, they will not discourage or prevent a member from choosing to attend NSBA. Each year, 916 budgets to send two Board Members to the National Conference. The districts eligible to attend this year are White Bear

Lake and Spring Lake Park. The next two districts in line are Mounds View and Columbia Heights.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Boe commented on the following items that were included in her written report: (a) Thank You; (b) Member Highlight; (c) Violence Prevention Symposium; (d) Retention Updates; (e) ALC Staff Highlight; (f) Safety Committee Update; (g) AMSD Board Meeting; and (h) December Strategic Actions Updates.

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 (Employment, Resignation, Eliminate Position, Adjust Hours/ FTE, Leave of Absence, Position Reclassification, Reassignment/ Transfers, New Positions)

Donations

Acceptance of Grants

Establishments of Board Professional Memberships for 2022-23 2023 School Board Meeting Dates

Set the regular meeting of the School Board at 6:00 p.m. at Bellaire School on the first Wednesday of each month, except as indicated below, which meetings may be recessed and adjourned as deemed necessary by the Board, and such special meetings may be called as provided by law:

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. (3rd Wednesday)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – 4:30 p.m. (Board Retreat)

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 6:00 p.m.

Approval of Laserfiche Contract

Northeast Metro 916 oversees the licensing and vendor support for member district’s Laserfiche business management platform. This platform provides 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 eight participating member districts.

Renewed its annual subscription to LaserFiche through OPG-3, Inc. effective December 19, 2022 through December 18, 2023 at a total cost of $73,348.42.

Approval of Policy 806: Crisis Management Policy

This policy was presented at the November 2 Board meeting for review as a first reading.

Adopted the revised School Board policy as presented.

Amendment to the 2022-2023 School Year Calendar

As a public employer, we are required to be closed in observance of federal holidays on the day following the holiday if it falls on a weekend. New Year’s Day 2023 falls on a Sunday and should be observed on Monday, January 2 which is currently a scheduled work day on our calendar.

Approved the amended 2022-2023 school year calendar to include January 2, 2023 as a non-work day.

Ratification of Education Assistant Federation Local 2343 Union Contract

A tentative settlement has been reached with the Education Assistant Federation 2343 Union. The contract proposed is for a two-year timeframe with new effective dates of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. Details of the settlement include schedule improvement in year one and step movement in year two. Ratified the contract between the School District and the Education Assistant Federation Local 2343 for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.

Board Forum

Member Keto spoke about attending the AMSD Annual Conference. He about some of the sessions he attended and shared that all of the info can be found on www.AMSD.org/reimagine2022.

Chair Forsberg asked if any districts have committed to sending members to any of the National School Board conferences. A few districts will be attending NSBA.

The Delegate Assembly was well represented by 916 School Board members with eight attending. It was agreed that the topics were interesting and if you have not done this, you should sign up. Elections will be held next Fall.

A special thank you was given by Superintendent Boe and Chair Forsberg to Member Donovan, Mahtomedi, and Member Keto, Forest Lake, for their years of service to the 916 School Board and dedication to 916 programs and students. Both Member Keto and Member Donovan agreed it was an honor and privilege to work with 916 over the years.

Meeting Adjourned

Adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 25, 2023.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES TUESDAY,

JANUARY 10, 2023

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:01 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present was Ryan O’Connor, County Manager, and Sam Clark, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.

AGENDA of January 10, 2023 was presented for approval. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved.

MINUTES of January 3, 2023 were presented for approval. Motion by Ortega, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Board of Commissioners – Appointment to the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-009)

Board of Commissioners – Appointment to the Rice Creek Watershed District. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-010)

Library – Appointments to the Ramsey County Library Board. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-011)

Human Resources – Salary Schedule and Grade for Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff – unclassified Positions. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-012)

Parks & Recreation – Grant Agreement from Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources for State Fiscal Year 2023. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-013)

Public Works – White Bear Township Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application – Otter Lake Road Trail: Hickory Trail to Meadowview Drive. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-014)

Public Works – Twin Lake Boulevard Trail Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application – City of Vadnais Heights and City of Little Canada. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-015)

Policy & Planning – Updated 2023 Ramsey County State Legislative Platform. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-016)

POLICY ITEM

Board of Commissioners – Appointments to the Amended Outside Boards and Committees for 2023. Motion by MatasCastillo, seconded by Ortega. Unanimously approved. (B2023-017)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Presented by Commissioner McGuire. Discussion can be found on archived video.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS – Presented by Ryan O’Connor, County Manager. Discussion can be found on archived video.

OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – Discussion can be found on archived video.

BOARD CHAIR UPDATES – Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADJOURNMENT – Chair MatasCastillo declared the meeting adjourned at 9:43 a.m.

CLOSED MEETING

Pursuant to Minnesota Statues § 13D.05, subd. 3(c)(3) (to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real property), the Ramsey County Board will meet in a closed meeting, which is not open to the public.

In Re 160 East Kellogg Blvd: The property that is the subject of this meeting is located in the City of St. Paul on 160 East Kellogg Boulevard.

The Closed Meeting was called to order at 12:10 p.m.

Present: Commissioners Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present: Ryan O’Connor, County Manager; Alex Kotze, Chief Financial Officer, Finance; Jean Krueger, Director, Property Management; Johanna Berg, Deputy County Manager - Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team; Amy Schmidt, Assistant County Attorney, Office of the Ramsey County Attorney; Kari Collins, Director, Community and Economic Development; Susan Earle, Deputy Director, Finance; Jeanette Boit-Kania, Debt Manager, Finance; Jay Willms, Principal Financial Management Analyst, Finance; and Mee Cheng, Chief Clerk – County Board, County Manager’s Office.

The Board of Ramsey County Commissioners authorized the Ramsey County staff to proceed as discussed in this closed meeting.

The closed meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 25, 2023.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: CalyxLand

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 3614 Logan Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55412

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Analise Adams 3614 Logan Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55412 Craft Cannabis Consulting LLC 1810 Ivy Ave E, St Paul MN 55119

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: January 13, 2023

Signed: Analise Adams, Authorized Agent for CalyxLand

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 25 and February 1, 2023.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Plush Film Company

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1635 Dayton Ave Apt 3 Saint Paul MN 55104

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Jamal D Ramsey 1635 Dayton Ave Apt 3 Saint Paul MN 55104

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: January 13, 2023

Signed: Jamal D Ramsey Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 25 and February 1, 2023.

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME

Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: EmpoweRx

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 376 County Road F East St Paul MN 55127

3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.

Tracy Kimberly Newman 376 County Road F East St Paul MN 55127

I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: January 10, 2023

Signed: Tracy Newman

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on January 18 and 25, 2023.

MN: What visitors need to know

Trane Shuttle, 4833 White Bear Parkway

Press Publications assembled some helpful information for those who will attend Hockey Day. Visit hockeydaymn.com and its associated social media pages throughout the event for additional information.

Where can I get tickets?

Tickets for Hockey Day Minnesota are available at hockeydaymn.com. Individual day passes and weekend passes are available.

• Saturday only: 8:45 a.m. to midnight

Podvin Park/International Paper Shuttle, 1700/1699 Ninth St.

• Saturday only: 10 a.m. to midnight

High School North Campus Shuttle, 5045 Division Ave.

• Saturday only: Noon to midnight

Additionally, Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub, Jimmy’s Food & Drink and Manitou Bar & Kitchen will provide a “hospitality bus” shuttle that will take Hockey Day attendees to and from Polar Lakes Park between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday.

Parking near Polar Lakes Park will be a challenge, given how many people are expected to be coming and going to the park. It’s therefore encouraged that visitors be dropped off, park at available sites near the park or ride the free shuttle to the park.

Handicapped parking will be located near the event entrance, and VIP parking will be to the south. The parking lot at the MedTech Center to the east of the park will also be open to the public Thursday through Sunday.

How else can I get to Polar Lakes Park?

Free shuttle services will transport people to and from Polar Lakes Park throughout Hockey Day Minnesota. Shuttles will run every 15 minutes throughout their operation. Here are the shuttle sites and hours:

Taymark Shuttle, 4875 White Bear Parkway

• Thursday: 4:15 p.m. to midnight

• F riday: 4:15 p.m. to midnight

• Saturday: 7:45 a.m. to midnight

• Sunday: 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The hospitality bus will start at Jimmy’s at 8 a.m., leave at 8:15 a.m. to go to Carbone’s, then leave Carbone’s after 15 minutes to head to Manitou and from there to the park. That cycle will repeat throughout the day.

The hospitality bus is free to use. The three bars providing it simply request that visitors who use the transportation service patronize their businesses throughout the day.

Will there be food and drinks?

Several food and drink options will be at Hockey Day Minnesota’s “Town Square” area at Polar Lakes Park. Those include the following:

• Caribou Coffee

• iPierogi

• The Original Burrito King

• BD Sammies

• Northeast Pretzels

• Up In Smoke

• Hoppers Mini Donuts

• Portable Pub

There will also be a “Treasure Island Warming

House” tent, where Carbone’s will serve personal pizzas, pop and alcoholic drink options.

What should I bring and not bring?

Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather, as most activities will take place outdoors.

