Vadnais Heights Press

Intricate Easter egg decorations

Remembering Vietnam 50 years later

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

It struck Dave Adams that not one news channel mentioned the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. But he wasn’t surprised. “Vietnam veterans are used to that,” he shrugged. “We never asked for this day in the first place.”

Adams was one of several veterans who spoke at a special VFW remembrance event March 29 commemorating the anniversary. Fifty years ago, on March 29, 1973, the last combat troops left South Vietnam after a decades-long conflict that took 58,275 lives. Seven of them were from White Bear Lake.

He had second thoughts about speaking at the event, Adams admitted. He’s only talked publicly once before about his Vietnam experiences since returning home 54 years ago and he didn’t think he could get through it.

Rich, underlying colors are revealed as Shannon Kilmartin uses a candle to melt beeswax during a recent demonstration of the Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating process. She and her mother Debi Johnson are continuing to practice the annual tradition that they learned from dear family friends Tamara and Alex Zaluckyj, who had family connections to Ukraine and have since passed away. Kilmartin, at left, displays a couple of her favorite egg designs. Find more photos and information about the traditional process on page 13.

Playing hide and seek with library books

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A mysterious person is sneaking around the library hiding books. Not just any books, but books by Black authors or with Black characters, books on the Holocaust, books on vaccines and books related to the LGBTQIA+ community. And they didn’t stop there. New issues of “Lavender” magazine were found dumped in the trash bin. The books were hidden between stacks, placed underneath chairs and stashed in inconspicuous places.

According to Ramsey County Communications Associate Pa Na Lor, the AWOL works were discovered by various library staff, including maintenance.

“Becoming” by former First Lady Michele Obama was the first title staff noticed had disappeared. “It was an indemand new rental book that was consistently missing from the rental shelf,” Lor said.

“Interested patrons were unable to check it out. Maintenance staff found it stashed in adult fiction, tucked behind books whose author starts with the letter A and placed upside down.”

Library staff is still finding

books in odd places. A sampling of the titles include: “How to be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi, “Smoke and Ashes: The Story of the Holocaust” by Barbara Rogasky and “‘Twas the Night Before Pride” by Joanna McClintick.  Staff is not aware of it happening at other Ramsey County locations, Lor said, and unfortunately, the culprit(s) has not been identified.

“Ramsey County and the library system strive to put residents first by creating spaces where all are valued

SEE BOOKS, PAGE 10

The Vadnais Heights resident said his wife pointed out that his name was already on the program. “So here I am,” Adams said.

He was 19 when he arrived in Vietnam April 12, 1968, serving in the Big Red One infantry division. What he remembers most, Adams described, are the sights, sounds, smells and touch of Vietnam.

The sight of fear on the faces of men in combat. The fear on the faces of South Vietnamese civilians as soldiers entered their villages. The sound of Russian AK-47 rifles. The sound of rockets and the explosions that followed. The sound of helicopters flying away, leaving them behind in the jungle hoping they’d return for extrication.

The smell of burning excrement, the military’s way of dealing with human waste. The smell of

DEBRA NEUTKENS

Vietnam veterans gathered for a photo after the VFW program. Some are holding poster boards of the fallen from White Bear Lake.

Football coming to new stadium sooner than later

moving football to North Campus. However, the resolution approving the original CUP did include a condition that any additional bleacher capacity at this campus in the future shall require an amendment to this CUP.”

The architect addressed the question of why the varsity fields are moving now instead of in the future, as previously planned in the March 27 Planning Commission agenda packet:

that South Campus currently has 600 parking spots on site with a capacity of 4,800 bleacher seats.

Other sporting events like lacrosse, track and field, soccer and JV football will also use the new stadium and its already installed PA system and lights. Varsity football in the fall will increase the number of stadium events by eight games; up to 10 if the team makes playoffs. Baseball and softball will remain off site at South.

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Bigger crowds for varsity football means the new stadium’s current seating capacity won’t cut it.

So the school district wants to amend its conditional use permit (CUP) at 5045 Division Ave. to allow a 5,000-seat athletic stadium. The previously approved number was 1,500 seats. According to applicant Wold Architects, on behalf of White Bear Lake Area Schools, the expansion is necessary to relocate varsity football games from South Campus to the remodeled and larger North Campus.

The move is raising concerns about traffic, overflow parking and noise.

The original plan was to hold varsity football games at South Campus, at least for the time being. As Community Development Director Jason Lindahl pointed out, “none of the planning documents associated with the original CUP included

“The unifying of the campus identified the need for having as many facilities on-site as possible. At the time of the referendum, it was not clear how many houses could be purchased to enlarge the high school site. Because the district was able to purchase so many of those houses, it became clear that enough site features and parking could be accommodated to allow unification of the football games with the new campus.”

Under state law and the city’s zoning regulations, the application required a public hearing, which was held during last week’s Planning Commission meeting. Residents who couldn’t attend were encouraged to contact the planning department by phone or email with their concerns. The handful of residents who were afforded their right to speak were mostly against the expansion.

As far as parking, staff found the site should accommodate adequate off-street parking for a “typical or large” football event, Lindahl said. A full-capacity event could result in a parking shortage. There are 1,344 marked parking spaces. A large event would be a typical Homecoming game with 3,800 attendees. At three people per car, the site would need to park 1,267 vehicles, or 77 fewer than the number provided.

For perspective, Lindahl added

It was also noted that the stadium at South will remain for use at the converted middle school and possibly be used for special events.

In correspondence to the commission, a resident on Wild Marsh Drive across from the school urged denial of the request, stating major traffic concerns and noise. The resident, George Dutra, also feels “the school district has not been fully open and honest on its plans, originally identifying the new stadium as track and field while the South Campus stadium would be used for football.

“I assume their original submissions to the Planning Commission did not identify this latest proposal for stadium seating additions and the additional traffic and noise, Dutra wrote. “Neither was it identified prior to citizen voting on the (2019) bonding proposal.”

The applicant was required to update a traffic study as part of the CUP amendment review.

Lindahl wrote in his summary to commissioners that traffic generated by the proposed use is within capabilities of streets serving the property, based on the city engineer’s review. Planning Commission members voted 7-0 to forward its recommendation of approval to City Council. The council will consider the amendment request at its April 11 meeting.

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Deadline approaching for Manitou Days

Applications for Manitou Days 2023 events are due April 14. Applications can be found at manitoudays. com. Organizations and individuals applying to have an event on public property in White Bear Lake will also need to submit a special event application online at whitebearlake.org/parksrec. To request an event at a Ramsey County park, call 651-748-2500.

Another option to resolving tickets

People who receive traffic or parking tickets in Washington County have a third option for getting them resolved: the Court Hearing Office. Washington County court hearing officers have the authority to work with most traffic offenses and parking tickets. They can resolve disputes and suspensions, negotiate payment plans and extensions, reduce the severity of the punishment and even offer options to keep the ticket off your driving record.

Meetings with court hearing officers are done remotely, from a cell phone or computer. They’re also relatively short, alleviating the need for most people to take time off of work. To schedule an appointment to have the Washington County Court Hearing Office resolve your ticket, call 651-281-3219 or 800657-3611 and press 2 at the prompt or send an email to 10thWashingtonHearingOffice@courts.state.mn.us.

Time to dispose of unused medications

Area law enforcement agencies are teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Check with your local police department for more details.

Tax deadline fast approaching

Tuesday, April 18 is the tax filing deadline. If you need more time, you should request an extension of time to file, according to the IRS. To receive an automatic six-month extension of time to file your return, you must file Form 4868. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You may be subject to a late payment penalty on any tax not paid by the original due date of your return.

Free Park Days announced

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 75 state parks and recreation areas on four dates in 2023. The Free Park Days will be Saturday, April 22; Saturday, June 10; Saturday, Sept. 9; and Friday, Nov. 24.

The DNR offers Free Park Days to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors and enjoy the health and

wellness benefits of spending time in nature.

For more information, visit mndnr.gov/freeparkdays. American Pickers

will film in Minnesota

American Pickers will film episodes for the History Channel hit television series throughout Minnesota in June. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.” The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you have a unique item, story to tell, and are ready to sell, they want to hear from you. The Pickers do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public. If interested, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184.

Staying local

Here at the Press Publications office we have worked to continuously improve in a variety of ways, from growing our audience to our use of gas and electricity. The effort to be more efficient, reduce waste and recycle stems from a community initiative that was a collaboration between Ramsey County, the White Bear Chamber of Commerce, and the White Bear business community. Years ago, we reduced our energy use by implementing practices like turning off equipment at night, installing automatic lights, and turning down the electric hot water heaters, to name a few. This year we finished converting 100% of our building to LED lights. We are excited to announce that our in-house recycling and printing plant recycling will be over hauled by a new vendor that keeps everything here in Minnesota. We all know that newsprint is a practical, renewable resource and that for every tree harvested for pulp, more than two trees are planted. So, what is so special about our new recycling vendor? Foremost is that 100% of our recycling will be linked to jobs here in Minnesota. Unlike plastic waste, where recycling makes up less than 10%, our recycled waste actually becomes something else. Every bit of newsprint, copy paper and cardboard from our office will be recycled and used right here in our state. If you were to follow our recycling bin, it will be shipped to one or two paper mills in Minnesota. If it goes to Cloquet, it will most likely be used to make ceiling tiles for commercial use. The second mill is Lester Prairie where the recycled material is used to create insulation. What is really fun is many of these products can be found on the shelves of local retailers. It’s pretty amazing to think a retailer like Menards, who buys advertising from many of the newspapers in the state, is also selling products on its shelves that were made from recycled fibers that came from some of those very same newspapers they use to promote their sales.

Pickleball

The new sport sweeping our nation is pickleball. Unlike other athletic fads, it looks like it is here to stay. Tennis rackets have been swapped for pickleball paddles and tennis courts have been converted to pickleball courts. Over spring break, I witnessed a few mishaps on the pickleball court. One super fit, middle-age mother got so into the game that she dove for the ball and hurt her shoulder. I guess this is a common occurrence in this sport. My sister, Julie, and her husband have been pickleballing for years and I think it led to an orthopedic visit. My niece and her husband are not only avid golfers but they have become champions on the pickleball courts in Palm Desert, California. If you’re looking to meet new friends or perhaps rekindle your marriage, consider giving pickleball a try. There are many courts in our area. Just remember like the spring-break mom with her arm in a sling, you don’t need to be a weekend warrior. Take it easy and play at 60-70% of your ability, as it not worth pushing yourself to the limit. It’s just a game and the summer is ahead of you and it okay to stay out of the orthopedic office.

Spring Cleanup

This time of year I get excited to get out in the yard early and start messing around. One area of contention is trying to get the salt and sand left by the snowplows off the boulevards. It’s harder than it looks because you have to pick up all the debris and it’s heavy. But doing this helps keep it out of lake, ponds and streams. It is also required to keep the street gutters clean in some communities.

