While an ice angler tries to catch some of the last fish of the season, Noel and Jozsef Hegedus soak up some sun at a picnic shelter along the pedestrian and bike path along Lake Avenue near the White Bear Lake VFW. The Birchwood residents got some exercise by walking from home along South Shore Blvd to their destination. Near record breaking warm temperatures are predicted for Wednesday, quickening the melting rate of the lake ice and snow pack.
ST. PAUL — The Corridor Management Committee got a firsthand look at a possible new route for the Purple Line.
Electric buses would use White Bear Avenue in the rapid transit project, bypassing the Bruce Vento Trail. The alternative was first presented by Ramsey County to Maplewood City Council and its special task force in late March but the map wasn’t yet available (see “New twist to Purple Line,” March 29, 2023).
Ramsey County’s Deputy
WHITE BEAR LAKE — Due to allegedly “egregious actions” by its former gambling manager, White Bear Lake Hockey Association said it had no choice but to sue her.
“Her unlawful and tortious actions have not only intentionally and willfully harmed the association, and thereby its 800 youth who participate in its nonprofit programming, but will continue to irreparably harm the association,” read a lawsuit filed April 3 in Ramsey County District Court, six days after Christine Olson abruptly quit.
It wasn’t until after Olson’s resignation that the board of directors learned she had been planning her resignation and “the demise of the nonprofit’s gambling revenue for months,” according to the complaint. That’s when the board discovered Olson, 54, had formed her own company, Minnesota Gambling Consultants LLC, six months earlier. The company, which has the same address as Olson’s Hugo residence, is named co-defendant.
Shortly before her resignation, questionable conduct by Olson relating to a new bingo hall came to light, followed by false claims about her compensation and disregard of board directives, causing the relationship to deteriorate, alleged the
Project Manager Stephen Smith said the transit route will remain the same south of Maryland Avenue but will use White Bear Avenue to the Maplewood Transit Station going north. The roadway will accommodate dedicated lanes within the existing public right of way to Beam Avenue, avoiding running buses alongside the popular trail that uses the rail corridor.
Calling the alternative Phase II of the route modification study, Met Council and county staff have begun the process to evaluate the new alignment, Smith
said. Phase I, which is the route that includes the Bruce Vento is still on the table, but “shelved for now,” he told the committee.
“We need to bring phase II to the same level as the Bruce Vento Trail alignment to understand tradeoffs between the two,” Smith continued. “There’s a lot we don’t know about the White Bear Avenue alignment, but we are excited to learn more.”
As the draft route shows, Vadnais Heights and Century College to the north are part of the study. “We still have
SEE PURPLE LINE, PAGE 2
FROM PAGE 1
to look at their viability, they won’t go away,” Smith said. There is also the matter of a northern terminus station for the Purple Line, which remains undecided. Three end points are being considered now that White Bear Lake is out of the picture: Vadnais Heights, the Maplewood transit center or Century College.
Committee Member Erik Goebel, Vadnais Heights City Council, stressed that his city is “very interested in getting more transit options. Those who didn’t want the Purple Line have been replaced on the council,” he said. “Our City Council is now interested in transit.”
The high-density, lower-income corridor along County Road D in Vadnais Heights especially needs to be connected to bus rapid transit, Goebel added. St. Paul City Council Member Nelsie Yang, said she supports the realignment onto White Bear Avenue. She encouraged project staff to consider safety first for bikers and walkers along the busy avenue, noting Hillcrest Golf Course is being developed, adding 1,000 new households. “White Bear Avenue has to be in the best shape possible,” she said.
Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, vice chair of the corridor committee, said she is optimistic about the alternative route. “Not only because of the Bruce Vento Trail, but who we will be serving (along White Bear Avenue). It does mean there will be change and data will tell us if this is viable. We will deal with the extension of time).”
Headed by Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, the committee includes elected officials and community leaders appointed by the council to advise on design and construction of the Purple Line. The April 6 meeting is the fourth time the committee has met. Their next meeting will be sometime in June. For more, see www.metrotransit. org/purple-line-project-committees.
“I threw my back out and was home alone. A therapy specialist was sent to come and get me. I never heard of such service, most importantly, I could stand up straight after 4 visits!”
“The Carlson Clinic is top notch, caring and considerate. The therapy plan treatments have reduced pain and increased my mobility considerably. Thanks to all of you, you really make a difference!”
“Sarah and Co. have made going to the dentist something I no longer fear.”
Margaret Ford, mayor of the city of Birchwood Village, has been fined $250 by the state of Minnesota for failing to file a timely initial campaign financial report.