No bags are allowed inside Hockey Day 2023. Clutches, wristlets and wallets measuring 4-by-6-by 1.5 inches or smaller are allowed, but will be subject to inspection. There will be two ATMs on site: one in the Warming House and one in the VIP tents. Guests should bring cash, though some vendors will also accept credit cards.

Chairs are not permitted, as there will be plenty of seating space on bleachers. Spectators can also watch the livestream of the games in Town Square and in the Treasure Island Warming House.

What’s the schedule of events?

Thursday, Jan. 26:

• 4 :30 p.m. — Gates and Town Square open

• 5 p.m. — Opening ceremony with VFW Post 1782 and White Bear Lake Color Guard

• 5 :20 p.m. — National Anthem with Forest Lake Girls Choir

• 5 :30 p.m. — Forest Lake vs Cretin-Derham Hall (girls)

• 7:30-10:30 p.m. — Arch Allies perform

• 8 :30 p.m. — Celebrity game, featuring Ryan Carter, Thomas Vanek, Joe Dziedzic, Paul Fletcher and more

Friday, Jan. 27:

• 5 -10 a.m. — Gates and Warming House open for KFAN show only

• 5 :30 a.m. — KFAN: The Power Trip Morning Show

• 4 :30 p.m. — Gates and Town Square open

• 5 :25 p.m. — Opening ceremony with VFW Post 1782 and White Bear Lake Color Guard; National Anthem with Mike Litchey

• 5 :30 p.m. — St. John’s vs. Augsburg (men)

• 7:30 p.m. — White Bear Alumni Game

• 7:30 p.m. — Good for Gary performs

Saturday, Jan. 28:

• 8 a .m. — Gates and Town Square open

• 9 :30 a.m. — National Anthem with White Bear Lake Choir

• 9 :30 a.m. — Stillwater vs. White Bear Lake (girls)

• 1 p.m. — Hermantown vs. Mahtomedi (boys)

• 1-3 p.m. — Dave Burkart performs

• 4 :30 p.m. — Hill Murray vs. White Bear Lake (boys)

• 7 p.m. — Fireworks

• 7-11 p.m. — Tim Sigler Band performs

• 8 :00 pm — Broadcast of Buffalo Sabres vs. Minnesota Wild game at Xcel Energy Center

Sunday, Jan. 29:

• 7 a .m. — Gates and Town Square open

• 8 :15 a.m. — Minnesota Warriors game 1

• 10 a.m. — Minnesota Warriors game 2

• 11:45 am — Sled hockey

• Noon to 12:30 p.m. — Chester Bay performs

• Noon to 2 p.m. — School of Rock performs

• 1:30-3 p.m. — Open skate

• 3 :15-4:15 p.m. — Herb Brooke’s Foundation

• 3 :15-5 p.m. — Jake Nelson performs

• 3 :30-4 p.m. — Chester Bay performs

• 4 :30-6 p.m. — United Heroes League game

• 6 :15 p.m. — AFC/NFC Championship Viewing Party

If I have my own vehicle, where can I park?

CARTER JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The Hockey Day Minnesota rink at Polar Lakes Park will be packed with hockey fans Thursday through Sunday. The annual hockeyfest will feature several games of the sport as well as live music, fireworks and more.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Rink Tec employees Florian Jackels and Mason Wiebusch work on the regulation hockey rink and surrounding bleachers at Polar Lakes Park in White Bear Township in preparation for the Hockey Day Minnesota event that will take place Thursday through Sunday.

FIRST TOURNAMENT:

memories from White Bear’s 1945 and 1946 tournament appearances. There are photos of the team in their “uniforms,” black wool jerseys borrowed from the football squad; and posing with the coach, R.P. “Dick” Bradley.

The coach helped provide transportation to the St. Paul Auditorium, where the tourney was held. There were no school buses then, so the team piled into two vehicles, one of them Bradley’s ’39 Buick, along with their minimal equipment.

Hockey had taken a hiatus at White Bear high school during the early years of World War II. That is, until players eventually convinced the school board to let them compete. The request was approved as long as it didn’t cost the district any money.

Resler grew up playing hockey on White Bear Lake. He remembers buying his first pair of skates — “a shoe on a blade” — for $1.25. He spied the skates in

Alum recalls the year White Bear players made history

the downtown hardware store window.

A favorite destination was the area in front of Johnson Boat Works. It was always rink ready, he said. Kids on his side of town would cross the Manitou Island bridge to reach safe ice before gliding over to the bay rink.

“We knew everything about the lake, where it was safe and unsafe,” Resler recalled. “You had to avoid the point off the island. It was the last place to freeze.” He remembers a kid named Bob Arcand, who fell through thin ice under the bridge. “He was a walking icicle,” added Resler.

Accuracy was another valued skill from playing on the lake ice. A slapshot that didn’t go in the net could travel blocks across the frozen water, requiring someone fetch the puck. “That’s why we were good,” Resler maintained.

High school graduation in 1947 didn’t end his hockey days. Resler and other former teammates went on to play for the Flyers, a Town team that won a championship in 1953.

The Reslers have been married 71 years. Virginia, 90, is a farm girl from Forest Lake who moved to White Bear after her mother was widowed. The couple’s romance blossomed at the White Bear bowling alley, where Virginia worked as a waitress. They raised six children and boast 15 grandchildren. Teammate Gordy Vadnais, a big defenseman (and future fire chief), was John’s best man.

The 1945 tournament, not only the first in Minnesota, but first in the United States, was a dream come true for the Bears. “We were in awe when we saw that big sheet of ice. It’s a sight I will never forget,” said Resler, who gets emotional talking about those glory days.

“We didn’t realize at the time we were making history. To us, it was just another game. The worst part was we never

won a tournament.”

Eveleth was the 1945 state champion, beating Thief River Falls in the final. They were better equipped than other teams and one of the few with helmets. “We didn’t even have jerseys,” Resler exclaimed. White Bear had shin pads and second-hand sticks. Some players admitted borrowing garter belts from

their sisters to hold up their socks. Their state appearance in 1946 ended in a loss to Roseau in overtime.

Growing up on Cook Avenue, Resler lived six blocks from the lake. He remembers walking to meet his buddies, skates in tow, every day after school.

Holidays and weekends were spent skating at the Hippodrome.

“Hockey has such a rich history here,” noted Resler, who retired as a UPS mechanic in 1991. “Even before us, there were legends like Moose Goheen and Doc Romnes.

“Hockey was my favorite thing to do. Once the lake froze, we went all over. We could always find a game somewhere.”

CONTRIBUTED

Members of the first White Bear tournament team, wearing borrowed football jerseys, included: Gordon Vadnais, Martin “Buzz” LeVasseur (goalie), Leonard Johnson, George Kieffer, James LeVasseur, Eugene Cunningham, James Henkel, Robert Shearen, William Wygant, Hugh Heckel, John Resler, James Shearen and coach Dick Bradley.

DEBRA NEUTKENS PRESS PUBLICATIONS

John Resler holds the scrapbook his mother made for him back in high school.

DEBRA NEUTKENS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

An engraved pencil, a comb still in its leather case and a medal from the 1945 tournament appearance are in mint condition. The items were awarded to players who attended a special luncheon at the tony St. Paul Athletic Club the day before the tournament started.

Music to catch at Hockey Day Minnesota

The White Bear Press organized a selection of local musicians to provide entertainment between games. Live music performances will take place in the Entertainment Tent, unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, Jan. 26

8 p.m. Arch Allies

The Arch Allies are a high-powered tribute band, performing crowd favorites and classic rock singalong numbers from superstars such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Queen, REO Speedwagon, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar and Tina Turner.

Performance followed by 8:30 p.m. Celebrity Game.

Friday, Jan. 27

8 p.m. Good for Gary

A local cover band, Good for Gary’s seven-piece lineup plays the Top 40 dance hits of yesterday and today. Hip-hop, pop and radio dance hits are their specialty.

Performance followed by 8:30 p.m. White Bear Alumni Game.

Saturday, Jan. 28

12-12:30 p.m. Chester Bay (rinkside)

Chester Bay is a Minneapolis-based rock band that incorporates folk, reggae, ska and country music into its sound.

Performance followed by Hermantown vs. Mahtomedi (boys) game.

3:30-4 p.m. Dave Burkart

Dave Burkart is an acoustic solo artist from St. Paul who draws on folk roots for his bluesy and rock-inspired sound.

Performance followed by Hill Murray vs. White Bear Lake (boys) game.

7:30 p.m. Tim Sigler Band

The Tim Sigler Band is for country fans in the audience. Past albums have included musical tributes to Eric Church and Bruce Springsteen.

Fireworks at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 29 12-2 p.m. School of Rock Students from the School of Rock program in Minneapolis will take a turn on the stage, playing rock classics.

3-5 p.m. Jake Nelson Band

Singer-songwriter Jake Nelson grew up in White Bear Lake and is a hometown favorite for his folk and country sound.

Jake Nelson.

Fun facts about Hockey Day host town

• White Bear Township was formed in 1858 on the same day Minnesota became a state: May 11.

• White Bear Township was named after White Bear Lake.

• Over the years, the cities of Gem Lake, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake were carved out of the township's original 36 square miles.

• The unincorporated communities of Bald Eagle and Bellaire are located in the township.