Pet owners know that this time of year the backyard looks like a minefield. This winter was hard to keep up with puppy waste. It’s crucial we prevent pet waste from going into our lakes and streams, as it can be toxic to fish by depleting the oxygen level and raise ammonia levels.

Yard clean-up has countless tools to help - shovels, claws, rakes, grabbers and unique double lined bags. I like putting a pair of disposable mechanics gloves on for added protection when I pick up pet waste.

I always have mixed feelings about collecting this waste and putting it in the garbage. Although it has nutrients, it is not to be mixed with your organic matter, according to most cities and counties. The proper thing to do with dog and pet waste is put it in the trash.

Striking a balance in Legislature

Senate Republicans have been clear on our top priority for session: meaningful tax relief that helps families across the state combat the crippling effects of inflation. Unfortunately, we are in the minority and have little control regarding the overall direction of session priorities. That being said, our input still matters, and Democrats need Republican support to pass a bonding bill, which requires a 3/5 vote to pass in the Senate. While Republicans want to pass a bonding bill that makes needed investments throughout the state, we want it to be passed in tandem with tax relief—there’s no reason we can’t do both, and we have been working hard to achieve this goal.

A few weeks ago, Senate Democrats brought forward a bonding bill. Typically, these bills are one of the last pieces of legislation we vote on, so it felt a bit premature to be

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having a discussion before the committee had worked through all the bonding requests from across the state. Despite our repeated attempts to work across the aisle to pass tax relief with bonding, Democrats brought forward a bill that did not get a single Republican vote.

Our state currently sits on a historic $17.5 billion surplus, which is proof of the overtaxation Minnesotans have been subjected to for far too long. How can we, in good conscience, go back to families in our districts with a historic surplus, and defend putting $2 billion on the state’s credit card without giving a penny of their hard-earned money back?

Senate Republicans have been ready to work on getting a deal that provides needed tax relief while also investing in projects that improve infrastructure across the state. Part of our solution was the Give It Back tax plan which would have provided $13 billion in tax relief including the elimination of the social security tax, income tax cuts, property tax relief, a child tax credit, and rebate checks. This is what Minnesotans have been asking for, so it was very disappointing that the Democrats refused to even entertain this plan. In

fact, they instead doubled down and put forward a budget that amounts to an additional $17.9 billion spending with no plans included for tax relief. With one-party control, it can be difficult to be heard at the Capitol. We offered a reasonable solution, and have continued to offer more, but all have fallen on deaf ears. In fact, one Democrat Senator even said that tax relief would have been possible if Republicans voted for a bonding bill. From that comment alone, it’s clear that both sides agree on the need for bonding AND tax relief, we just haven’t found the bipartisan path to get there. It’s that time of year, where we will continue to negotiate into the wee hours, to try and find a balance. But again, with one-party control, I am hoping that the Democrats will be fairminded and sensible, and keep all Minnesotans’ priorities at the forefront of discussions. At the end of the day, Senate Republicans are prepared to support a bonding bill, so long as it comes with tax relief. We are ready to work together in a bipartisan way so we can find the balances necessary to get these two priorities done for the people across Minnesota.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

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 651-429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Publisher’s View

Carter Johnson

Thanks for season

Thank you to the players, coaching staff and fans of the White Bear Lake boys basketball team for a great 2022-23 season. My family, including my two young sons, had a blast supporting the team this winter. Congratulations to the departing seniors on the team. For all the underclassmen, we are looking forward to supporting next year’s team.

Karena Schluender White Bear Lake Neighbors don’t want project

I’m writing in response to the March 22, 2023, article, “Developer hopes to create ‘residential anchor’ for intersection.” It seems only yesterday, but was in fact back in 2019, when the residents of the area surrounding the intersection of Bellaire Avenue and County Road E came out in staunch opposition to a similar attempt to build a high-density housing unit at this location. Yet once again, we find ourselves defending the tranquility and privacy of our neighborhood against the development plans of those who do not even live here.

Blight is in the eye of the beholder, and in this case, a multilevel, high-density, rental housing unit is far more of a blight on our neighborhood than a simple abandoned gas station. What part of “we don’t want it” do the elected officials of this city not understand? Those of us who live near and around this proposed project chose single-family homes in neighborhoods consisting of single-family homes for a reason. I’d say that based on the public response to this proposal, that sentiment has not changed amongst the local residents. We live here, we pay taxes here, and we vote here.

Are you listening, Mayor Louismet and Council Member Edberg? Instead of looking forward to working with the developers and trying to “find a way to get them a yes,” how about you both start looking forward to working with your constituents and trying to get us a development plan that meets our expectations? If Council Member Jones thinks this is a “good proposal,” then let him have it in his ward, and maybe he will get to see parked cars lining the main corridors around his home and he will change his opinion on whether such a thing is “horrid” or not. Those of us who are home-owning, taxpaying voters in this neighborhood don’t want this project to happen, and I don’t know how to make it any clearer than that.

Joseph Kessel White Bear Lake

Response to pastors letter

In response to the “Where are the pastors?” letter of March 22, I cannot recall reading a more bizarre, upside down and, frankly, unpatriotic opinion in our White Bear Press.

Ironically, the letter writers are actually joining forces with those being condemned in the “First they came for….” poem they cited. How can they not see it? The Foley letter asks pastors to “come for” select Americans, just like the poem warns.

First, pastors are told to “come for” Americans who believe in a female’s choice to make their own decisions regarding their own bodies — freedoms and liberties granted in the Constitution and tragically erased in a Supreme Court ruling.

Next, pastors are asked to “come for” America’s entire public school system and its teachers for daring to acknowledge (not encourage) a student’s right to communicate their own thoughts and feelings. Will the Foleys next ask the pastors to “come for” all gay and lesbian students, and call for jail and prison terms for all nontraditional students, as is done in a small number of backwards-thinking thirdworld countries?

Finally, pastors are asked to “come for” unnamed educators and schools that have “critical race theory” in their curriculum. News Flash! There isn’t any such thing. That’s why the conspiracy theory folks find themselves at a loss — and fumbling — when asked to specify. Of course our great nation’s history has some examples of white European descendants treating minorities (and women, for that matter) in horrific ways. We know that. And it should be taught alongside all the amazing and positive events in our history. But nobody has a curriculum that attempts to instill guilt and ridicule onto individuals living today. Nobody is doing that, or suggesting it.

I know a number of pastors. None want to “come for” anyone in their congregation or in this country. The pastors I know believe in and ask us to emulate Jesus. You know, the one who preached “love thy neighbor”.

George Kimball White Bear Lake

Minnesota are participating in a series of inclusive events and programs to help raise awareness and acceptance for those with autism who live throughout Minnesota.

We need to recognize the unique dignity and value of every individual who calls the White Bear Lake area home, and encourage all residents to learn more about those on the autism spectrum.

One in 36 children in Minnesota have been diagnosed with autism. This means a significant number of our students in the White Bear and Mahtomedi school districts are on the autism spectrum. Many of these students are extremely intelligent and thrive in subjects such as mathematics, art, writing and foreign languages.

While both school districts have done a remarkable job in helping those with autism, additional support is still needed in obtaining meaningful internship opportunities and career services. Between 75% and 85% of autistic individuals who graduate from high school and go on to attend college become permanent fixtures in the unemployment ranks. This is a higher percentage than all of our racial groups. With the proper work environment, autistic individuals will thrive in many professions. Jobs that require exceptional attention to detail, strong creative thinking skills and hyperfocus on specific tasks all fit the skill set of many potential autistic employees.

Many famous Americans are part of the autism spectrum, including Time magazine’s 2021 person of the year, Elon Musk, actors Anthony Hopkins and Dan Aykroyd, scientist Albert Einstein and chess Grandmaster Bobby Fischer.   Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by differences in sensory sensitivity, social skills and other behaviors. There are many subtypes, and each person with autism can exhibit unique qualities. These unique qualities add to the richness of our community. We need to embrace our neurodivergent (autistic) residents and show respect for the many talents they bring to our community. Let’s make Autism Awareness Month a fixture in the White Bear area.

Pastors have difficult jobs

“entitled,” “indoctrinated,” and yes, “propaganda” — all the current buzz words in use to put down those whose opinions disagree with your own.

You have a right to your opinions and I am sure the editor of the White Bear Press will agree that the letters to the editor forum is a good place to express them. I suggest, however, the discussions for all letter writers be civil lest the way the words are conveyed detracts from the message. I may or may not agree with your ideas, Mr. Malone, but the way you delivered your message certainly did not agree with me.

Cindy Paslawski White Bear Lake

Issue Water Gremlin air permit

Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and MPCA Commissioner Katrina Kessler: Please issue the Water Gremlin Air Emissions permit as written in February 2023. Do not grant the request for a contested case hearing.

It has been more than four years since the Stipulation Agreement was issued to Water Gremlin for decades-long egregious air emissions violations of the nasty carcinogenic chemical TCE. The emissions of this awful chemical were present in the air breathed in by the surrounding community for decades.

Although TCE is no longer used, a sister chemical t-DCE is.  A permit needs to be in place to govern this company’s air emissions. MDH has defined safe and acceptable limits for t-DCE that are used in the February 2023 draft air permit. The drafted permit is strong but reasonable.

Our government must find a way to issue air permits in a timely manner.  Four years is not timely.

Many people at MPCA have worked long hours to create a strong permit—yet here we are, over 4 years after the first Stipulation Agreement was issued, with no air permit. There is a draft but the official permit is not yet issued.

At this point the MPCA can:

1. Reject the request for contested case and issue the permit (Yes. Please!)

Raise autism awareness

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and during April, organizations like the Autism Society of

Township

Tom Snell White Bear

In the March 22 edition, one letter asked, “When are pastors going to … speak out to their congregations against abortion, critical race theory and the sexualization of our children?”

I appreciated this question as I have wondered the same thing, finding some churches had avoided such topics so as not to turn people off. I eventually “voted with my feet,” finding a church that is both biblically grounded and unafraid to call out those things in our culture that are against God.

There are two other issues at play, however.

First, only one in three Christians consistently votes in elections. Many in elected office are pushing an anti-God agenda (see March 22 letter). Unfortunately, some Christians vote based on party or ideology rather than on biblical values.

Second, pastors struggle with their own beliefs. A recent study (American Worldview Inventory 2022 Release #6: G. Barna, Cultural Research Center, 5/24/22) indicated only 37% of pastors possess a biblical worldview, depending on position held. Certainly, this sad fact has an impact on what is taught in church as well as how our culture is influenced by it. For the pastors who do not hold a biblical worldview, most adhere to “the blending of ideas and applications from a variety of holistic worldviews into a unique but inconsistent combination that represents their personal preferences” (Release #6, 5/24/22). When the worldview of our pastors differs little from that of nonbelievers, biblical influence is much less likely.

2. Revise the permit (yet again)

3. Grant the request for contested case (another delay)

Please issue the permit as written in the February 2023. Do not grant the request for a contested case  and delay this process any further. It must be issued ASAP.

Kelly Tapkan White Bear Lake

Editors note

A version of this letter was printed in the March 22 Press with a headline that did not accurately convey the writer’s opinion. We are reprinting this letter to provide clarification.