According to court documents, Ford announced her candidacy for mayor as a write-in candidate on Oct. 2, 2022. Candidates are required
to file an initial campaign financial report within 14 days after exceeding $750 in campaign contributions or expenditures. The campaign had disbursements of more than $750 by Oct. 20 when campaign officials ordered campaign materials and paid for website fees; therefore, a financial report should have been filed by Nov.
3. The report was filed on Nov. 17. The complaint, along with others, was filed against the Campaign to Elect Margaret Ford by James Nelson, a Birchwood resident and 2022 mayoral candidate. In a prehearing conference, Ford campaign representatives acknowledged they did not file a timely financial report. A
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panel of judges led by presiding Judge James E. LaFave decided to impose the $250 penalty for failing to file the initial campaign financial report within 14 days after exceeding $750 in campaign expenditures. The other complaints were dismissed.
Time is running out to claim your tax credit of up to $26,000 per employee.
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is one of the best kept secrets around and was recently expanded to benefit more businesses. Even if you received a PPP loan, you can still qualify for this federal Covid-19 benefit.
As you read through this week’s paper you may have noticed the balloon floating through the pages. We are asking you to take notice and subscribe.
Balloons invoke a feeling of celebration and can bring a smile. Balloons expand and grow, and can even travel long distances - just like in the book “The Red Balloon” where it travels the streets of Paris. In this week’s paper the balloon as a metaphor to remind you our local newspaper expands and grows your knowledge and allows you to travel through your community. If you find that the paper helps you in this way, we ask for your support with a subscription. Readers are the backbone of our paper, and those who subscribe help keep the paper viable.
To help simplify the process, we have been using a QR code that takes readers to the subscription site. Today we are seeing a solid percentage of our subscribers using the online subscription system. We are also providing an envelope in this week’s paper for those who prefer to mail in a payment. Please remember it can take up to three weeks to start receiving the hard copy of the paper.
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Digital and cloud storage
What ever happened to the family photo album? We have albums and photo boxes filled with family photos that have been printed over the years. My cell phone and icloud host thousands more, and I have more digital files stored on DVD, jump drives and hard drives. Recently I received a notice from a digital photo service that stores photos for free that my files may be deleted if I didn’t make an annual purchase. I began to wonder how many vendors I have stored photos with and how do I retrieve them? With my cell phone being my primary camera now, can I be certain that everything I think is stored on the cloud actually is? Photos taken on social media platforms adds a whole other element, and are those stored somewhere? What if the platform changes or shuts down? Technology keeps changing, and it’s confusing how to best archive photos and other important documents digitally.
Perhaps some technologies are too good to be true, like totally free digital cloud storage. Our local IT company explained to me how many start-up cloud servers have gone by the wayside because they have been displaced by tech giants. I’m beginning to think the best way to ensure my photos aren’t lost is to go back to storing them on jump drives, and keeping an extra copy with a family member or in a safe or safety deposit box. Double check where your photos and documents are being stored. It seems advisable to back up in multiple ways, as it is hard to keep up with the speed of technology and know which companies are guaranteed to be around.
Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.
Have you noticed neighbors tapping their maples this spring? Or do you know someone who started growing some of their own food, or started a small flock of backyard chickens in the last few years?
If you answered yes, you’re in good company.
An estimated 18 million claimed themselves as new gardeners in 2021 according to the National Gardening Association. And an estimated 13 million Americans (that’s 5% of the population) now raises chickens according to the USDA.
If you are one of my neighbors who has started learning these or similar skills, welcome to the wonderful world of homesteading!
Having been an earth-loving garden girl and backyard chicken keeper for decades I’ve enjoyed watching others join the homesteading journey. For some people this looks like buying from a farmers market or joining a CSA. Some start herb gardens or make swaps in
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their home cleaning and bath and body products. It could be air drying clothes or choosing locally and humanely raised meats. The journey looks unique to each family, and that’s part of the beauty- plus part of the overall solution to living more sustainably wherever we are.
My husband and I searched for land and hobby farms for years even as we were building our own suburban homestead. And I’m so glad we stayed put and slowly built our dream home right where we are. Living in White Bear Lake we have great neighbors and a thriving community that values connection and gives us the chance to support each other in so many ways. We share tools and supplies, produce, hard work and –maybe most importantly –ideas for what works best for us in our exact locations.
As we look towards celebrating Earth Day next week, let’s consider all the things we can do right where we are. There is so much more to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle when we dig a little deeper.
And because the most sustainable item is the one you already have, I have heard so many stories about mending clothing, upcycling all sorts of items and even re-using food
containers to start seeds. There is truly a revival of people searching for skills that our grandparents maybe didn’t know or never taught us, and we have many resources around us to help.
Marine Mills Folk School – classes on everything from basket weaving to bread baking Ramsey County Master Gardeners – researched garden ‘How To’ for our area White Bear Lake Library – So many books on skills we want to learn, and our own Seed Library
WBL Community Services – Adult Education classes on everything from gardening to cooking Modern day homesteading is taking place in more and more urban and suburban settings. I challenge you to add your home to this wave and try one new skill during April, this earth month.