• White Bear Township is the only remaining township in Ramsey County.

• It is the smallest and most densely populated of the approximately 1,800 townships in Minnesota.

• The Historic White Bear Town Hall was designed by Minnesota architect Cass Gilbert in 1885 and was used as the meeting place for the Town Board until 2011. Gilbert would go on to design the Minnesota State Capitol as well as the capitol buildings in Arkansas and West Virginia before ending his career with the design of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

• The Historic Town Hall has been rehabilitated to serve as a site to share the history of the township and its people through exhibits, presentations and events.

• There is another township in Minnesota called White Bear Lake Township, which is in Pope County.

CONTRIBUTED

Township, businesses brace for Hockey Day Minnesota crowd

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

Hockey Day Minnesota 2023 won’t just be a four-day marathon of hockey fun for White Bear Township and the surrounding communities Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 26-29.

It will also be a prime time for the township and area businesses to show what they’re made of.

When White Bear Township first got the OK to host the annual hockey shindig, Administrator Pat Christopherson said the community knew it’d be a big public relations opportunity to show off Polar Lakes Park and the hockey culture of the area.

The event will also illuminate the township’s business community, which Christopherson noted doesn’t enjoy the limelight often since it doesn't have a central downtown area.

“The economic part of it is that this is going to show everybody what we got here and what a thriving environment and community we have for the business side of things,” Christopherson said.

“Massive PR. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Corey Roberts, who’s on the Hockey Day Minnesota 2023 volunteer committee, agreed with that sentiment.

“From Day One, one of our values as a committee was to really showcase the entire area and all of the unique businesses and natural resources,” Roberts said.

Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub, located at 1350 Highway 96 E., Suite No. 7, is eager to get in on the Hockey Day action.

Besides serving food and drinks at the Treasure Island Warming

Housing that will be set up at Polar Lakes Park, the restaurant is providing a free shuttle service Saturday in coordination with Jimmy’s Food & Drink and Manitou Bar & Kitchen.

Carbone’s will also have a heated tent for extra seating outside its site on Highway 96 to accommodate the larger-than-normal influx of visitors to town over the four days.

“My husband and I are super excited for this,” said Carbone’s co-owner Liz Boleen, referring to the restaurant’s other co-owner, Steve.

“We're not only bringing people into town here but for people to see us who may not know about us, who maybe live in the area and just don't get out, don't realize how big we really are and the things we have to offer,” Liz said.

Besides sausage, pepperoni and cheese pizzas at the Treasure Island Warming House, Carbone’s will serve breakfast pizzas Saturday and Sunday morning.

Carbone’s will maintain normal hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday but will have extended kitchen hours Saturday and Sunday. The hours Saturday will be 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., while Sunday they’ll be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Lunds & Byerlys at 4630 Centerville Road, which borders the township and is a few minutes south of Polar Lakes Park, is also getting into the Hockey Day spirit.

“We’re looking forward to all the excitement in the area. It’s going to bring a lot of traffic and excitement to the area, which is going to be fun to see,” store manager Al Gartner said.

All of the Hockey Day games will be televised in the store’s Mezz bar and dining area. Beer and wine

specials will be available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday there. Additionally, there will be food available in the store’s hot food bars.

Singer and grocery worker Jordan Krolak, who performs as Jordan Michael, will also provide live entertainment from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday in the Mezz.

Furthermore, hockey jerseys have been hung up in the middle of the store. Employees such as cashiers and baggers will wear jerseys, too, while working the front end of the store during Hockey Day.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, a “Puck Walk” will be held in the store every hour using laminated pucks placed around the building.

Gartner said it will function like a cakewalk game, with prizes up for grabs for winners.

Gartner also pointed out the irony in the fact that he graduated from Hill-Murray High School, as did about half his employees at the store. A highly anticipated Hockey Day game between the Hill-Murray boys hockey team and the White Bear Lake boys team is set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Kind of a twist there,” Gartner said with a chuckle. “But of course, we’re going to support the store and the community.”

Bill Foussard, owner of the White Bear Country Inn, said his hotel will be full of guests staying in town for Hockey Day Minnesota.

He added that the weekend will be “exciting for the whole town.”

“A lot of effort has gone in, and it's going to be good for downtown White Bear,” Foussard said. “It's great for the whole area, the township. It’s exciting. We're such a hockey town; it just complements what we are.”

Bosch to retire; district begins search for unified high school principal

Don Bosch, principal at WBLAHS-South Campus, has announced he will retire after the 2023-24 school year. He had been selected to be principal of the unified high school beginning in fall 2024 when the new campus opens.

Bosch began his career in the district in 2009 as principal at North Campus, and moved to South Campus in 2017.

“Thank you to Mr. Bosch for more than 13 years of service to the students, families and staff at both campuses of White Bear Lake Area High School. His efforts and focus on helping students lead their learning have positioned our students to be courageous, passionate learners and leaders,” said Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, superintendent. “His calm and steady leadership have also served the district well, with his continued dedication to professional growth throughout his career making him a role model amongst his team and his peers.”

The search for a principal of the new unified high school has begun, and the district hopes to name a principal later this spring.

Recognize an exceptional teacher

Nominations from community members, parents, students and colleagues are sought for the White Bear Lake Educators' Teacher of the Year program. The deadline to nominate a teacher for the honor is Feb. 10 by 4 p.m. Find more information and the nomination form at isd624.org. Six finalists will be chosen and a winner announced in May.

STUDENT NEWS

The following local students were named to the dean’s list or received academic honors at a college or university for the 2022 fall semester:

Brescia University: Noah McClain of White Bear Lake.

Marquette University: Madison Carroll of White Bear Lake.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead: Daisy Vaching of Vadnais Heights.

North Dakota State College of Science: Nicholas Distad of White Bear Lake.

St. Cloud State University: Angelina Donahue-Borgen of Mahtomedi, Zac Chapman of White Bear Township and Quinlan McCollow of Willernie.

University of Wisconsin-Madison: John Diffley, Will Garry, Katherine Swanson, Anna Ardito and Olivia Decker, all of Mahtomedi; Claire Odmark, Eric Schmidt and TJ Turinske, all of White Bear Lake.

University of Wisconsin-Superior: Kaitlyn Stender of White Bear Lake.

White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

Upgrades planned for off-leash dog park

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — Dog owners will be happy to learn improvements are in the works for the popular Otter Lake Road off-leash canine park.

Ramsey County’s Parks & Recreation Department presented plans Jan. 18 for the first of a two-phase project, which includes relocation of a small dog area, better accessibility to the park with a redesigned concrete entrance, new water fountain for people and dogs and concrete pads for benches and trash receptacles.

The Town Board approved a county request for an amended conditional use permit for phase one but prefers the county request another amendment for the second phase once plans are further along.

County Planning and Development Director Scott Yonke told the board improvements will begin in spring with $200,000 budgeted. “The entrance is currently not ADA (American Disability Act) accessible, so that will be improved,” he noted.

The off-leash park, 5750 Otter Lake Road, will not be expanded but stay within the same footprint, Yonke

pointed out. Phase two will likely happen in 2024, depending on funding, and includes trail enhancements and the relocation of the small dog area to the north of the park.

A homeowner across the road from the park commented during a public hearing that users are responsible dog people and he supports the park. Forty years ago, it was “a sad little place,” noted Donald Williams. “Those who used it were mostly drug dealers. It’s much nicer now.” He would like the hours of operation for the park, which includes a boat launch, prominently displayed and enforced. Yonke said the county is “rolling out a large signage project throughout its parks.”

The county plans similar improvements at other off-leash dog parks: Battle Creek, Rice Creek and Woodview.

Debra Neutkens

Rotary Matters

Alexa (Lexi) is a very capable and conscientious student at Mahtomedi High School. In addition to putting forth consistent effort and care to maintain a high GPA at school, Lexi is dedicated to learning as much as she can outside of the classroom, as well.

Lexi is on the Girls Who Code team and the Modeling a Protein Story (MAPS) team. Both of these teams are very accomplished groups and have earned recognition at both local and national levels. Lexi is also a student leader through Link Crew, Youth in Government, and the MHS Golf Team.

Alexa (Lexi) McKusick

Mahtomedi High School

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Lunds & Byerlys in White Bear Lake shows off its Hockey Day Minnesota spirit by displaying hockey jerseys throughout the building. The televised hockey games will be shown in the store’s Mezz, and the grocery store has food and drink specials, a “puck walk” activity and more planned throughout Hockey Day weekend.

Ice Diving Festival makes a splash at White Bear Lake

BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Divers from around the globe are getting ready to suit up and submerge themselves beneath the frigid, ice-covered surface of White Bear Lake near Ramsey Beach.

Billed as the largest ice-diving event on the continent — and one that just might set a world record this year — the 2023 North American Ice Diving Festival will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. The spectacle is open to members of the public to watch.

IF YOU GO:

What: 2023 North American Ice Diving Festival

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28

Where: Ramsey Beach near the White Bear Lake County Park boat launch, 5050 Lake Ave.