Upcoming Games

April 4-9 vs. Iowa Cubs

April 18-23 vs. Scranton/WB Railriders

Upcoming Games

For those readers who are a part of the Christian church, our pastors have very difficult jobs, so I hope to encourage you to pray for their spiritual fortitude and that they would follow Jesus and hold God’s Word as infallible. Christians, we can take seriously our right to vote and do so based on biblical values; we can get involved in organizations that influence our state and nation, such as Concerned Women for America, Minnesota Right to Life, and My Faith Votes; and we can pray for our state, nation and elected officials.

Christa Mehrhoff Mahtomedi

Letter writers should be civil

To Mr. Malone: I, too, am surprised the White Bear Press published something: your letter (March 28), which appears to be a personal attack on the Foleys, who wrote a week earlier. You were a little over the top, don’t you think? Your letter spoke of their ridiculing the beliefs of others, but isn’t that what you yourself engaged in? You accused them of being propaganda pushers, but isn’t the rhetoric in your letter in that same vein, with use of the words

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• Suspicious activity in the 3800 block of Dennis Lane March 22 was found to be a delivery driver dropping off items.

• A suspicious person in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue March 22 was determined to be a resident.

• Harassment was reported in the 4700 block of Centerville Road March 22.

• Residents in the 2200 block of Sierra Drive were swindled out of $31,000 via an elaborate phone scam March 22.

• Officers responded to a report of theft in the 2000 block of County Road E March 23. A man was cited for stealing liquor.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 24.

• Harassment was reported in the 3100 block of Karth Road March 24. Officers sent a letter to the owner of a dog in the 4800 block of Debra Stret that jumped a fence and went after caged chickens on Dillon Street March 24.

• Officers responded to a report of an assault in the 1900 block of County Road F that turned out to be a mutual disorderly conduct incident March 24.

• Officers responded to an unwanted party in the 2200 block of Carlyle Court March 25.

• Officers responded to a skateboarding complaint in the 4400 block of Lake Avenue March 25.

• Mail theft was reported in the 3100 block of McKnight Road March 25.

• Officers assisted with a civil problem in the 1700 block of

Eugene Street March 25.

• A St. Paul man fled officers attempting to conduct a traffic stop in the 3800 block of Highway 61 March 25 and crashed into a ditch. The driver, who then fled on foot, was apprehended and arrested on outstanding felony warrants and for possession of a firearm he was ineligible to possess as well as burglary tools.

• A catalytic converter was stolen in the 2600 block of Riviera Drive March 26.

• An Oakdale resident was arrested for DWI after being found slumped behind the wheel in the middle of the intersection of Highway 61 and White Bear Avenue March 26.

• Narcotics were reported in the 1400 block of Highway 96 March 26.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 27.

• Burglary of a vehicle was reported in the 4700 block of Centerville Road March 27. Criminal damage to property occurred in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane March 27.

• Theft was reported in the 3300 block of Emerald Drive March 27.

• Tools were stolen from a vehicle in the 3100 block of McKnight Road March 27.

• Officers responded to juvenile incidents in the 4500 block of Bald Eagle Avenue March 27.

• A juvenile male is suspected of burglary in the 1700 block of Fourth Street March 27.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 2100 block of Roth Place March 28. Officers responded to a dispute in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue March 28.

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

• A Vadnais Heights man, 28, was arrested March 7 in the 300 block of Bankers Drive for domestic assault, after deputies were called out to the scene of a domestic between the suspect and a woman, 29.

• An Eden Prairie woman, 33, was cited March 7 at the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E for misdemeanor theft, after loss prevention personnel observed her concealing $120.20 worth of items and leaving the store. Store employees observed her entering the Marshall’s store, where deputies detained her and transported her back to Walmart to face the music. After she was cited, deputies trespassed her from the Walmart and gave her a courtesy ride to a St. Paul residence.

• A female whose identity could not be confirmed was caught shoplifting at the Walmart March 9 after she was observed underringing $279.57 in merchandise. She was stopped briefly at the entryway by loss prevention personnel. During the process to recover the unpaid-for merchandise, the suspect relentlessly pulled the shopping cart away from store employees until she was able to escape in a vehicle. Possible suspect information was gathered, however.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Grant

• A Minnesota motorist was cited March 7 in the 11000 block of northbound Manning Trail N. for speeding 71 mph in a 55 mph zone by southbound Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol, who observed the vehicle pass the squad at a high rate of speed. After radar showed the speed to be 71 mph, the vehicle accelerated to 80 mph.

• Deputies assisted in mediating a civil dispute March 10 at a treatment facility in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. Mahtomedi

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop and issued a citation for speeding to a motorist March 5 on Ideal Avenue N. A motorist of undisclosed identity was arrested for DWI at 8:53 p.m. March 5 in the 600 block of Wildwood Road after deputies on patrol observed a vehicle displaying expired tabs and noticed signs of intoxication during the traffic stop. The driver failed standard field sobriety tests and was escorted to the law enforcement center.

• A resident in an apartment complex on Wildwood Road reported criminal damage to property March 6 after it was discovered that someone had used a crowbar to pry open the front door. On arrival at the scene, deputies couldn’t find anyone who knew anything. Not only that, deputies didn’t see any damage to any door.

• Two antique firearms belonging to a relative on East Avenue were reported found March 6. Deputies took custody of the items.

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 2:11 a.m. March 7 on Wildwood Road following a traffic stop. During the stop, deputies observed signs of intoxication, and off the driver went to jail.

• Deputies promised to check on the area around Arcwood Road after a resident reported a suspicious and unfamiliar

Deputies used the information to contact the possible suspect via phone, but she denied all involvement.

• Buerkle Hyundai in the 3000 block of Highway 61 reported one of its motor vehicles stolen March 10, after someone took it out for a test drive and never returned it. The information the subject provided on the information form was false. The vehicle has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database, and the case is under investigation.

• A St. Paul woman, 49, was cited at 1:33 p.m. March 10 at the Walmart store for misdemeanor theft after she was observed concealing $122.22 worth of merchandise and passing all points of sale. A different St. Paul woman, 47, was cited at 1:55 p.m. March 10 at the Walmart for shoplifting after she was observed under-ringing $159.39 in merchandise at the self-checkout and trying to leave the store. After they were formally trespassed from the store, both shoplifters were released into the world..

• A Vadnais Heights man, 50, was arrested for DWI at one minute before midnight March 11 in the 900 block of County Road D after deputies pulled him over for his poor driving conduct. His blood alcohol content was 0.23 when deputies conducted a portable breath test at the scene. After he was transported to the patrol station for further testing, the

subject refused to participate and was booked for test refusal.

dark sedan at 1:54 p.m. March 8. The driver remained parked at that location until the complainant emerged to let her dog out. Then the vehicle immediately scrammed.

• A motorist was cited at 11:57 p.m. March 8 in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road for driving after revocation. When deputies cleared that traffic stop, they conducted another one at 12:22 a.m. March 9 in the area of Long Lake Road and Century Avenue and cited that driver for undisclosed offenses.

• A suspicious person reported walking along the side of the road in the 3000 block of Century Avenue at 2:30 a.m. March 9 turned out to be a party walking to work.

A fleeing motorist was arrested at 12:17 a.m. March 10 in the area of Stillwater Road and East Avenue after deputies initially tried to pull the vehicle over for equipment violations. When deputies activated their lights, the vehicle accelerated and tried to pull away. The vehicle speeds fluctuated between 18 and 45 mph until the vehicle eventually stopped in a driveway. The driver was taken in for fleeing in a motor vehicle and was booked at the law enforcement center. The vehicle was left parked on scene.

• A person with a warrant out on him turned himself over to deputies on patrol in the 1000 block of Wildwood Road at 2:47 a.m. March 10. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at the law enforcement center for the warrant only.

• A suspicious vehicle reported parked in a driveway on Arcwood Road at 8:19 a.m. March 11 turned out to be a motorist explaining to deputies that he was just out for a drive. Deputies found the driver to be valid and advised him not to park in the complainant’s driveway any more.

• Theft was reported March 11 on Mahtomedi Avenue.

Pine Springs

Deputies conducted a traffic stop for speeding at 1:18 a.m. March 11 on westbound Highway 36, just west of Hilton Trail N.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 34, was arrested at 10:34 p.m. March 11 in the 1200 block of County Road E for domestic assault after a Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued on him when deputies called to the scene of a domestic found him already gone. A citation was left for him at the address, and after he returned the following evening, he was taken into custody without incident.

White Bear Township

• A Vadnais Heights man, 50, was arrested March 13 at the Cub Foods store in the 1000 block of

Meadowlands Drive for first-degree possession of controlled substances and for driving restrictions, after deputies responded to a report of a man acting erratically in the store. He was taken in and booked at the law enforcement center. Charges are pending.

• A Chisago City woman, 40, was arrested at 10:12 p.m. March 13 in the 1600 block of Garden Lane for violating an order for protection another woman, 62, had taken out on her. A bystander heard yelling and called in to report the incident.

NOW HIRING!

Deputy Clerk/Office Administrator

White Bear Township, located in the Northeast Metro, is accepting applications for the position of a full time Deputy Clerk/Office Administrator. Applicant will execute a wide spectrum of administrative and office support responsibilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to, ensuring that Township policies, procedures, ordinances, legal requirements, and agreements are completed, followed up on, and/or updated as needed. Manages daily, weekly and monthly organizational and procedural duties as required and/or requested by the Town Board and its Boards and Commissions. Performs in-house legal tasks in conjunction with the Township Attorney’s oversight. Performs a variety of administrative and support duties to ensure legal compliance and effective

operation of the Township’s office functions.

Education and/or experience requirements are as follows: Bachelor’s Degree and/or a minimum of five years of experience in a Public Administration support role; or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Hiring range will be $65,542-$69,846. The Township provides health and retirement benefits.

Please apply through our applicant portal at the Township’s website http://www.whitebeartownship.org/jobs.aspx

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who complete their application by noon on April 24th.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

SONGBOOK LIVE: THE WOMEN WHO WROTE THE SONGS

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 15 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 16

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

Details: Top performers present tribute to iconic female songwriters in a musical celebration.

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event. Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf

RESILIENT YARDS: BLUE THUMB WORKSHOP

When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18

Where: Online

CONTRIBUTED

“BUT IT FELL IN MY CART!” TIPS FOR SMARTER PLANT PLANNING

When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 11

Where: Online

Details: Join guest speaker Diana Grundeen to discuss the difference between plant shopping and plant deigning, and ways to get the most out landscapes. Free.

Contact: vlawmo.org/events/it-fell-mycart-tips-smarter-plant-planning/

NORTH SUBURBAN NEIGHBORS CLUB

SPRING COFFEE

When: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 13

Where: Shoreview Community Center, Fireside Lounge, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: NSNC, a non-profit friendship organization for women in the northern suburbs, invites prospective

members to learn about their activities. Contact: 651-247-9601

THE JOLLY POPS CONCERT

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 13

Where: St. Jude of the Lake Catholic School, Mahtomedi

Details: Free children’s concert with nationally-known dad band, The Jolly Pops, hosted by Lake Area Discovery Center. Activities, snacks and preschool tours. Bring a stuffed animal. RSVP.