Michelle Bruhn is founder of Forks in the Dirt. She’s a local food advocate, Ramsey County Master Gardener, Educator, and Coauthor of the book, SmallScale Homesteading. Available at Lake Country Booksellers and Sassafras Health Foods in White Bear Lake, and wherever books are sold.
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I would like to thank Debra Neutkens and the entire White Bear Press staff for the front-page article “Remembering Vietnam 50 years later” in the April 5 edition. I, too, am a Vietnam Veteran (U.S. Air Force 1968-1972 and Air Force Reserve, 1983-2005). I was at Phan Rang Air Base from March to October, 1970. Between myself and my six brothers, the oldest two were in the Army, the next one was in the Coast Guard, the next two were in the Navy, I was Air Force and the youngest was a Marine, and also served in Vietnam in 1969. Three of us, including me, enlisted and left home within three weeks of each other. I left on May 15, my older brother on May 16, and the younger one in early June 1968 (a week after graduating from North St. Paul High School).
I would also like to second Dave Adams’ words about welcoming home Vietnam Veterans. Whenever I see a Vietnam Vet wearing the green, yellow and red ribbon, patch or pin proclaiming their pride as a Vietnam Veteran, I take the opportunity to say “Welcome Home.”
I would also like to take the opportunity to let all Vietnam Veterans, as well as the entire White Bear Lake community, know about “The Wall that Heals.” This is a three-quarter size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “The Wall,” in Washington, D.C., that travels to communities across the United States. Unlike some of the metal copies of The Wall, this is made of artificial granite. The names of casualties are engraved, as on The Wall in D.C. It will be coming to St. Thomas Academy over Memorial Day weekend, May 25 to 29. It is free and open to the public 24 hours per day. They need lots of volunteers for everything from setup, traffic control and helping visitors locate names to take-down. For more information or to volunteer, call St. Thomas Academy, or go to www.cadets.com/who-we-are/events/the-wall-thatheals, then scroll down to “Volunteer.”
John Parenteau White Bear LakeSpring is finally coming and will lead us right into Slow Mow May. The city of Vadnais Heights once again will allow residents on private property, on a voluntary basis, to participate in sustainable lawn practices that will help our pollinators as they start to emerge in May. As we learn more about best practices to help reverse the dramatic decline in our pollinator populations, No Mow May has turned into Slow Mow May. Minnesota’s state bee, the rusty patched bumblebee, was listed as federally endangered back in 2017. As our pollinators decline, there is a domino effect on other species and our food sources.
Slow Mow May is one strategy where people mow less often during the month of May to allow low-growing flowering plants like violets, clovers and dandelions to proliferate, which helps attract pollinators. You may also hear the term Low Mow Summer, which is an effort to help our pollinators beyond just May. Some great ideas for a more sustainable yard are to replace turf with fine fescue, incorporate plants such as clover and thyme, and plant more native trees/shrubs and flowering plants. This transformation with your lawn is not only a pollinator’s delight, but leads to a reduced need for mowing, watering and chemicals. The council had a thoughtful dialogue at its meeting trying to balance various opinions as to what makes up a lawn; conventional or native. I am grateful that the council is allowing residents to decide for themselves what each of us considers beautiful when it comes to our lawns.
Judy Lissick Vadnais HeightsIt’s bad enough that the state Legislature has already spent the huge surplus in the state treasury that should have been returned to the hardworking taxpayers of the state, but now we are going to pay $17,000 per month so the governor can live in a luxurious lakeside mansion for 18 months while the official residence in St. Paul is being renovated. That’s $42,000 per year more than the governor’s salary. The state could have purchased a $300,000 house and had something of value to sell at the end of the 18 months. That’s something an individual taxpayer might do, and that makes too much sense. Maybe that’s why we are the fifth-highest taxed state only behind California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Oregon. Grab your wallets and pocketbooks, Minnesota.
Bill Kolesar White Bear LakeWhen the DFL party wants more revenue from the taxpayer, we are told the rich should pay their fair share. When Sen. Gustafson sponsored the free lunches for all students, her comment was even the well off should get a break. Now every man, woman, and child will pay an additional $40 (that is the minimum) per year. Will Sen. Gustafson stand up against her party when voting on a $0.75 per retail delivery charge, a 0.75% metro sales tax increase, a 0.375% increase on motor vehicle sales tax, an increase on the cost of a driver’s license, and extending value of vehicles when purchasing license tab fees? Sen. Gustafson has voted for every DFL bill that has passed in the Legislature. The repeal of the Social Security tax has not been passed and most likely may be a very minimal amount. Even commonsense amendments to various bills were voted against. Maybe she will stand up against her party when it comes time to vote on these various revenue streams? As she said, we can all use a break.