Details: At least 100 scuba divers will plunge beneath White Bear Lake’s frozen surface at the 2023 North American Ice Diving Festival. Members of the public are invited to venture out onto the ice to witness the action and meet with various scuba manufacturers who will be showcasing their products. Profits from the festival will be donated to Veteran Scuba, a nonprofit that works with disabled veterans for certifications and scuba therapy. For more information about the festival, email info@mwschoolofdiving.com or call 651-653-1174. Find the Midwest School of Diving and the North American Ice Diving Festival on Facebook, too.

Spectators will know where to go, thanks to a red, 25-foot-tall inflatable scuba diver figure that will be set up by the site.

“You're going to see it from a mile away, and we're about 250 yards off the beach boat landing on White Bear,” said Mark Dugger, owner and instructor at Midwest School of Diving.

Dugger and his diving school started the annual ice diving festival a few years ago, though it originally began as a much smaller event intended to get people ice-diving certified.

“It's blossomed into this event that

now we're drawing people from all over the world. I've actually cut off the number of people diving. I actually have about a 40-person waiting list,” he said.

More than 100 divers from at least 26 U.S. states, two Canadian provinces, North Africa, Europe and South Asia are expected to take part in this year’s festival. By comparison, the 2022 festival held at Square Lake in May Township attracted 57 divers from 15 states and one Canadian province.

With so many divers expected to be under the surface at once, event organizers are submitting details of the festival to Guinness World Records as the largest, one-day event with the most divers under the ice.

Last year’s event with 57 divers may have been a record, but festival organizers didn’t submit the information to Guinness. That won’t be the case this year, as Dugger said they’ve already been in contact with the world record organization and plan to send all the supporting documents needed for record consideration.

“We have somebody identified as a nonparticipant that is a senior instructor to also verify that everything that is being submitted is correct,” Dugger added.

Major U.S. scuba-diving certification agencies will also be at the event, as will Divers Alert Network. The latter is a group of nonprofit organizations that seek to improve diving safety. Divers

tatives from several diving and scuba gear manufacturers, who will showcase their products.

Diving seminars and equipment demonstrations as well as a demonstration from a master free-diving instructor are also scheduled for the day.

About half of the divers who will attend the festival will need to become ice-diving certified — which they’ll do at White Bear Lake — while the other half are already certified and will be participating for the fun of it.

Seven triangular holes will be cut into the lake surface, and each hole will have its own warming tent. The holes will be spaced apart from each other by about 180-200 feet.

Underneath each diver’s scuba vest will be a harness with a locking carabiner attached to it, which will be secured to a rope that’s anchored to the top of the surface ice. The divers will be connected to one another through the rope and will communicate to each other by tugging on it.

A rope “tender” on the surface will also hold one end of the rope in their hands and will similarly be in communication with the divers every few minutes to make sure they’re OK.

Ice diving has been growing in popularity in recent years, according to Dugger. Part of the appeal of diving in the winter is the absence of algae bloom, which happens mainly in summer. That means divers get a clearer look at the lake this time of year.

“The clarity and the visibility is pretty phenomenal, so that's one of the things that brings people into ice diving,” Dugger said. “And really, if you dress appropriately, you're really not even going to feel the cold.”

PHOTOS BY NATHAN WONG| CONTRIBUTED

A pair of scuba divers set off underwater at last year’s North American Ice Diving Festival at Square Lake in May Township.

A view from below Square Lake shows a triangular hole cut from the ice-covered surface at last year’s North American Ice Diving Festival.

Scuba divers get ready to take the plunge beneath Square Lake in May Township at last year’s North American Ice Diving Festival. The 2023 festival will take place Saturday on White Bear Lake near Ramsey Beach.

Assessments unpopular part of street improvement package

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — The project isn’t a done deal, but 2023 street improvements estimated to cost $1.67 million will move forward with a preparation of plans and specifications.

The Town Board approved next steps for a multistreet project Jan. 18 following a public hearing. Streets involved include Gilfillan Lane, Greenhaven Drive, Moon Lake Circle, Crescent Curve, Meadowlands Drive and Birch Bend Lane. At this point, North Birch Lake Boulevard is part of the project cost, but may be omitted in the future. The township shares the road with White Bear Lake, which indicated it was not in a position to fund the project this year.

Town Engineer Larry Poppler told those attending that overall assessable costs for mill and overlay are $1.4 million. With 203 assessable units along the 1.8 miles of streets, assessments are estimated at $4,000 per unit.

The township will bond for the project, if it gets final approval, once costs are known. Assessments would pay $814,000 of the project, the township would levy $597,000 and utility funds would pay about $180,000. Construction would start in June or July.

The North Birch Lake Boulevard segment shared with the city has an estimated cost of $86,000. Supervisors asked staff to negotiate a joint powers agreement with White Bear Lake before committing to the addition. If successful, the township would pay about $40,000 of the cost.

Property owners who spoke during the public hearing asked about the assessment amount and

speed issues on Greenhaven.

A Gilfillan Lane property owner asked if the assessment cost was guaranteed.

Poppler explained that the figure was an estimate. The town engineer noted that the assessment can only be as much as the benefit of the improvement, per state statute. “In today’s world, construction costs outpace the benefit,” Poppler noted, iterating that the $4,000 is an estimate based on similar projects. He added that the township has hired an expert to do a benefit appraisal.

Another homeowner felt the assessment figure was excessive for “50 feet of property” and a “number that some can’t afford.” She noted that both the funeral home and church (at Greenhaven and Highway. 96) often have full parking lots and should be charged more for “wear and tear” on the road.

Once the project is completed, Poppler reminded residents there will be another public hearing to determine actual assessment amounts. Property owners have the right to appeal.

Another homeowner asked about reducing speed on Greenhaven. Poppler said one technique is to install bump-outs, which aren’t speed bumps, but spots where the curb line is brought in to narrow the road to slow drivers down. “We’d have to look at that and drainage to see if it would work.”

Town Supervisor Steve Ruzek reminded those in attendance that the board can “pull the plug on the project once we know the cost. This hearing is to get it going forward so we know what we’re facing. Our infrastructure needs repair, but we don’t know what it will cost us yet. Until we know, we won’t make a (final) decision.”

Chair Ed Prudhon added that the township will bond for the project, so that will be a factor, too. “This is a commitment the board made five years

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

ago,” he said. “We’ve been kicking the can down the road regarding street projects. These are tough to go through, but last year we had good bidding. That $4,000 is one of the cheapest assessments we’ve had in years. My road (assessment) was $25,000.”

The board also authorized a second street project to move forward. Bids will be requested to mill and overlay about a mile of Hammond Road (Otter Lake Road to Polar Lakes Park) and Township Parkway (Hammond Road to White Bear Parkway) at a cost of $1,021,600. Trail improvements involving 3 inches of new bituminous are part of the project.

Mostly industrial property along the route, assessable units number 77 with assessments estimated at $4,000.

Poppler said the concrete curb and gutter are in poor condition, but the board decided rather than replace them, have Public Works patch the deteriorating areas as best it can. The roads are more than 20 years old.

Last week’s actions do not mean the township is proceeding with the projects. “We still have to bid them to decide if the market is being aggressive enough so our residents get full value,” said Pat Christopherson, town administrator.

The projects go out for bid in April.

www.hugodentalcare.com 651-426-1639

love this town!

It’s great to live and work in a community where people are making a difference every day! At our business meeting in December, Minnesota and North Dakota State Farm Agents and corporate employees donated 900+ pairs of socks. We had the privilege of delivering these to the Listening House in St. Paul. The Listening House provides service to the homeless in our community. If you are making donations, they are always in need of gloves, socks, and other clothing items for adults.

Backyard hockey rinks nurture local talent

Above: A group of White Bear Squirt hockey players practice on Jon Norman’s backyard rink. He said that backyard rinks are “rearing ponds for hockey players,” and offer a lot of freedom for players to develop skills and a natural love of the sport.

At right: A group of girls recently participate in a spirited hockey game on the lighted rink outside the Greer family home that is a neighborhood attraction in Mahtomedi.

Along with the Hockey Day Minnesota youth games, a celebrity game is scheduled for Thursday, Jan 26 and a White Bear alumni game is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27.

Above: Hank, Lou and Walter Stuemke pose with their Dad Karl near a tree named the full-time defenseman that is permanent fixture on the backyard rink near their home in Gem Lake. To prevent collisions the tree is wrapped with reflective tape. The rink also features lights and a sound system.

BY NOELLE OLSON SHOREVIEW PRESS EDITOR

VADNAIS HEIGHTS — The Vadnais Heights City Council is on board to get the ball rolling on the County Road E Corridor Development Action Plan.

“We're really trying to create a community-driven vision that could transform County Road E into a place that fosters the sense of community and connects people to economic opportunities,” said Gretchen Nicholls, project coordinator with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Twin Cities.

According to the Action Plan Summary Report and Final Recommendations, the initiative is a collaborative endeavor between Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, White Bear Lake and Ramsey County to create a more cohesive and connected corridor along County Road E and to guide future development of key opportunity sites located in each city.

“Both of the sites in Vadnais Heights were fairly large, significant parcels so they offered a lot of different variations of what could happen on them,” Nicholls said.

The trio of cities, as well as developers and other community partners, held six community workshops last fall for residents to brainstorm ideas for developing the opportunity sites along the County Road E corridor.