Contact: bit.ly/3E7Y7LC

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 15

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

Details: Participants will learn DIY skills for assessing yards and creating a project plan, learn about ways to redirect runoff, select and place native trees and shrubs, design a native garden, incorporate turf alternatives, and more. Registration online. Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/ events/resilient-yards-blue-thumbworkshop3

MEDICARE 101

When: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 19

Where: Encore Assisted Living and Memory Care, 720 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi

Details: Free educational speaker series with Tom Ostdiek. Light refreshments provided. RSVP. Contact: 651-343-1787

RAINGARDENS 101

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 20

Where: Gem Lake Heritage Hall, 4200 Otter Lake Rd.

Details: Learn how raingardens can be used to help solve drainage issues, add beauty to the yard, and support the greater watershed. Free.

Contact: 651-204-6070 or vlawmo.org/ events/raingardens-1012

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

‘

When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Mahtomedi Middle School ball fields lot, 8100 75th St. N.

Details: Recycle and dispose of electronics and household hazardous waste. Confidential document shredding.

Contact: 651-430-6702 or co.washington.mn.us

RITE OF SPRING

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 22

Where: Wildwood Elementary School, 8698 75th St. N., Mahtomedi

Details: Family-friendly event celebrates the Earth with vendors and organizations providing information, Household hazardous waste recycling, and prescription drug take-back. Contact: mahtomedigreen.org

SPRING CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE

WEEKEND

When: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16

Where: Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater

Details: Samples of wines accompanied by cheese and chocolates. No reservations required. Contact: 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com

am Traditions Worship

HEIGHTS PRESS

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: Rice Street Liquors

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1700 Rice Street Maplewood, MN 55113

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. MKXB, LLC 2393 Rice St. Suite 101 Roseville, MN 55113

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: March 28, 2023

Signed: Soua Xiong

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 5 and 12, 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: Linkage USA

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 5354 Jackson Dr Mounds View, MN 55112

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. Lincoln U.S.A. 5354 Jackson Dr Mounds View, MN 55112

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: Anna Petyo-Apitz

Signed: February 23, 2023

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 5 and 12, 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:

GreedyBoy GreedyGirl

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1026 Jenks Avenue Studio #1 St Paul MN 55106

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.

Kevin Thomas 1026 Jenks Avenue Studio #1 St Paul MN 55106

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: March 8, 2023

Signed: Kevin Thomas Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 29 and April 5, 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: ASHE SOLUTIONS GROUP

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: Grigg’s Midway Building, 1821 University Ave. W St Paul MN 55116

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. Abyou Geletu 1410 St Paul Ave, Apt 7 St Paul MN 55116

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: March 14, 2023

Signed: Abyou Geletu

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 29 and April 5, 2023.

CITY OF VADNAIS

HEIGHTS,

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

MINNESOTA

2023 STREET IMPROVEMENTS

SEH NO. VADNA 171347

CITY PROJECT NO. 2023-1

Notice is hereby given that Online Bids will be received by the City of Vadnais Heights until 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023, via QuestCDN for the furnishing of all labor and material for the construction of 2023 Street Improvements. The bid opening will be conducted via Microsoft Teams Meeting, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Link to Teams Meeting will be emailed to the plan holders prior to bid opening, call in number is listed below: Microsoft Teams meeting: https://bit.ly/3mgp49T call in (audio only) +1 872-242-7640, United States,

Any person monitoring the meeting remotely may be responsible for any documented costs. Message and data rates may apply.

Major quantities for the Work include:

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 55110, Scott Haupt, PE, 651.490.2055, shaupt@sehinc.com.

The Bidding Documents may be viewed for no cost at http://www.sehinc. com by selecting the Project Bid Information link at the bottom of the page and the View Plans option from the menu at the top of the selected project page. Digital image copies of the Bidding Documents are available at http:// www.sehinc.com for a fee of $30. These documents may be downloaded by selecting this project from the “Project Bid Information” link and by entering eBidDocTM Number 8395489 on the SEARCH PROJECTS page. For assistance and free membership registration, contact QuestCDN at 952.233.1632 or info@questcdn.com.

For this project, bids will ONLY be received electronically. Contractors submitting an electronic bid will be charged an additional $42 at the time of bid submission via the online electronic bid service QuestCDN.com. To access the electronic Bid Worksheet, download the project document and click the online bidding button at the top of the advertisement. Prospective bidders must be on the plan holders list through Quest CDN for bids to be accepted. Bids shall be completed according to the Bidding Requirements prepared by SEH dated March 21, 2023.

In addition to digital plans, paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $90.00.

Bid security in the amount of 5 percent of the Bid must accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

A Contractor responding to these Bidding Documents must submit to the City/Owner a signed statement under oath by an owner or officer verifying compliance with each of the minimum criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 16C.285, subdivision 3. The City reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive irregularities and informalities therein and to award the Contract in the best interests of the City.

Jesse Farrell

Public Works Director/City Engineer

Vadnais Heights, Minnesota

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 29 and April 5, 2023.

NORTHEAST METRO 916

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

GROUP MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURANCE

Northeast Metro 916 is requesting proposals for fully-insured Group Medical and Dental insurance. The RFP (with submission instructions, general information and all pertinent underwriting details) can be obtained by contacting Jen Butz at Gallagher Benefit Services – Phone: 952.356.3862; Email: jen_butz@ajg.com – 3600 American Blvd W, Suite 500, Bloomington, MN 55431. All questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Jen Butz at Gallagher. Quoting carriers must provide a SEALED proposal via email, following the instructions outlined in the RFP no later than 2:00 pm on April 26, 2023. Proposals received after the deadline will be considered late and ineligible for consideration.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 5, 2023.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES

Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.

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

To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan

SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG28485-AP

OPENING DATE: 4/20/23

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY (THE “COUNTY”),

THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR (“CONTRACTOR”) TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE RAMSEY COUNTY COURTHOUSE/CITY OF SAINT PAUL CITY HALL ENTRIES PROJECT (“PROJECT”). PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 15 WEST KELLOGG BLVD., LOBBY, ST. PAUL, MN 55102. 4/4/23. 11:00 AM CST

SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW27507-KB

OPENING DATE: 4/27/2023

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR FOR SIGNAL MODIFICATIONS ON COUNTY ROAD D.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW27508-KB

OPENING DATE: 5/03/2023

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS A QUALIFIED

CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM BITUMINOUS PAVING, GRADING, ADA, LIGHTING AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS. THERE ARE 3 PROJECTS: 1) RECONSTRUCTION OF THE INTERSECTION OF OLD SNELLING AVENUE AND COUNTY ROAD E/LAKE JOHANNA BLVD, 2) RESURFACING OF OLD SNELLING AVENUE FROM ARDEN OAKS DRIVE TO 200’ SOUTH OF LAKESHORE PLACE, AND 3) MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS ON OLD SNELLING AVENUE AND LAKE VALENTINE ROAD IN ARDEN HILLS.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG28381-AP

OPENING DATE: 5/4/23

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY (THE “COUNTY”), THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS THE

SERVICES OF A PRIME CONTRACTOR (“CONTRACTOR”) TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR, AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE 360 WABASHA STREET RENOVATION PROJECT (“PROJECT”) AS DESCRIBED IN THE PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS.

PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: SEE SOLICITATION FOR DETAILS. 4/20/23. 1:30 PM CST.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PRMG28422-AP

OPENING DATE: 5/4/23

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY (THE “COUNTY”), THROUGH THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A PRIME CONTRACTOR (“CONTRACTOR”) TO PROVIDE AND MANAGE ALL SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIAL, LABOR AND INCIDENTALS FOR THE EXTERIOR AND GROUNDS IMPROVEMENT AT THE RAMSEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER (LEC) CAMPUS (“PROJECT”). PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: SEE SOLICITATION FOR DETAILS. 4/20/23. 9:00 AM CST.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 5, 2023. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NUMBER: 62-CV-23-1170 CIVIL SUMMONS

Progressive Gulf Insurance Company, Plaintiff vs. Zackery Morris, Defendent. This Summons is directed to Zackery Morris.

1. You are being sued. The Plaintiff has started a lawsuit against you. The Complaint is attached to this Summons. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that start a lawsuit and affect your legal rights, even if nothing has been filed with the court and even if there is no court file number on this Summons

2. You must BOTH reply, in writing, AND get a copy of your reply to the person/business who is suing you within 21 days to protect your rights. Your reply is called an Answer. Getting your reply to the Plaintiff is called service.You must serve a copy of your Answer or Answer and Counterclaim (Answer) within 21 days from the date you received the Summons and Complaint ANSWER: You can find the Answer form and instructions on the MN Judicial Branch website at www.mncourts.gov/forms under the “Civil” category. The instructions will explain in detail how to fill out the Answer form.

3. You must respond to each claim. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiff’s Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you think the Plaintiff should not be given everything they asked for in the Complaint, you must say that in your Answer

4. SERVICE: You may lose your case if you do not send a written response to the Plaintiff. If you do not serve a written Answer within 21 days, you may lose this case by default. You will not get to tell your side of the story. If you choose not to respond, the Plaintiff may be awarded everything they asked for in their Complaint. If you agree with the claims stated in the Complaint, you don’t need to respond. A default judgment can than be entered against you for what the Plaintiff asked for in the Complaint

To protect your rights, you must serve a copy of your Answer on the person who signed this Summons in person or by mail at this address: VanDerHeyden Law Office, P.A. 302 Elton Hills Drive NW, Suite 300 PO Box 6535 Rochester, MN 55903-6535

5. Carefully read the Instructions (CIV301) for the Answer for your next steps.

6. Legal Assistance. You may wish to get legal help from an attorney. If you do not have an attorney and would like legal help:

Visit www.mncourts.gov/selfhelp and click on the “Legal Advice Clinics” tab to get more information about legal clinics in each Minnesota county. Court Administration may have information about places where you can get legal assistance.

NOTE: Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still serve a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.

7. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an ADR process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota Rules of Practice. You must still serve your written Answer, even if you expect to use ADR.

Dated: December 27, 2022

VANDERHEYDEN LAW OFFICE, P.A.

BY: David W. VanDerHeyden (122622)

Nicholas M. Rotar (0396880)

Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on March 22, 29, and April 5, 2023.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, PROBATE COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NO.: 62-PR-22-1093

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE)

In Re the Estate of:

Nancy Marie Torgerson, Decedent.

Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of the Decedent’s Estate has been filed with the Registrar. The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Jesse Torgerson, whose address is 222 2nd St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414, as personal representative of the Estate ofthe Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minn. Stat. 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Estate or appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minn. Stat. 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Laura J. Stevens, Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: March 28, 2023

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE:

Paul E. Overson (#0195005)

Coodin & Overson, PLLP 8681 Eagle Point Boulevard Lake Elmo, MN 55042 (651)209-1155

paul@coodinoverson.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 5 and 12, 2023.