Those sites are as follows:

• Vadnais Heights: A 12-acre parcel at a vacant site in the southwest quadrant at Interstate 35E and County Road E and a 44-acre parcel at a vacant site in the northeast quadrant at Interstate 35E

and County Road E.

• Gem Lake: An 18-acre parcel east of Daniels Farm Road and north of County Road E and a 12-acre site south of County Road E and west of Highway 61 along Hoffman Road.

• White Bear Lake: Five sites located on the four corners at the intersection of Bellaire Avenue and County Road E. Site A in the northeast corner is 2511 County Road E East and is owned by the city; Site B in the southeast corner is 2502 County Road E East; Site C in the far southwest corner is 3577 Bellaire Ave.; Site D directly to the north of Site C is 2490 County Road E East; and Site E in the northwest corner is 2491 County Road E East.

“We had over 100 people participate in the process and many came for multiple sessions, so it was a really good set of reactions and ideas that were generated through the conversation,” Nicholls said. “There was a strong desire to explore an overall identity and sense of place for the corridor.”

She continued, “We really wanted to gain the insights and perspectives of the community that knows the area very

White

well along the corridor and understand what's viable and what's realistic about the possibilities because sometimes we want things that may not actually be possible. We also wanted to find ways to attract investment to the corridor to maintain and improve its vitality and really look to improve the quality of life for people along the corridor.”

Nicholls said the three goals of the action plan are as follows:

• Pursue improvements along the corridor that would slow down traffic, improve safety, support bike and pedestrian movement and build a cohesive and attractive corridor identity.

• Attract high-quality development to opportunity sites for possible housing,

local business or amenity options.

• Address the east-west divide created by Highway 61 by reconfiguring its intersection with County Road E to enhance safety and connectivity.

Council Member Steve Rogers said the County Road E corridor is an exciting project.

“This is where you have community cohesion which is always a good thing,” Rogers said. “You're working with local, county and state entities to provide something that really builds community and that's where government actually works.”

Bears head into Hockey Day on a roll

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The excitement is building for White Bear Township’s day in the spotlight as Hockey Day Minnesota host on Saturday. Also building is the Bears’ winning streak.

“Our entire hockey program is so excited to have the opportunity to play in Hockey Day Minnesota,” coach Tim Sager said. “The memories the boys will have from this day will last a lifetime. We are so grateful to have this opportunity and want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

White Bear Lake has nine straight wins after tripping Woodbury 6-2 and Grand Rapids, both at home. The No. 10 ranked Bears are 13-2 overall, 7-1 in conference.

At 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the Bears take on section arch rival Hill-Murray on the specially-constructed outdoor rink at Polar Lakes Park, televised by Bally Sports North. The Pioneers, a perennial power, are having a rare below .500 season (6-8-1).

The White Bear Lake girls will open the day against Stillwater at 9:30 a.m., and the Mahtomedi boys face state Class 1A champion Her-

GIRLS BASKETBALL

A barrage of three-point shots in the second half highlighted a 2-0 week by White Bear Lake as the Bears beat Irondale 58-37 and Mounds View 77-54, both at home. The Bears (14-3 overall, 8-2 conference) trailed Mounds View 29-27 at halftime, then hit 10 of their 12 three-pointers during a 50-point second half. Heidi Barber, junior forward, tossed in six trifectas and hit a career-best 22 points. Jordan Schmittdiel added 18 points, Nicki O’Brien 15 (four treys), Blessing Adebisi eight and Anna Sommerhause six (two treys). Against Irondale (3-14) Schmittdiel sank 23 points and Sommerhause added eight.

GIRLS HOCKEY

White Bear Lake lost to a strong South St. Paul squad 4-0 and rebounded to defeat North St. Paul/ Tartan 3-0, both on the road. The Bears are 7-14 overall but 3-1 in their last four. South St. Paul (17-4-1) posted its eighth shutout against the Bears while Lily Pachl drilled three goals. Against North/Tartan (8-10), the Bears notched their third shutout with Maya Marston making 26 saves. Hailey Dawe, Madelyn Lee and Ava Johnston scored. The Bears will face longtime rival Stillwater at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Hockey Day Minnesota at Polar Lakes Park.

BOYS BASKETBALL

White Bear Lake has a five-game streak after conference wins last week over Irondale 65-59 in overtime and Mounds View 64-46, both on the road. The Bears (8-4 overall, 6-2 conference) roared to a 28-9 lead over Irondale but the Knights (6-7) chipped away until they caught up

mantown at 1 p.m.

Last week against Woodbury (10-5-1), sophomore Jack Stanius drilled three goals and made two assists. Also scoring were Joe Belisle, Charlie Olsen and Nolan Roed. The Bears outshot the Royals 37-14. Against Grand Rapids (11-7) Aiden Welch, Roed and Grady Gallatin had the goals. Leo Gabriel made 26

saves for the shutout.

“We have had a solid year so far,” said Sager. He cites captains Gallatin, Belisle, Welch and Brady Borgestad for leadership, Roed (35 points) and Welch (33) as top scorers and “many players contributing in different ways.”

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

BOYS HOCKEY

Mahtomedi, ranked No. 4 in Class 1A, won two of three close games against Class 2A teams last week on the road and now look forward to Saturday’s big event, facing reigning state champion Hermantown outdoors at Hockey Day Minnesota at 1 p.m. Saturday at Polar Lakes Park.

“The atmosphere will be tremendous,” said coach Jeff Poeschl. “The organizers have done a great job to prepare. It is sure to be a great day of hockey.”

The Zephyrs (11-4) beat Benilde-St. Margaret’s (11-5) 6-4 with goals by David Wolsfeld (two), Jonny Grove (two), Charlie Drage and Seth Olson. Sam Harris made four assists. Eden Prairie (7-9-1) tipped the Zephyrs 3-2 in overtime on Teddy Townsend’s second goal of the game, after the Zephyrs, down 2-0, pulled even in the third period with Drage and Corey Bohmert scoring. Charlie Brandt stopped 34 of 37 shots. The Zephyrs nipped East Ridge (8-7) 4-3 in overtime. Cav Bruner got the game-winner after Drage tied the score with 55 seconds left. Bohmert and Nelson also scored. Andrew Reister made 17 saves.

GIRL BASKETBALL

Mahtomedi is 3-0 in the Metro East after defeating Hastings 77-63. Against Hastings, Anna Greene sank 24 points, Sonya Potthoff 19, Ella Kletti 13 and Mya Wilson 11. Eden Prairie, ranked No. 8 in Class 4A, beat the Zephyrs 85-48 in one of the MLK Day games at St. Catherine University, racking up numerous fast-break baskets. Kletti and Greene had 10 points each. The Zephyrs are 8-5 overall.

at 54-54 with six seconds left. The Bears regained control in OT with a three-point play by Jack Misgen (13 points), a three-point shot by Sawyer Collins, four free throws by Jack Janicki (26 points) and a putback by Wyatt Hawks (17 points). Irondale’s Tre’Vion Mack netted 20 points and Dane Dedominces 17. Against Mounds View (8-4), Janicki hit 20 points, Misgen 10, and Hawks nine. Colby Deluce was high with 11 for the Mustangs, whom the Bears held to a season low.

GYMNASTICS

White Bear Lake (2-2) defeated Cretin-Derham Hall 130.425 to 126.075. Addy Mueller won allaround (34.025) and vault (8.825), took second on beam (8.50) and third on bars (8.30) and floor (8.40).

Josie Mlejnek won beam (8.675) and tied Gracelyn Mueller for first on floor (8.90). Mlejnek took fourth on bars (7.90). CDH’s Delaney Cunningham won bars (9.175). Mlejnek was second all-around (33.80) and third in vault (8.325). Mueller was third all-around (32.925), second on floor (8.90) and third on beam (8.225).

SWIMMING

White Bear Lake picked up its first win, 100-80 over Cretin-Derham Hall. Individual victors were Amarre Zalazar in 100 free and backstroke (with Brayden Kolb second and Lincoln Medin fourth), Benedict Hoefer in the 200 and 500 freestyles (with Calvin Weier second in each), Finnian McVeigh in breaststroke, and Tony Parada Romero in diving (with Sam Lomoro second). In relays, Kolb, Salazar, McVeigh, and Dylan Grudem won the medley, and Zalazar, Kolb, Hoefer and Weier won the 400 free.

WRESTLING

White Bear Lake had seven wrestlers earn podium finishes while placing eighth of 18 teams at Park Center’s tournament. The Bears were led by Christian Carlson placing third at 126 pounds. Placing fourth were Isaac Kolstad, Kesean Lipscomb and Zach Barnes. Porter Cleary placed fifth, Gabe Kessel sixth and Joe Volk eighth. The Bears are 8-12 in dual meets. Volk at 195 had the lone win in a 65-3 loss to Forest Lake. At Champlin Park the Bears lost to Apple Valley 52-24 and Shakopee 50-27 and beat Coon Rapids 51-25.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Tasked with playing four games in six days, Mahtomedi beat three conference opponents — North St. Paul 90-52, Hill-Murray 93-60, and Hastings 98-39 — and had enough left to defeat La Crosse Central 72-59, Wisconsin’s No. 4 ranked Division 2 team, with 13 three-pointers and just six turnovers in the Border Battle at Prescott, Wisconsin. Coach Keith Newman praised the Zephyrs’ for team play and making sure to “share the load,” noting that they had between 18 and 25 assists in each game along with “incredible defensive intensity” to force a fast pace, turnovers and easy baskets. Owen Carlson shot 17-for-28 on three’s while averaging 22 points and almost five steals. Will Underwood averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists. AJ McCleery averaged 12 points and seven assists. Cole Armitage averaged 13 points.