BOOKS: County issues statement

and thrive,” read a statement to the Press from Pang Yang, interim library director. “Recently library materials have been found hidden throughout the library in White Bear Lake. These actions concern us greatly as library spaces and materials play a critical role in shaping our understanding of our communities and give us a chance to experience different ideas and perspectives.

“In alignment with the library’s strategic priority to extend our welcoming by growing our spaces to be more anti-racist, equitable, responsive and effective for all communities, we are using this as a moment of community learning and have created a bookshelf dedicated to highlighting these items.”

Department swears in new police officers

Three new police officers took the oath of office at last week’s City Council meeting.

Chief Julie Swanson introduced the trio, providing short bios on each prior to official pinning of their badges.

The female in the group is Samantha Moriarty. Her interest in law enforcement started at a young age through her mother’s affiliation with the reserves. After graduating from Blaine High School, Moriarty attended Northern Michigan University. She then received a law enforcement certificate from Century College and worked as a community service officer with Anoka County Sheriff’s Department and as a security officer for Minneapolis College.

Cole Campbell grew up in Minnetonka, and attended Hopkins High School. He took a law enforcement class at Winona State University and decided that would be his career path. His interest in team sports and a love for the outdoors will align well throughout his career, Swanson said. Campbell also worked in security with Allina Health at United Hospital.

Kyle Torvik earned a criminal justice degree from the University of North Dakota after graduating from Prior Lake High School. He worked security at Allina and United for three years before joining the

University of Minnesota Police Department. Swanson said serving in a suburb was more in line with Torvik’s passion for police work. “Every one of them is drawn to our community for the engagement activities, all have a passion for connecting and being part of the community,” the chief noted, adding the new recruits are “a great fit for the department.”

Debra Neutkens

Ready to enjoy some cake after their swearing in at the March 28 City Council meeting are new White Bear Lake Police Officers: from left, Samantha Moriarty, Cole Campbell and Kyle Torvik.

Sen. Heather Gustafson is considering legislation that some claim benefits patients.

But who does it really help?

The truth: there are no guaranteed patient savings at the pharmacy counter—only an unelected, taxpayer-funded board that can pave the way for Big Insurance and the PBMs they own to make record profits, at the expense of patients.

The people of District 36 deserve better: Guaranteed lower out-of-pocket costs and more affordable treatment options. Not laws likely to benefit billion-dollar corporate interests.

Don’t let Sen. Heather Gustafson sell you out to Big Insurance and PBMs.

We love this town!

It’s great to live and work in a community where people are making a difference every day! In January we attended and were a sponsor of the Northland 300 snowmobile ride benefiting Special Olympics MN. The Northland 300 is comprised of all volunteers who organize and coordinate year-round fundraising efforts to support the athletes of Special Olympics MN and to implement safe and responsible snowmobiling.

Summer is right around the corner which means so is Manitou Days 2023! Manitou Days is a three-week (June 15 – July 4) summer festival showcasing the great lakeside community of White Bear Lake. For 50+ years this annual summer ritual has been a favorite for locals and visitors. We’re happy to be a part of the planning committee! If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please reach out to our office for details.

My team and I are here to help! Call or stop by for a free quote today. We proudly serve the White Bear Lake and surrounding area. We embrace the responsibility to give back, volunteer, and work alongside non-profits and community groups in our neighborhood to make the world around us better. Together, we can accomplish anything. Good news. Rates just got lower.

$ 25 $ 99

Carrying on a Ukrainian Easter tradition

Above: Shannon Kilmartin works on one phase of the multi-step Ukrainian Easter egg decoration process. She began learning the process back in the 5th grade.

At right: Debi Johnson and her daughter Shannon Kilmartin display a couple of completed Ukrainian Easter egg designs. They both learned the centuries-old tradition from Ukrainianborn family friends Tamara and Alex Zaluckyj, who have since passed away.

Above: The process, called psanka, meaning to write on, begins with symbolic patterns applied with pencil, followed by wax and dyes.

At left: A group of finished eggs show the variety of symbols and colors used to create the miniature works of art. The butterfly symbol, center, represents Christ’s resurrection and the ribbon or belt, at left, represents the endless line of eternity. Find more photos online at presspubs. com.

Church celebrates 150th anniversary with change of ownership

MAPLEWOOD — It’s one last hurrah for LifePoint Church in Maplewood, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this month. After that, the church will close its doors as it prepares to become the 12th campus of Eagle Brook Church.

Back in 1873, the church began as First Swedish Baptist, and changed names several times over the course of its history. Over the years, the church has had a strong connection to Bethel University and its seminary school. In its heyday, the church served a congregation of more than 1,000 people.

In recent years, the church has opened its doors as a worship space to several different intercultural congregations as part of its mission of community.

Under Pastor Dan Munson, who was at first hired on as an interim pastor, the church made connections with the Karen community—a minority ethnic group from Myanmar. Minnesota is one of the biggest diaspora communities of Karen living in the U.S. after many refugees fled from the political persecution in their homelands over the last few decades.

“A lot of these kids remember seeing people killed, seeing people beat up,” Munson said. In 2008 the church began making an intentional effort to reach out to refugee families, and began teaching children from Karen families in Sunday school and through the children’s ministry.

Munson was one of the founders of a nonprofit, Anchored Ministries, designed to help support refugees who came to the community with very few resources. Munson was able to secure bus transportation for youth, as well as other youth programming to help fill the gaps and help kids from refugee families be successful in school.

LifePoint soon became the scene of Karenlanguage church services, which eventually drew a congregation of more than 500. In addition to Karen, LifePoint has been host to services for Nepalese, Thai, Hmong and Spanish-speaking communities.

However, LifePoint, like many churches, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our church is experiencing what a lot of churches are experiencing, in that we’ve seen the numbers of the church and attendance dwindle for

We

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White Bear Lake ROTARY ACADEMIC ACHIEVER

quite some time,” said LifePoint Board Chair Ross Rud. “Eagle Brook is in the same denomination as us, so God is really at work there. We reached out to them and said, ‘Here’s a concern we have with our church, do you think you might be interested in bringing Eagle Brook here?’ After conversation, the answer was yes.”

The church community has expressed mixed feelings about the change. While many are hopeful for the future, it is not necessarily an easy or comfortable transition for everyone.

“Eagle Brook does wonderful work; they preach the gospel and reach great numbers of people, but there’s still sadness as we lose our relationships within the church and all the ministry we were doing,” said a longtime member of the congregation who wished to remain anonymous. “I’m 85, I don’t know what I’m going to do or where I’m going to go. Some are enthusiastic, others are heartbroken,” the anonymous source added.

Munson said that all of the partner communities have found new homes for the time being, but

many are hopeful that Eagle Brook may be able to continue to offer support in some of the same ways and keep the same relationships thriving.

After LifePoint passes into the hands of Eagle Brook leaders, the church will close for renovation and reopen to the community sometime later this year, hopefully by Christmastime.

April 18 is the official 150th anniversary, but since the church will change ownership on April 20, church leaders wanted to set up the celebration a few days early.

The 150th anniversary celebration will be held at the 10 a.m. Sunday, April 16, service at LifePoint Church, 2220 Edgerton St. Several pastors from the church’s past have been invited to speak and share their memories, and Munson promised lots of music. Anyone who has ever sung in the choir will be invited to come up and sing. They can find the sheet music by reaching out to LifePoint beforehand, or join in on the day of the celebration. Learn more at https://www.lifepointmn.org.

Jackie Bussjaeger

Come Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord

at South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church

Sunday, April 21, 2019

He is not here, but has risen. – Luke 24:6

Come Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord

Palm Sunday April 1&2, Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8* & 10:45am*

Maundy Thursday April 6, Thursday 11am*, 7pm*

Good Friday April 7, Friday 11am*, 7pm*

Easter Vigil Saturday April 8, Saturday 5:30pm*

Rotary Matters

Robbie Dresen is a sophomore at White Bear Lake Area High School and has been selected as our Academic Achiever. Robbie is an outstanding student that balances his studies with high academic rigor, strong work ethic, leadership in the top orchestra and competing at the varsity level on the alpine ski team. He is an enthusiastic learner that applies himself in all things that he embarks on. Robbie is creative and thoughtful and leads by example. He is viewed as a role model among his peers. He genuinely desires to learn for self-growth and experiences, while intentionally pushing himself beyond his known capabilities. Way to go Robbie!

Sponsored by

The Resurrection of our Lord Easter Sunday! April 9, Sunday 7*, 9 & 10:45am*

*Denotes service is also available online. Visit sstwbl.org/watch

CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

651-429-4293 / www.sstwbl.org

South Shore

Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS

2480 South Shore Blvd. White Bear Lake, MN 768500

7:00am, 9:00am, or 10:45am Breakfast served 8:00-9:30am

EASTER MASSES

Holy Thursday, April 6 The Lord’s Supper 7:00 pm (with incense)

Good Friday, April 7

Veneration of the Cross 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, April 8 Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 pm (with incense)

Easter Sunday, April 9 Mass 9:00 am (with incense) & 11:00 am with overflow in Kohler Hall

700 Mahtomedi Ave Mahtomedi, MN 55115 651-426-3245

www.stjudeofthelake.org

Robbie (Robert) Dresen North Campus High School

wblrotary1@comcast.net

EASTERWOR SHIP

Cleanup Day on lake

The annual lake cleanup event was a “bit splintered,” in organizer Jim Schuster’s words, due to too much snow on the lake, but still participants collected about 160 pounds of trash. Among the debris: a tire, shopping cart, wheelbarrow and bicycle parts. Volunteers from VFW’s auxiliary gather with garbage bags in hand March 25 to do their part in the lake cleanup. From left, Paul and Katie Fick, Joan Mample, Eli and Ryan Barth and Sharon Schmidt. Mample is also pictured at right.

Easter

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

Palm Sunday Worship: April 2 at 9 a.m.

Easter Sunday Worship: April 9, 7:30 & 9 a.m.

Pastor Jon Yurk

Christ is Risen!!

Come celebrate the Good News

Palm Sunday, April 2: worship at 10:15 a.m.

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Good Friday Service

Good Friday Service

April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Service

Easter Sunday Service

April 9th at 10:15 a.m.

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Easter Sunday Service

April 9th at 10:15

930 Mahtomedi Avenue

930 Mahtomedi Avenue

Mahtomedi, MN 55115

Mahtomedi, MN 55115

REMEMBERING VIETNAM:

VFW Post 1782 honors fallen

gunsmoke.

The touch of mosquito repellent, constantly applied, and worst of all, Adams added, the sticky feel of blood.

“I’m not a hero,” he said. “I did my best to complete my mission and return home. The heroes in my opinion are those who have their names on the Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.”

He knew many of the White Bear casualties, too. High school classmates and neighbor kids he hung around with. “Allen Meldahl was a quiet, intelligent guy,” Adams said. “Jerry Ellis was funny and definitely destined to be a Marine. I knew those guys since sixth grade.”