GIRLS HOCKEY

Roseville/Mahtomedi had a seven-game win streak before last week when they lost to Champlin Park/Coon Rapids 5-4, tied Elk River-Zimmerman 1-1 and lost to Stillwater 4-1. The Marauders (13-7-1 overall) still hold second place in the Suburban East at 10-3 behind Stillwater (14-0). Against CP/CR, Aspen Tilges had two goals, and Rylee Bogren and Kylie Jones one each. Against ERZ, Sophie Martin had the goal and Lily Peterfeso made 23 saves.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Bears co-captain Joe Belisle celebrates a goal.

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTED Jack Misgen of the Bears scores against Irondale.

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED

Anna Greene netted 24 points against Hastings.

Carmen L. (Hoppe) Lannue

Age 88, entered the presence of the Lord in heaven on January 13, 2023.

On October 27, 1934, Carmen was born in Sleepy Eye, MN, to Albert Hoppe and Lola (Krienke) Hoppe. After spending her childhood in MN and CA, Carmen settled in White Bear Lake, MN, to raise her family. Following a successful career at First State Bank of White Bear Lake, Carmen moved to Sequim, Washington, to enjoy retirement with her beloved husband, Gerald Lannue. Carmen returned to MN in her later years and was happy to call The Waters of White Bear Lake her home.

Carmen is survived by her brothers, Gary (Rebecca) Hoppe and Scott Hoppe; sister, Darlene Heffron; sons, Craig (Theresa) Thoresen and Richard (Julie) Thoresen; grandchildren, Kelly (Brett) Isselhardt, Jay (Melissa) Thoresen, Kyle (Kim) Thoresen and Bradley (Kristine) Thoresen; along with eleven greatgrandchildren.

Preceding her in death was her father, Albert Hoppe; mother, Lola (Krienke) Heffron; sisters, LaMonne (Hoppe) Chapman and Cheryle (Hoppe) Kohn; and her dear husband, Gerald Lannue.

Carmen firmly believed that the Bible is the Word of God. She rested in the promise that her eternal salvation was provided by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

A private family interment will be held in Sequim, Washington, to celebrate Carmen’s life.

Rita Mae Igo

Age 91 of White Bear Lake

Survived by her sons, Rick, Mike (Michelle), Pat and John (Rose); grandchildren, April (Mark) O’Brien, Samantha (Tom) Morrow, Charlie (Abby), Mike (Kat), Jake (Sam), Randi (Pat) Pogalz, Nikki, Lucy (Adam) Engle, Alex Engle and Ryan Engle; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Ann Prescott and by many other family members and close friends. A special thank you to Good Life Senior Living and also Grace Hospice for their loving care for Rita. A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00am on Thursday, January 26th at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation will begin at 10:00am.

MuellerMemorial.com 651.429.4944

Thomas Peter Wilcken

Wilcken, Thomas Peter “Tom”, age 61, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 17th at his home in Lake Elmo, MN.

Tom was born on December 18th 1961 to parents: Clarence “Pete” and Darlene (Duren) Wilcken in St. Paul, MN.

Tom is survived by his children: Amy (Spencer), Cheli and Frank (Kim), his granddaughter Lexi, brother Tim (Mary) Wilcken and sisters: Linda (David) Polugar, Laurie (Dan) Slama, Sue (David) Barilec, Sharon (John) Preese, many nieces and nephews as well as his loyal cat and best buddy: Trouble.

Thomas will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

“Let not your heart be troubled...I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2.

Celebration of life and luncheon will be held on January 28th 2023 from 11am to 2pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church located at 835 2nd Ave NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.

JoAnne Valerie Cerny

Our beloved Mother JoAnne, “Mrs. C.” age 81 of White Bear Lake Township, passed away January 10, 2023. Preceded in death by her husband Melvin, of 62 years.

Survived by Daughters Patricia (Michael) O’Connor, Tyra Cerny, 7 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 at St. Mary’s Of The Lake Church in White Bear Lake. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Charlotte Schwarzkopf

On January 16, 2023, Charlotte Mildred (85) of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully. Char was a physical education teacher in the WBL School District. She also was an auctioneer, a small business owner, a PEO chapter sister and a swim instructor. She enjoyed many hobbies including bridge, book club, and golf.

She is survived by daughters, Heidi (Randy) Kraemer, Kirsten Smith, Marnie (Jim) Galvin. Grandchildren, Cole & Olivia Kraemer, Colter, Paydin & Cooper Smith, Kendall & McKenzie Galvin, as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, Vernon, along with her father, mother, sister, and brothers.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for July 28, 2023, at Sunset Memorial Chapel with further details pending.

Memorials preferred to the Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter - Alzheimer’s Association or charity of your choice.

Leslie Scott Helmes

Age 77, of St. Paul, Minnesota

Preceded in death by his parents, Leslie C. and Marilyn. Survived by an extraordinary companion of over 40 years, Kay Arndt; siblings Julia (Pete) Gaskell, Charlie and Elizabeth; nephews and many friends. Scott was a Professional Ski Instructor of America for 35 years. He founded Frosty Ski School, where he taught special need students to ski for 29 years. Scott was the head Alpine coach for the Special Olympics 1992 and 1993 International Games. Scott also served as the Alpine Director for the Minnesota Special Games and Director Head of the Special Olympics 1991 games. He was a major figure and internationally known, and published in concrete/ visual poetry. Scott also created mathematical poetry and mail art. His work is in over fifty libraries and museums worldwide. Scott was a partner in S2BH, which sells table top accessories nationwide in major museums. He worked as an architect. His most notable projects were in specialized health care and the renovation of the Minneapolis City Hall. Scott also loved sailing. Since 1959 he was a well-known member of ILYA, Inland Lake Yachting Association.

He was a creative man of many talents and enjoyed sharing his talent and using his gifts to be of service to others. Memorials are preferred to Minnesota Special Olympics; White Bear Lake Sailing School; Courage Kenny Ski and Snowboard Program and Regions Palliative Care which can be mailed to Regions Foundation, 640 Jackson Street Stop 11202C, Saint Paul, MN 55101. A Celebration of Scott’s Life is being planned for early summer of 2023.

Honsafamilyfuneral.com , 651-429-6172

DEATH NOTICES

Kerry Zawislak

Age 54, affectionately known by students as “Mama Z”. Visitation Thursday, Jan. 26, from 4 PM to 7 PM at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 East County Rd E, White Bear Lake. Memorial service on Friday, Jan. 27, at 11 AM at HONSA FAMILY F UNERAL HOME.

Richard (Red) Michael Murnane

Age 96 Of White Bear Lake. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Marylois and son Richard II. Survived by children Patty (Dean) Brown, Petie (Bob) Maslowski, Raymond (Denise) Murnane, and Sarah Saunders; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Community beautification grants available

The Mahtomedi Garden Club is offering grants for garden-related projects in public areas of Mahtomedi, Willernie and adjacent communities. Funds are available through community support of the club's plant sale, garden tour and February outreach events.

Project proposals are due April 1. For more information and to apply, visit mahtomedigardenclub. org.

Lake Links Trail stakeholders urged to collaborate

Lake Links Association is encouraging community members to sign an online petition to urge greater collaboration between the city of Dellwood, Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation as development of the 1.5-mile portion of the trail along State Highway 244 through Dellwood is considered. Funding for the trail segment was approved in 2020 and is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

Lake Links Association seeks to establish a safe, 10-mile biking and walking route around White Bear Lake. To view the petition, go to ipetitions. com/petition/lake-links-through-Dellwood.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

New manager at White Bear Glass

White Bear Glass’ owners Jeff and Jenny Meyer announce the promotion of Berant Meyer as the firm’s general manager. “Berant grew up in the glass business and has worked for White Bear Glass for the past 14 years, developing his management skills to the business,” Jeff Meyer said. “He brings a strong understanding of residential and commercial glass needs.”

Berant graduated from Mahtomedi High School in 2011 and attended Century College while starting his career at White Bear Glass. He is involved in the Minnesota Glass Association and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce.

W hite Bear Glass is located at 1759 Commerce Court, White Bear Lake. For more information, visit whitebearglass.com or call 651-426-3289.

Vadnais Heights Post Office resumes operations

VADNAIS HEIGHTS — The Vadnais Heights Post Office (Finance Station), located at 1056 Highway 96 E, has resumed retail operations.

When mail service issues occur, post office customers are encouraged by the United States Post Office (USPS) to reach out to their local postal station. Customers can also visit the USPS website usps.com and click on “Contact us” at the bottom of the homepage, or utilize this direct web address: https://usps.force.com/emailus/s/.

Dog

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM QUAD EDITOR

On cold winter days, it can be hard to get outdoors with your dog. Off-leash dog parks seem like a blessing, allowing your coopedup canine to really burn off some energy playing with friends. But sometimes it’s tricky to navigate a different setting where dog behavior might be a little different than at home.