The former VFW Post 1782 commander asked those in attendance a favor: “If you know a Vietnam

vet, call them and tell them ‘welcome home.’ And thank them for their service.”

Brave men showing courage under fire was what Darryl Lemire remembers most about Vietnam.

It was 1969 when Lemire, 22, went to southeast Asia. As part of the 101st Airborne, he worked on Huey helicopters, the workhorse of the war, which hauled troops to battle and out again and resupplied the infantry.

“The gunners and crew chiefs got up every single day knowing where they were going, in some really bad places, where they were shot at and shot down,

emotional remembering those brave faces.

Seven times a priest administered last rites before they left for an insertion. “We’d wonder, does the priest know something we don’t?” he recalled.

Mample, 78, doesn’t talk much about Vietnam but he’s learned that talking is better than holding it inside.

He can forgive the Vietnamese for the war, the veteran added, but not the protesters who threw rocks at their buses and spit on them. “It takes a bigger man to forgive those people who did that to us when our only solace was looking in the mirror and saying, ‘You know what, they have the right to protest because of guys like us who are keeping this country free.’

“A day like today makes you remember stuff we’ve tried to forget for 50 years,” Mample said. “It seems like yesterday. You can’t forget.”

and they went anyway, day after day,” Lemire said. “That is courage.”

Also like Adams, Lemire knew many of the local guys who didn’t come home. He believes the best way to honor them is “to be the best you can be.”

“They didn’t get to do the things we’ve done,” Lemire said. “They didn’t have children or grandchildren, homes. It is our obligation to think of them and let them be part of us and our families.”

The special day at the VFW coaxed other veterans to share stories who usually don’t want to talk about Vietnam. Bill Mample, former White Bear Town Board chair, spent his 21st birthday in Vietnam. His sister sent him a birthday cake that sat in an Army mail room for months. Mample left for “the field” in August, the month of his birthday, and didn’t return until January.

“When I got it, the cake was green and fuzzy. She had put a miniature bottle of Old Crow in the middle. Three of us took a drink and looked at each other and said, ‘it wasn’t worth waiting for.’” His aunt sent him two pounds of cashews, a favorite snack. By the time he got them, the nuts were soggy and limp. “They were horrible. I couldn’t eat cashews for five years.”

Mample traveled from one end of Vietnam to the other as a paratrooper with the 1st Cavalry Division. “We were air mobile and made good use of the helicopters. They would insert us into hot zones when they found North Vietnamese. Sometimes the jungle was so thick it took 40 of us all day to chop our way (the distance from VFW) to Hwy. 96.”

Mample, too, saw courage on a daily basis. “You could see the fear in their eyes when the guys got on the helicopters. Still, they got on.” He still gets

DEBRA NEUTKENS

American Legion 168 SAL member John Strohkirch holds the bugle during Taps to honor the dead following a three-volley rifle salute on the VFW deck.

Darryl Lemire was a Huey mechanic in Hua, Vietnam, 1968, with the 101st Airborne. They were shirtless, he explained, because they worked outside in

DEBRA NEUTKENS

Vietnam veterans Darryl Lemire, Richard Liebl and Dave Adams hold the boards of high-school friends killed in action.

NEUTKENS

Bill Mample, a paratrooper in Vietnam, went to school with some of the young men who died, including John Reilly.

NEUTKENS

Former Post Commander Dave Adams shares what he remembers most about Vietnam.

NEUTKENS

Jerry Briggs, left, emceed the event. Dave Adams is to right. Both men have served as post commanders of the VFW. Briggs is a former mayor of White Bear Lake.

Seven young men from White Bear Lake did not return home: Jerry N. Ellis, Ronald A. Kresbsbach, Jerome F. Lavasseur, Allen R. Meldahl, John F. Reilly, Jerrold P. Smith and James F. Uttermark.

Caught in burglary, caught in whopper

A St. Paul man, 46, faces up to 10 years in prison and/or maximum financial penalty of $20,000 if convicted of felony burglary, after he was arrested March 20 on Bald Eagle Island following a report of a male observed trying to gain entry into a mailbox and trespassing on the island. A caller saw the male try to open the mailbox on the shoreline, then walk onto the frozen lake toward the island. The homeowner said he was not on the property and that no one should have been at the residence.

When Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies arrived on scene, they observed a broken window in the glass garage door, walls of the home spray-painted and a male lurking about on the second floor of the residence. The male was ordered out of the house and eventually emerged to be arrested.

After the male was identified, he said he was the owner of the house and denied breaking the garage door window or spray-painting the house, saying the door was unlocked. After a Miranda advisory, the suspect continued, saying he currently lived in St. Paul and was a U.S. Marshal. Not only that, he said he was a former RCSO deputy and former St. Paul Police officer. He went on, saying he purchased the home, currently on the market for $6 million, several years prior for $400,000, after which he tore it down and rebuilt it.

He admitted to being on “his” property on March 20, but was not trying to break into the mailbox. He said he had a key to the box, but it wasn’t working. He needed to open the mailbox to retrieve a $50,000 check he was expecting.

The homeowner — the party in possession of the home’s title, as well as its keys — said he didn’t know the suspect, who did not have permission to be in the home.

The quandary about who really owned the house was dispelled when deputies checked their records.

According to Ramsey County Court Case 62-CR21-5976, RCSO deputies responded to a home on Viking Drive in Little Canada in October 2021 on

a report of a person taking photos of homes and looking into parked vehicles. Deputies located the current suspect in the area riding a bicycle with a set of golf clubs on the bicycle. The suspect said he owned the Viking Drive home, as well, stored his golf clubs in the home and had entered the home through an open back door. That homeowner also said he didn’t know the suspect, who didn’t have permission to enter the home.

In neither report was it mentioned whether the suspect was able to produce any keys to either home. Submitted

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SEASONAL MAINTENANCE WORKERS POSITIONS

White Bear Township is accepting applications for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions to assist in routine maintenance work including, but not limited to, the following: general maintenance of parks, streets, water, storm water, sanitary sewer, etc. Up to 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (subject to change between Memorial Day – Labor Day). Salary starting at $20.00/hour. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is essential. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Applications are available Monday – Friday, 7 am – 4:30 pm, at Township Administrative Office, 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110 or online at “http:// www.whitebeartownship.org”

Application deadline: Open until positions filled.

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate adv ertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion bas ed on race, co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce, limitation or discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law. Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings adv ertised in this newsp ap er are av ailable on an equal oppor tunity bas is To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92 75

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White Bear Lake City Council notes

WHITE BEAR LAKE — City Council approved the following at its March 28 meeting:

• Police Department Body Camera audit.

Chief Julie Swanson reported that the required independent audit by the Minnesota Security Consortium found the department’s use of the body camera system in compliance with state statute.

The audit period from Jan. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022 involved 45,000 cases, 52 of which were random calls for service selected for review.

Results were consistent with the department’s BWC policy, which Swanson noted, is online.

“Our officers love having body cams,” she added. “People can have a different recollection of a call so body cams are useful.”

Asked about discharge of weapon incidents, the chief replied in her 23-year career, the department just had its first in 2023.

For readers who have interest, the White Bear department processes public body-worn camera (BWC) requests online via “Discover Request.” See www.whitebearlake.org/publicsafety/ webform/discovery-request

Citizens can also make a request for their privately classified BWC data by visiting the front desk of the Police Department lobby (currently closed due to construction), using the paper form “Discovery Request.”

White Bear Lake Police Department Commanders redact BWC Data when released to Data Subjects. About 500 requests were made during the audit period.

• New ordinance amending fee schedule to include sidewalk cafés.

Initial application fee is $150 for a café permit. Annual renewal is $60 unless there are significant changes, such as adding seating, adding liquor or layout change, in which case the fee is $125. Violation of the permit may result in a $100 fine.

Concurrent detachment and annexation of property to the city of Mahtomedi.

The 1.3-acre property is a 100-foot-wide strip of land that runs south from Wildwood Road and is surrounded on three sides by Mahtomedi. The city of Mahtomedi communicated first with the White Bear Lake city attorney about the annexation, and then with owners of the property, who did not object to the jurisdictional change.

• Resolution to enter into memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) for development of a Rotary Nature Preserve wetland vegetation management plan.

The ecological integrity of the upland and

wetland native habitat in the 40-acre park is being threatened by invasive plant species. In 2022, the city and Rotary Club began a partnership on a three-year upland restoration project to remove invasive plants and restore areas with native plants. VLAWMO and Natural Shore Technologies (NST) are also key partners in the upland restoration efforts. NST is working to develop a wetland management plan that will cost $9,800, with VLAWMO picking up the tab. The MOU defines the city and VLAWMO future roles and how to share project costs.

• Council members also heard Police Chief Julie Swanson’s biannual report.

Calls for service were fewer in 2022 than 2021 at 21,000 versus 23,000.

Among the incidents last year: 58 burglaries; six robberies; 528 thefts (mostly from unlocked cars, things left outside); 549 disorderly/disputes (not an arrest); 409 juvenile incidents; 130 domestic

calls; 3,082 medicals/assist to fire; 79 nondomestic assaults; 14 fights; 441 welfare checks; 238 calls for people in crisis; 803 calls for suspicious activity; and 117 warrant arrests.

Another “big one” is traffic stops, at 4,369. Of those, half resulted in warnings. “People who got tickets might wonder why; I can’t answer that,” Swanson said. “Might be their speed.” Of the stops, 94 resulted in DWI arrests.

The chief was happy to report her department is fully staffed at 31 sworn officers with the April 17 addition of a new hire. “It’s a good place to be,” she said, and then knocked on wood.

Debra Neutkens

Weekly Outlook

Judging by the number of comments I received over the weekend, people don’t appreciate how close we are to totaling 100 inches of snow for the season. They all think we’ve had more than enough. I totaled 9 inches while the airport totaled 8.5 from this past weekend’s snow. For the season I’m at 91.2 and the airport is at 89.7 inches. We have plenty of April left for snow and we can’t count out May. I think we just might do it! It melts fast.

Nature notes: Wood Ducks have returned to Peppertree Pond and the pond level looks up. Calendar update: Lake Country Booksellers in downtown White Bear Lake has one left. Call 651.426.0918 to hold it. I can get them more.

Frank Watson

K. Olson Construction is owned by Kevin Olson of Scandia MN. Kevin has been in remodeling and new construction since 1985 and became a licensed contractor in 1995. They provide new home construction, also specializing in room additions, basement finishing, kitchen remodels and finish carpentry.

K. Olson Construction provides full service contracting from start to finish or will come into a project and work with the homeowner and do a portion of the work. Any successful remodeling project requires a detailed plan and timeline, as well as attention to detail. Kevin is a contractor that is on site

OBITUARIES

Pamela “Pam” Vadnais

September 6, 1946March 13, 2023

Age 76 of White Bear Lake, MN. Passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 13, 2023. Pam was a lover of books, coffee, and all babies.

She is preceded in Death by her mother and father, Dorothy Hare and Clemadair Pepin; inlaws, George and Frances Vadnais; sister-in-law, Karen Hansen; great-grandson, Henry Peckman.

Pam worked in St. Paul and her bus ride home dropped her off at White Bear Oil in White Bear Lake. Terry Vadnais happened to work at White Bear Oil and gave her rides to her house a few blocks down the road. Those car rides home turned into a long and loving marriage that began on July 8th, 1967.

Pam is survived by her loving husband, Terry Vadnais; her children, Victoria (Tara) Vadnais, Scott (Christina) Vadnais, Angela (Allen) Steiner and Melissa (Brian) Wilson; her grandchildren, Kathleen Vadnais-Peckman, Karly Jepsen, Clay Peckman, Thomas Vadnais, Nick Vadnais, Cole Peckman, Emma Steiner, Shelby Vadnais, George Steiner, Dylan Wilson, Daulton Wilson, Terrick Wilson, and Keagan Wilson; her greatgrandchildren, Isabella Peckman, Mikella Jepsen, Alicen Planque, Crosby Jepsen, Ava Vadnais, Charlotte Planque, Everett Jepsen, Eliza Vadnais, Emmett Planque, Declan Peckman, Charlie Peckman, Reagan Jepsen, Patrick Peckman, Griffin Peckman and Nikko Diaz; her sister, Penee (Jack) Spencer her brothers, Perry Pepin and Phil (Debbie) Pepin; brothers-in-law, Jerry Vadnais and Al Hansen, and her sisters-in-law, Sue (Jim) Crothers and Arlene Vadnais; and by many nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Visitation was on Thursday, March 16th with a prayer vigil at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass was held at 11:00am on Friday, March 17th at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements by Mueller Memorial, White Bear Lake.

Cynthia Westin Johnson

Cynthia Westin Johnson, WBHS Class of 1966, resident of Oakdale, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023, after a long illness. Preceded in death by parents, Harold & Dolores Westin, and sister Rosemary. She is survived by 4 children, 4 grandchildren, 2 sisters, and extended family.

Obituaries celebrate and honor unique lives.

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Email obits@presspubs.com

Call 651-407-1250

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Kathleen Burbach

Kathleen Ann Burbach, age 76, of White Bear Lake, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 in Baxter, MN. Kathy was born in St Paul on November 2, 1946 to Landon Garland, Jr & Evelyn Helen (Vadnais) Hamner. She married Conrad William Burbach and they had two sons.

Kathy is survived by her son, Mike (Jess) Burbach; aunt, Melody Bonniwell; grandchildren: Maurecia (Jordan) Groce, Jade (Kevin) Booker, Brandi Burbach, Kyle Wiese, Lindsey Dieter, Isabella Burbach, Eva Burbach and Landon Burbach; great-grandchildren: Zaidyn, Nathaniel, Khizyn, Maziuh, Jackson and Brielle; the Kolodziej cousins; and many other family and friends. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conrad; son, Jonathan.

A memorial service for Kathy will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1 PM at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, with visitation from 11 AM until the time of the service.

Chad R. Swanson

Chad R Swanson, age 49, left us too soon on March 24th, in Portland, OR.

Chad was born on January 8, 1974, in St. Paul, MN to Gary and Kathy Swanson. He is survived by his mother, Kathy Swanson and his twin brother, Scott (Janel) Swanson, niece Hannah, nephews Cole, Brody and Chace, and many relatives. He is preceded in death by his father, Gary Swanson, grandparents, and many friends.

Chad was loved and admired by many for his kindness, caring heart, and his generosity. He was always putting others before himself and looking out for others.

A memorial service is yet to be announced. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Chad’s life.

Major food shelf donation

White Bear Lake Rotarian Ken Galloway, chair of the 2023 BEAR’ly Open Golf Tournament on ice, reported proceeds amounting to $33,357 going to the White Bear Food Shelf from this year’s event. According to Galloway, the total allows food purchases in the amount of $266,856. This is the second-highest level in 16 years. The cumulative total is now $307,130, which has allowed the Food Shelf to purchase $2.45 million worth of food.

City participating in national ‘water-wise’ challenge

White Bear Lake Mayor Dan Louismet is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water by taking part in a national contest aimed at drastically reducing water and energy use across the nation.

The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is a nonprofit national community service campaign to see which cities can best inspire residents to commit to reduce water and energy usage by filling out a no-cost, online pledge that takes only one minute to complete.

To participate, go to mywaterpledge.com any time during the month of April to take a conservation pledge on behalf of the city of White Bear Lake. Participants in cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category are entered into drawings for hundreds of prizes.

“Water conservation,” said Mayor Louismet, “is integral for the sustainable management and preservation of our water resources. This friendly competition is a great way for the city and our residents to reaffirm our commitment to responsible stewardship of our resources. Something as simple as pledging to turn off a faucet while you brush your teeth can save up to 4 gallons of water a day.”

Press release

SCHOOL BRIEFS

Teacher/farmer recognized for service

Mahtomedi High School substitute teacher Jeff Young received recognition from the school board and his principal, Jeff Hahn, for outstanding service to district students and staff. A farmer in Massachusetts during summer vacation, Young has answered the call to teach at the high school for the past two years. “I always introduce him as ‘the nicest man on the planet,’ and I’m not exaggerating,” said Susan Decker, secretary to the principal. Young is highly regarded for his patience and work ethic, Decker said.

Learning showcase in May

The district held its latest Zephyr Learning Showcase to a great turnout prior to the March 23 school board meeting. “It is so impressive to see our kids come and showcase what they’re doing,” said Vice Chair Kelly Reagan. The next Zephyr Learning Showcase is scheduled for May 24 at 6:15 p.m.

Food drive at high school

The National Honor Society (NHS) is conducting a food drive for the Mahtomedi Area Food Shelf through April 10. Please drop off food items in the bin at the front entrance to the high school.

Zephyr girls basketball honors, leaders listed

Four members of Mahtomedi’s first-place girls basketball team were named to the all-Metro East team — senior guard Sonya Potthoff, junior guard Ella Kletti, sophomore forward Anna Greene and eighth-grade guard Mya Wilson.

The Zephyrs were 14-0 in the conference and 20-6 overall.

Potthoff averaged 14.3 points and 4.4 assists; Greene 13.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists; Wilson 13.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals; and Kletti 12.1 points and 2.4 steals. Meanwhile, Ella

Bears boys hockey leaders, awards listed

Frazier averaged 8.1 points, Sophia Peer led with 31 blocked shots and averaged 4.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, and Emily Muetzel averaged 8.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

Potthoff’s 101 assists were a team record. She finished her career ranking fourth in assists (231), first in free throw shooting (85.9 percent) and fourth in 3-point shooting (38.2 percent). Team records set this year were 70.0 points per game and 72.5 percent free throw shooting.

Bruce Strand

White Bear Lake’s conference champion team had five allconference picks, headed by Nolan Roed, named team Most Valuable Player, and Joe Belisle, named conference Defenseman of the Year. The Bears were 20-6 overall and 10-2 in the Suburban East Conference.

Named all-SEC squad were senior forwards Aiden Welch and Brady Borgestad, senior defenseman Belisle, junior forward Roed, and sophomore goalie Leo Gabriel. Honorable mentions went to seniors Grady Gallatin and Charlie Olsen, and sophomores Jack Stanius and Will Distad. Other team awards went to Gabriel (top rookie), sophomore Noah Norman (most improved), senior Michael Delaney (most determined), Gallatin (leadership) and Belisle (Herb Brooks). Top scorers (goals-assistspoints) were Roed (24-31-55), Welch (21-30-51), Stanius (11-22-33), Borgestad (13-19-32), Belisle (8-16-24) and Olsen (10-10-20). Gabriel posted a .904 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against. Roed also led in scoring last year with 19-21-40.

Bruce Strand

Municipalities impacted by court order seek relief

Louismet said he is asking for relief from the Legislature to “allow our city to continue to pump water from the ground for our residents, schools and businesses, as we have for decades.

“The broader question,” he continued, “is why a need to make this plea? The answer lies in the outcomes of that decade-long litigation. We believe the ruling threatens our ability to provide drinking water.”

supply plans to apply for appropriation permits and prove the natural resource is not negatively impacted. “What we like about this bill is it starts to set up a responsible process. We want to be good stewards, but we think and we know the rules and directives outlined in that court order are not helpful and, in many ways, are not responsible.”

ST. PAUL — Cities within a 5-mile radius of White Bear Lake are looking for relief from court-ordered restrictions impacting their water supplies, and area legislators have teamed up to provide it.

If passed into law, bipartisan bills HF2304 and SF2047 would accomplish three objectives: allow Lake Elmo to drill a new municipal well, something the DNR has denied the city; place a four-year moratorium on reductions to water-use permits for communities impacted by the 2017 court ruling; and establish a working group to explore options to supply safe water to cities while ensuring sustainability of White Bear Lake levels.

In that ruling almost six years ago, District Court Judge (now retired) Margaret Marrinan ordered the DNR to amend the volume of groundwater pumped from the aquifer for permit holders within 5 miles of the lake in an effort to protect elevation. The issue caused an uproar among the 17 well owners, who are still contesting the amendments.

Both bills request a $3 million appropriation in 2024 to form the White Bear Lake Area Water-Use Work Group. Funding would go to the Metropolitan Council to develop a plan to ensure area communities have access to sufficient, safe drinking water to allow for municipal growth and, at the same time, ensure sustainability of surface and groundwater resources for future generations.

The working group would have four years to develop a comprehensive plan that includes ways to conserve and recharge groundwater, convert groundwater supplies to total or partial surface water sources and find ways to reduce groundwater use, along with policy and funding recommendations. The group would have until June 30, 2027 to

provide a report to House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources finance and policy.

Sen. Judy Seeberger co-authored SF2047 with area Sens. Heather Gustafson and Karin Housley.

Seeberger is a DFLer who represents District 41, which includes Lake Elmo. She testified before the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee last month with two mayors and a city administrator who endorse the legislation.

“Cities were given conflicting directives from the state,” as a result of the court ruling, Seeberger told the committee. “On one hand, cities were encouraged to grow, providing more housing choices and economic development, but then told they may not have access to water resources to support that growth. This happened to Lake Elmo. The court drew a 5-mile circle around White Bear Lake that includes a well from Lake Elmo. Unfortunately, the only clean aquifer the city can access that isn’t contaminated with PFAS is within that circle.”

The senator explained that to meet the demand for growth mandated by the Metropolitan Council, Lake Elmo has to pump more water than the 260 million gallons the DNR allows. When asked for a permit to pump the level of water needed for residents, the DNR told Lake Elmo ‘no,’ and said their hands were tied because of the court order, she said.

“No one wants to unduly affect the level of White Bear Lake,” Seeberger continued. “Everyone seems to agree the circle was arbitrary on the part of the judge and has no correlation to aquifers that exist within that circle. Studies show the city of Woodbury has more effect on White Bear Lake than any communities inside that circle.”