There are a few ways to keep your pet safe and be a good citizen in the fellowship of dog lovers while visiting an off-leash dog park. Be sure to read the park rules—every park is different. Ramsey County parks require that you walk your dog in and out of the fenced area on a leash, dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, and that you always clean up your dog’s waste. Owners should always have control over their animals, and dogs should always be in sight and trained to come when called.

Parks ask that you not bring dogs that are aggressive, females that are in heat, or puppies younger than four months old. Young children or children who are not educated on safe behavior around dogs are also discouraged at the park, as especially

small children can be easily knocked over and potentially injured by playing dogs.

Speaking of collisions, keep your knees loose! Dog play sometimes gets out of control, which is why it’s so nice for them to have a large space to run around. It pays to keep your eyes on the action and know when to step aside or brace for impact.

It might take a little bit for your dog to find the right play partners. Just like people, dogs have all kinds of personalities, and their play style won’t match with every dog they meet. Finding other dogs of the same or similar breed can sometimes help, as they

tend to have similar play styles. If your dog isn’t engaging with playmates, or perhaps causing a disruption in another group, it’s best to keep walking and find something else to focus on.

There is debate whether it’s OK to bring treat rewards to the park. In some cases, it can be really helpful to reinforce the behaviors you want to see in your dog. But this can sometimes create problems when the treats become an object of hyperfocus or even competition among other dogs, whose owners may not appreciate you giving them snacks without permission.

1. Being around other dogs makes it important to have pest and parasite protection (vaccines) up to date.

2. Don’t bring food or small children.

3. If it’s your first visit let your dog greet other dogs through the fence first to make sure your dog can handle it.

4. Your dog needs to obey commands and will come when called. 5. Always keep an eye on your dog to prevent bad encounters with

Toys such as tennis balls and Frisbees can be similarly disrupt play groups. Use your best judgment in cases like these. Taking time to communicate with other dog owners and respect their choices is the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page and no one goes home upset because of a misunderstanding.

There might be some challenges, but a well-trained dog and a conscientious owner can make all the difference in creating offleash spaces the whole community can enjoy.

more aggressive dogs and to prevent eating things they shouldn’t.

6. Be careful not to get distracted by texting or phone calls.

7. It’s OK to give your dog a “time out” for a few minutes if they get to excited.

8. When you come inside after a winter walk, check your dog’s pads (feet) to make sure there is no ice or snow lodged in them.

Nail Trims & Baths

The Love of Dogs

2484 COUNTY ROAD F E, WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN 55110 · 1.5 MI (651) 653-3121

Upcoming Classes - Registration Required 55+ Defensive Driving Classes 4-Hour Refresher at Sr Center / 1/31 5:30-9:30pm | 2/10 12-4pm 8-Hour Class, $45: 1/25 & 26 or 2/16 & 17 online  5:30-9:30pm  | 2/7 & 8 Sr Cntr/Online  5:30-9:30pm Activate Your Brains Creative Center online: 1/24 6-7:30pm #30 25 African American Artists You Should Know online: 1/25 630-830pm $20 Tai Chi: Mondays 1/30-3/13 8-9pm  $55  How to Use Uber for Independence: 1/31  12-1pm  $20 4 Sessions, $110 / Intermediate Level, Feb online: 2/7, 6-7:30pm $30 Monday-Friday, hot or frozen meal delivery. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123.

For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC)

1520 Mahtomedi Ave.  All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.

MONDAYS: Stitchers 1-3:00 PM, 2nd/4th Monday of Month

TUESDAYS:  Mah Jongg 9:30-11:30 AM, Cribbage 1-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS:  Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS:  500 Cards, 12:30-3 PM

FRIDAYS:  Games, 12:30-3 PM; Bridge, 1-4 PM; Book Club, 2nd Friday, 10-11:30 AM

Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE

Sew Day: February 21, 12:30-4:00 PM

Meeting: February 28; 5:30-8:30 PM

Bingo: FREE! February 27, 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring items to donate to the prize table!

The following requires registration:  mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

How to Use Uber for Transportation Independence - $25

January 31, Noon. Online class held via Zoom (register to receive link)

Meal Planning for Families - $50

January 31, 5:30-7:30 PM. Mahtomedi Middle School, Room 273

Cell Phones & Parenting, Oh My! - $25

February 2, Noon-1:00 PM. Online class held via Zoom (register to receive link)

Adult-Child Paint Date - $60/pair

February 2, 6:00-8:00 PM, Mahtomedi Middle School, Room 273

Tai Ji Quan Moving for Better Balance - new class! - $150 for 24 classes

February 6-April 28, 2:30-3:30 PM. DEC, Room 103

Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia - $10

February 8, 7:00-8:00 PM, DEC, Room 103

Day Trip to Church Basement Ladies Matinee “Plowin Thru” - $65 February 14, Ames Center, Burnsville, MN. Bus leaves Mahtomedi

Every step of the way.

Therapy services at Cerenity White Bear Lake help you return to what you do best. Our combination of highly-trained compassionate staff and the most innovative care in the area make our community your best choice for professional therapy services.

District Center at 11:00 AM

55+ Drivers Safety 4-Hour Refresher Class - $35

February 15, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, DEC, Room 103

Classic Minnesota Recipes Cooking Class - $50

February 21, 5:30-7:30 PM, Mahtomedi Middle School, Room 273  Steps in Becoming a Homeowner - FREE

February 22, 6:00-8:00 PM, DEC, Room 103

Day Trip: Throwing Sharp Objects at The Lumberjack in Stillwater $30

February 26, 2:30-4:00 PM, The Lumberjack, 123 2nd St., Suite 102, Stillwater, MN *transportation to/from Stillwater is on your own* If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024.

2ND HALF WITH LYNGBLOMSTEN: COMMUNITY SERVICES

Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group for those in the White Bear Lake area is held on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10:30 AM online via Zoom. Family and friends who are caring for someone experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are welcome to participate.

The group is facilitated by Lisa Brown, MSW, LISW, Caregiver Services Program Coordinator with 2nd Half with Lyngblomsten. To receive the Zoom link to participate, contact Lisa at 651-632-5320 or caregiving@ lyngblomsten.org

We’re looking for volunteers to help out with The Gathering! The Gathering respite program provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their caregiver. If you are looking for an engaging volunteer opportunity and would like to join us in making a difference in your community, contact Melanie Jagolino at 651-632-5499 or mjagolino@lyngblomsten.org

Visit www.lyngblomsten.org/2ndHalf or call 651-632-5330 to learn more about our programs and supportive services.

Lyngblomsten Caregiver Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Speech Pathology Call today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1847

Hockey

BY JACKIE BUSSJAEGER INTERIM QUAD EDITOR

Pucks will fly at the Hockey Day Minnesota festival in White Bear Township—and one local artist has captured the excitement in his vintage approach to the official event poster.

Steve Thomas, a Forest Lake resident, was approached by the organizers of Hockey Day Minnesota to create a poster that evoked the hockey history and hometown flavor of White Bear Township, the host site of this year’s festival. Events will take place Jan. 26-29 at Polar Lakes Park.

Thomas’ modern vintage style seemed uniquely suited to the huge event, especially considering the area’s extensive hockey history.

Part of the influence for his style comes from working in graphic design in newspapers. Visuals in the newspaper need to be bold, creative and readable at a glance: qualities that translate well to the minimalistic color blocks and line art of Thomas’ retro posters.

“A lot of inspiration comes from the early 20th century travel posters and advertising,” Thomas said. “It’s the graphic screen print look, that also includes a lot of text. When doing informational graphics, you have to keep it somewhat simple and bold and easy to read.”

vintage-style poster

He

The poster is meant to incorporate elements from the hockey history of White Bear Township and surrounding area. The poster shows the White Bear Town Hall located in Polar Lakes Park, as well as familiar locations sch as the Hippodrome ice rink. The poster even includes a small portrait of Frank “Moose” Goheen, a White Bear Lake native who won two U.S. Amateur Hockey Championships with the St. Paul Athletic Club, enlisted in World War I and captained the U.S. hockey team at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

“I just wanted it to look dynamic; a large hockey player in there with some vintage gear,” Thomas said.

White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake also make an appearance on the poster, and on the map of Minnesota, White Bear Township is pinpointed in the circles of the center ice like a bullseye.

Thomas added that he wanted to be sure to include a female player, because his daughter Rissa Thomas, a ninth grader, currently plays on the Centennial High School girls team. His three children occasionally make cameo appearances in his various artwork. He also wanted to make sure a goalie was included in the work, since goalies are sometimes overlooked.

In addition to his work creating posters for prominent events and concerts, Thomas spends his time creating a wide selection of pop culture artwork, including officially licensed Disney and Marvel, Star Wars and Star Trek posters as well as space travel-themed and national parks posters.

See more of his work at https://www. stevethomasart.com.

has previously produced posters for big acts such as Pearl Jam, Blink-182 and the Pixies, as well as the 2011 commemorative poster for the Minnesota State Fair.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Local artist Steve Thomas created the unique look of this year’s Hockey Day Minnesota poster.