White Bear Lake Mayor Dan

The mayor contends the city cannot comply with a reduced appropriation permit. “White Bear Lake uses 78 gallons of water per day per person. To comply with the judge’s order, it’s conceivable the city would be required to reduce water consumption to 55 gallons of residential use. We believe that level is unattainable. The city has already made great strides in water conservation, long before litigation began.”

Calling the water supply issue “an unfortunate problem to find ourselves in,” Hugo City Administrator Bryan Bear told the Senate committee he doesn’t disagree that good, responsible water policy is important in the state and the northeast metro. “The problem for us was this lawsuit,” he said. “The court didn’t order the DNR to come up with policy to solve the problem (with White Bear Lake water levels), but ordered the DNR specifically what to do. So the DNR started changing our permits, and we expect they will change again.”

Bear reminded committee members that cities must have approved water

Asked by committee member Sen. Nathan Wesenberg if the judge ruled on something she didn’t have expertise on, Louismet replied, “that is our position. Frankly, we think the court got it wrong. There is competing theory to what the judge ruled as to the source of why the lake level is low.”

In closing, Seeberger called the situation for Lake Elmo and White Bear Lake “dire.” She asked that the bill not be laid over but move on to the next committee to provide relief as soon as possible.

The committee agreed and rereferred the bill to the state and local government committee. Since there is an appropriation, it must go through a finance committee before reaching the Senate floor. The companion bill in the House, co-authored by Reps. Peter Fischer, Brion Curran, Patti Anderson and Elliott Engen, also passed its first committee hearing and is before the Ways and Means committee. If passed, it goes to the full House for a vote.

Waiting Child

Darian,14, is talkative, outgoing, helpful and funny. He enjoys cooking, playing video games, dodgeball, fishing, dirt biking, and four-wheeling. Darian would like to live in a rural community with a “country style” atmosphere. He loves animals and has a dog that he is hoping to take with him to his adoptive home. Darian would do best in a home where he is the only child. Following adoption, Darian would need to maintain contact with his siblings and birthparents.

BRUCE STRAND

Sonya Potthoff

BRUCE STRAND Nolan Roed

Mayor Dan Louismet City Administrator Bryan Bear

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Sen. Judy Seeberger

State-of-the-art: Bears debut indoor track facility

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

With spring sports otherwise on hold due to a late winter, White Bear Lake was able to host two memorable track meets this past week in a new facility that is, in a word, fabulous.

Both the Bear boys and girls had small meets in the White Bear Lake Fieldhouse, a cavernous indoor complex on the North Campus with an orange Mondo oval track surrounding three basketball courts, pole vault and high jump setups inside the track, and a long jump pit in the corner. Shot put was held on the second floor.

“We are so grateful and lucky to have an indoor track facility like this one,” said Brianna Seibel, co-head coach of the girls team with Hannah Hensley. “We’ve had the ability to practice and train indoors since the first day of the season, and I think that’s already made a huge difference in our preparedness for competition.”

There’s also a new outdoor stadium south of the school with a 10-lane track with the same surface used at the Olympics. The first scheduled event there is April 13.

“It is the most state-of-the-art track facility in the state,” said Brian Peloquin, activities director. “Once it’s all said and done, we will also have a secondary stadium where Price Field used to be that will also have a state of the art, eight-lane track.“

The new facility comes from a $326 million building bond request that passed in 2019. “At the time, it was the largest bond referendum in the

history of the state,” Peloquin said.

“The indoor track, field house, weight room, and auxiliary gym is an incredible facility for the White Bear Lake athletes, especially this year with the bad weather and snow,” Tom Paulson, longtime Bear boys coach, stated. “The athletes and coaches are able to experience a great teaching environment, thanks to the community.”

“We love the new facility,” Luke Williams, Bears distance running star said. “It is great for practice when it is cold and snowing. It’s fun to have indoor track meets at home.”

The facility has already been used for track, baseball, softball, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, golf, archery, pickleball and floor hockey, Peloquin said.

In the two inaugural events last week, Mounds View, Mahtomedi, Hudson, and Roseville were the guests at the girls meet, while the boys hosted Forest Lake and Roseville. They were unscored meets that provided an opportunity to suit up and run against other teams on the brand-new track.

The Bears have multiple invitationals on the schedule this season —  boys invitationals on April 13 (a relay meet with all 10 conference schools), April 29 and May 4, and a grade 9-10 meet May 11, along with girls invitationals April 20 and April 29 and a JV meet on May 2. Next spring, the Bears will host the Suburban East Conference meet.

“Moving forward,” Peloquin said, “we have a goal of being the host site for the MSHSL state track meet.”

Beckler caps hoops career with stellar season at Carleton College

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Jeremy Beckler closed out a prodigious MIAC basketball career with Carleton College this winter by leading the Knights to their best season in a century and earning AllAmerica honors.

“My career highlight is easily being a part of the best team in Carleton history my senior year,” said the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter from White Bear Lake.

“We set the singleseason win record, won the outright MIAC regular season championship for the first time in 100 years, and

we won the MIAC tournament to get a ticket to the NCAA tournament.”

Beckler, an inside-outside threat, averaged 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He made 62 of 150 three-point attempts (41.3 percent) while hitting 51.3 percent overall and 83.5 percent on free shots.

While ranking 11th in the nation in scoring, he was the only D-III player to average more than 20 points and five rebounds while shooting at least 50 percent overall, 40 percent on three’s and 80 percent on free shots.

Carleton finished 24-4 with a first-round loss to St. Norbert’s (Wisconsin) in the NCAA-III playoffs. The Knights were 17-3 in the MIAC regular season and won the playoffs as well, capped by an 86-76 win over St. John’s, with Beckler scoring 35 points in his final home game.

The Knights were outright champions of the MIAC for the first time since 1923. Their last two titles in 2006 and 2011 were shared with St. Thomas.

Beckler averaged 16.7 points as a junior and 17.2 points as a freshman. He had no sophomore season due to the pandemic. While he could have played another year after graduation due to missing that season, he opted not to.

Coach Ryan Kershaw praised Becker for having “a profound impact” on the Carleton hoops program.

“He is one of the most talented offensive players the MIAC has seen in the past 20 years. His size, skill and versatility, coupled with his

David Wolsfeld capped his Mahtomedi hockey career with a state team championship and receiving the Herb Brooks Award, which goes to the state tournament player best representing the values and characteristics of the great coach. Over the last two seasons, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound forward logged 33 goals and 59 assists (102 points) in 55 games. Coach Jeff Poeschl praised Wolsfeld as an explosive, highly-skilled scorer with a quick shot, the team’s best face-off player, and an excellent leader with a commanding presence despite a soft-spoken personality. “He is able to assess what the team needs and that is where he directs his focus,” Poeschl said.

basketball intelligence, were critical components to our team success.”

With a humble demeanor and a “team-first ethos” that endears him to teammates and coaches, Becker was, Kershaw said, Carleton’s version of San Antonio Spur great Tim Duncan. “It is quite a luxury as a coach when your most talented player also happens to be your most coachable player.”

Becker, a 2019 graduate, scored 1,315 points at White Bear Lake, ranking No. 3 all-time. He scored 1,438 points at Carleton in 76 games. That’s No. 8 alltime, though he only played three seasons.

“From high school, I further developed my outside shooting. I also became much stronger on the inside to go against much stronger big men,” said Beckler, who carries 225 pounds on his 6-8 frame.

These two improvements enabled Beckler to choose which style to play in any given game.

“If I felt like I had a major advantage in the paint, I would post up and attack more. If I had a defender on me that could not keep up with me on the arc, that is where I would be taking shots.”

Beckler is a computer science major with a goal of becoming a software engineer. He was named to the NABC Honors Court in 2022. He was selected for a 10-week off-campus study program at Cambridge in England. He’s ready to go to work.

“It is a sad thought that I am officially done with my competitive basketball career,” Beckler said. “But, I am ready for the next steps in life and I will for sure be playing basketball for a very long time for fun.”

Katelyn Porter of the Bears leads the pack early in the 800-meter race at the new White Bear Lake Field house. The Mahtomedi runner is Brooke Erickson. The other runners were from Roseville and Hudson.

While Bear Lake’s Blessing Adebesi clears the bar in the high jump event.

BRUCE STRAND

Jeremy Beckler was an insideoutside threat, averaging 22.3 points for Carleton.

David Wolsfeld

New roofs for school buildings

The roofing replacement for buildings around the district is moving forward, after the board unanimously awarded the contract to three different roofing contractors for six district buildings. District officials divided the bidding process to allow contractors to bid on the buildings individually. The winning bids on buildings are as follows: Berwald Roofing will reroof the district’s ancillary buildings for $35,800. Palmer Wolf Construction will reroof the District Education Center (DEC) for $1,167,600; Mahtomedi High School for 4,983,000; Mahtomedi Middle School for 2,434,000 and Wildwood Elementary for $1,439,800. Peterson Brothers Roofing will reroof O. H. Anderson Elementary for $2,190,225. The total award for all location amounts to $12,250,425. This amount will be paid for with insurance claim money and LTFM bonds.

To pay for the districtwide roofing project, the district will issue $3.8 million in general obligation facilities maintenance bonds, Series 2023A, Jodie Zesbaugh of Ehlers Public Finance Advisors said in her presentation. The proposed issue will finance deferred facilities maintenance projects included in the district’s 10-year long-term facilities maintenance (LTFM) plan, approved by the Commissioner of Education. The roof replacement is a large portion of that LTFM plan. Debt service for paying off the bonds will be paid for using property tax levies and an annual $400,000 in state aid received as part of the LTFM program. The bonds will be issued for a period of 14 years, 9 months, and cover 14 annual levies. The bonds will be sold during the morning of April 27, the date of the next regular meeting. The results of the sale will

be announced during the meeting that evening. The estimated closing date of the bond sale will be May 18.

The board approved donations and grants totaling $74,174.78 from February. Highlights include $17,302.99 from the Parent Teacher Organization for gym equipment and supplies for Wildwood Elementary, $12,904.80 from Snap Mobile Inc. for the boys golf fundraiser and $10,939 from private parties for the boys hockey fundraiser. These donations don’t include all the time volunteers put in on behalf of the district, Director Lucy Payne said, before thanking community members for everything they donate to the district.

Due to the absence of Jeff Priess, director of finance and operations, the board tabled action on the 202324 school year general fund budget assumptions. A presentation, followed by approval, will take place at the next available meeting.

On March 16, Modeling a Protein Story (MAPS) focused on insulin and insulin-related proteins, and O. H. Anderson Elementary celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on March 23, Barb Duffrin said in her superintendent’s report. During the 916 Career and Technology visit on March 23, leaders met with Mahtomedi students enrolled in programs focusing on animal science, engine technology, law enforcement, information technology and health services, she said. In the legislative portion of her report, Duffrin noted the universal free school meals bill signed into law.

The board next meets at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in the District Center Community Room, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Loretta Harding