The vintage poster look is Thomas’ signature style, a nod to the history of hockey in the White Bear Township area.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

costumes. Funds support the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Contact: bearlyopen.org

POLAR PLUNGE

When: Noon Saturday, Jan. 28

Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.

Details: Participants jump into frigid White Bear Lake to support Special Olympics. Entertainment from 1-5 p.m. Registration at Dellwood Country Club 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 and 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28.

Contact: plungemn.org/events/ white-bear-lake

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, Jan. 25

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights

Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided. Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/seniors

HOCKEY DAY MN 2023

When: Jan. 26-29

Where: Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Road, White Bear Township

Details: Weekend of frozen fun with outdoor hockey games including Stillwater and Forest Lake high school teams, outdoor concerts and activities all weekend. See schedule of games and events online. Contact: hockeydaymn.com

VIRTUAL READING WITH AUTHOR ANDREW KRIVAK

When: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 Where: Zoom

Details: WBCA host author of the Big Read book choice, “The Bear” for a virtual reading and conversation. Free with registration. Contact: whitebeararts.org

“NOISES OFF”

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 27-Feb. 12; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Comic play performed by Lakeshore Players Theatre.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers. org

2023 NORTH AMERICAN ICE DIVING FESTIVAL

When: Saturday, Jan. 28

Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.

Details: Largest under-ice scuba diving event with more than 100 participants from around the world. On-ice demos, seminars and scuba vendors showcasing products beginning at 10 a.m.. Look for 25 ft red inflatable 250 yards off boat launch.

Contact: 651-653-1174 or mwschoolofdiving.com

WINTER FESTIVAL

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28

Where: Wildlife Science Center, 22830 Sunrise Road NE, Stacy Details: Learn about dogsledding and meet mushers and their teams. Demos, dog sled rides, campfires, food trucks, beer and other vendors.

Contact: wildlifesciencecenter.org

SPENT LIME STUDY RESULTS FOR OAK KNOLL POND/WOOD LAKE

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1

Where: White Bear Lake City Hall, 4701 Highway 61

Details: Public meeting about the recent study conducted by VLAWMO and the city to determine if Oak Knoll Pond/ Wood Lake is suitable for a possible spent lime demonstration project to improve water quality.

Contact: vlawmo.org/events/spent-limestudy-results-oak-knoll-pondwood-lake/

EDUCATION IN SOCIETY SERIES

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2

Where: Liberty Classical Academy, 3878 Highland Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Foreign Relations expert Ken Pope will speak on the topic “The Global Impact of Communism & its Role in Current Events.” A special guest will share experience of imprisonment in Cuba. Free and open to the public. Contact: libertyclassicalacademy.org

BEAR'LY OPEN DANCE PARTY

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 Where: White Bear Country Inn, 4940 Highway 61 Details: Community dance features live band Wildcat Combo. Free hors d'oeuvres and cash bar with signature cocktail. Funds support the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Contact: bearlyopen.org

GROOVE ON: JAZZ DANCE WITH RHYTHMICALLY SPEAKING

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 Where: Hardwood Creek Library, 19955 Forest Road N. Details: Dancers will show how to improvise and dance to jazz music. Ages 3+. Contact: 651-275-7300 or washcolib.org/ events

BEAR'LY OPEN XV

When: 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 Where: White Bear Lake, off of Ramsey County Beach Details: Golf-on-ice event where participants use golf clubs, hockey sticks, tennis rackets, or anything else that can propel a tennis ball toward the hole. Foursomes encouraged to wear

THE OLDER THE BETTER VINTAGE SLED EVENT

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 Where: Blacksmith Lounge, 17205 N. Forest Blvd., Hugo

Details: Trophies awarded for vintage and restored snowmobiles. Sled ride weather permitting.

Contact: Facebook: Stillwater Snowmobile Club

MIDWINTER FAMILY FUN

When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4

Where: Belwin Conservancy, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton Details: Free family-friendly event featuring guided hikes, stargazing with the Minnesota Astronomical Society using a large refractive telescope, and s'mores around the campfires. Contact: belwin.org

GIVE CHERELLE A LEG UP FUNDRAISER

When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5

Where: Kellerman's Event Center, 2222 Fourth St., White Bear Lake

Details: Steampunk-themed event with live music by Wildcat Combo, Dire Wolf, and Paul Mayasich. Cash bar and light food. Donations support Cherelle's medical and living expenses.

LUTHER COLLEGE NORDIC CHOIR

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5

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

Details: One of the premier collegiate choral ensembles in the United States comprised of three upper-class mixed touring choirs and two first-year choirs performs choral music that spans all styles and genres. Tickets available online or at the door. Contact: tickets.luther.edu.

WHITE BEAR'S NOTORIOUS GANGSTERS: THE SEQUEL

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7

Where: Wildwood Library, 763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi

Details: Learn gangster lingo and hear the tales of the infamous visitors who stayed in the White Bear area. Free.

Contact: whitebearhistory.org

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

DNR urges snowmobile riders to ride safely

Recent heavy snowfall has made for excellent snowmobiling conditions throughout the state, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants to remind eager riders to make safety a priority.

“Opportunities to ride snowmobiles are entirely dependent upon the weather, and in years when there’s a lot of snow, like this year, we see an uptick in riders,” said Capt. Jon Paurus, DNR Enforcement education program coordinator. “It’s imperative that anyone who plans to head out makes good decisions and keeps safety at the top of their mind.”

Already this snowmobile season, too many rides have ended in tragedy. While the DNR doesn’t yet have official reports for all fatalities, preliminary reports indicate six riders have died in crashes this season — that’s the same number as the entire 2021-2022 snowmobile season and double the number of the 2020-2021 season. Eleven snowmobile riders died in 2019-2020 and 10 died in 2018-2019.

To ensure a safe ride:

• Stay on marked trails. Minnesota’s snowmobile clubs work hard to maintain good riding conditions on the state’s trails. Riders who stay on groomed trails are less likely to strike an obstacle or trespass onto private property. (Civil penalties for snowmobile trespass have doubled this year.) Riders can check trail conditions on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/snow_depth before heading out.

• Don’t ride impaired. Drinking and riding is a primary cause of crashes and plays a role in about 60% of those that are fatal.

• Watch your speed and stay to the right. Going too fast is another main cause of crashes. Many serious and fatal crashes occur when a speeding snowmobiler loses control or strikes an object. When meeting another snowmobile, always slow down and stay to the right.

• Be careful on the ice. In recent years, nearly every

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Abbey Bush

Mahtomedi Gymnastics

through-the-ice fatality has involved people who were riding a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle when they fell through. There must be at least 5 to 7 inches of new, clear ice to support the weight of a snowmobile and rider. Check the ice thickness as you go.

• Take a snowmobile safety course. It’s required of anyone born after 1976 and recommended for everyone. People with snowmobile safety certification are less likely to be involved in serious or fatal crashes.

Additional safety tips can be found on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/snowmobiling/safety.html).

Abbey Bush, Mahtomedi gymnastics captain, has placed first all-around in all four January meets while winning bars four times and vault three times. The 5-foot-2 senior’s top bars score, 9.55, ranks second on the Star-Tribune’s metro honor roll. Her top all-around score, 37.176, ranks sixth, and she’s eight in vault with 9.475. She’s executing a new skill this year on bars -a “Higgins”- a giant swing with a half-turn. “What makes Abbey a great gymnast is that she is always working toward a new skill,” coach Debbie Driscoll said. Bush plans to continue gymnastics in college after a military stint; she’ll leave for National Guard training in June. 4661 Highway 61 | White Bear Lake northstarbank.com | 651-429-4531

“Your Financial Partner”

Help prepare for your future while earning 5.75%

Accumulate money for your long-term goals at a safe and steady pace—with a guaranteed interest rate for two years.1 A Thrivent Security One Fixed Annuity with bonus rate with a premium payment ranging from $100,000 to $249,999 offers you:

• A guaranteed 5.75% interest rate for two years.

• Tax-deferred growth.

• Protection of principal.

After two years, a renewal rate applies. 2 However, all your subsequent rates will not change more than once every 12 months—and won’t be less than the guaranteed minimum interest rate of 2.50%. 3

Now may be the perfect time to invest in an annuity: a long-term savings vehicle for your retirement.

The bonus rate provides a higher interest rate for two full contract years. Choosing the bonus rate results in a longer surrender charge period and no return of premium. Rates are current as of January 1, 2023 and are subject to change at any time.

1Interest rates for Security One contracts are guaranteed for two years from the premium receipt date.

2Interest rate after the initial two-year interest rate. The renewal rate is not guaranteed. The interest rate in all years will be greater than or equal to the guaranteed minimum interest rate.

3 Guaranteed minimum interest rate is based on the contract issue date (application signed date).

Guarantees based on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Thrivent.

If you surrender the contract, you’ll receive the premium paid, less any withdrawals and surrender charges. Surrenders are taxed as ordinary income on the gain portion only. Surrenders prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.

Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Thrivent.com/disclosures.

If you would like a free buyer’s guide for more details, call 800-847-4836.

Contract forms: A-AS-SPDA (04) Series, A-AS-SPDA ID (04), A-AS-SPDAN TX (06), A-AS-SPDAB TX (06), A-AS-SPDANI WA (04), A-AS-SPDABI WA (04)

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Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836

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