Rae Jwanouskos White Bear LakeTwo days and 55 years after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was cut down by an assassin on a Memphis motel balcony, the state of Tennessee has once more renewed its historic status as a place of national shame and disgrace.
On April 6, the Tennessee General Assembly voted by a supermajority to expel state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for the simple act of peacefully protesting gun violence on the floor of the legislative body.
By this act, Tennessee becomes a caricature of tinpot dictatorship. It also seemingly forgot an important lesson from 57 years ago when the Georgia Senate refused to seat a young Julian Bond based on his views about the Vietnam War.
It took a unanimous decision by Chief Justice Earl Warren of the U. S. Supreme Court to rule for state Sen. Bond and the First Amendment rights of state elected officials. Bond took his seat.
But Tennessee has no use for history. It expelled Reps. Jones and Pearson.
Its stated justification for the expulsion of Reps. Jones and Pearson is the specious claim that they (and a white colleague) committed acts of “insurrection” by vocalizing their demands for sensible gun regulation after the senseless killing of six fellow Tennesseans at a Nashville Christian school.
Among the dead are three 9-year old children, two of their teachers and a custodian.
Unable to grapple with the momentous implications of the aftermath of that tragedy, and incapable of mustering any public policy rationale for the ongoing support of free access to weapons of war, Tennessee Republicans chose to use the power of expulsion to silence members who placed the blame for this massacre and future tragedies at the feet of the General Assembly.
Lacking an adequate argument for the bankruptcy of their immanent policy failures in the face of persistent gun violence, the Tennessee Republican party leadership has chosen the reliable and best weapon of the autocrat and the despot: the silencing of political opponents.
The Tennessee General Assembly shows us today that more than lives are taken by acts of irrational gun violence.
We now see gun violence can also very easily try to kill democracy.
Albert Turner Goins Sr. White Bear Lake
The Press inadvertently published the wrong version of George Kimball’s letter in the April 5 edition. Following is the correct version. We apologize for the error.
In response to “Where are the pastors?” letter of March 22, a number of bizarre and upside-down points were made.
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 decisions regarding their own bodies — freedoms and liberties granted in the Constitution and tragically erased in a Supreme Court ruling. I am personally opposed to abortion, and every pro-choice person I know would like to see abortions reduced to
a minimum. However, this is a country based on personal freedoms, with religious influence specifically outlawed in the First Amendment. Unlike the letter writers, I respect our founding principles.
Next, pastors are asked to “come for” America’s public school system, including teachers for daring to acknowledge (not encourage) a student’s right to communicate their thoughts and feelings. What’s next? Will the zealots ask pastors to “come for” all gay and lesbian students, and call for jail and prison terms for all non-traditional students and citizens, as is done in a small number of backward thirdworld countries? Will they work to expunge the 19th Amendment and lobby to have each state decide if women should vote?
Finally, pastors are asked to “come for” educators and schools that have “critical race theory” in their curriculum. News flash! There isn’t any such thing, not in the outrageous meaning these folks imagine. Our history has examples of white European descendants treating minorities (and women) in horrific ways. We know that. And this should be taught along with all chapters in our history. Nobody has a curriculum that attempts to instill guilt and ridicule onto individuals living today. Nobody is even suggesting it.
As long as extreme far-right religious minorities continue to gain influence over Congress, state legislatures and school boards, the opportunity for students to gain access to birth control and thereby reduce abortions, and the opportunity for students to learn all of our history, unfiltered and in context, is in jeopardy.
The pastors I know believe in and ask us to emulate Jesus. You know, the one who preached “love thy neighbor.” They aren’t interested in “coming to get” anyone.
George KimballBack on March 29, 1973, the last U.S. troops were removed from combat and the country of Vietnam.
This March 29, 2023, VFW Post 1782, White Bear Lake, conducted a 15 minute program to honor all veterans who faithfully and honorably served in Vietnam during those many years of war. In addition, pictures and military affiliation of the 7 men from White Bear Lake who never made it home were honored, as well.
As you can imagine, the program stirred many suppressed emotions of the 30+ Vietnam veterans in attendance.
The article titled, “Remembering Vietnam 50 years later”, written by staff writer, Debra Neutkens, was the best summary, along with pictures of a short 15 minute program, I have ever read. The article absolutely hit the target by summarizing the stories, both the speakers’ stories, and the stories of the fear and courage they saw in their fellow soldiers’ faces. It was next best to being present.
Thank you, Debra, for your continued coverage of all VFW events. If we don’t conduct these events, and you don’t cover these events, how would we know of the human sacrifices and human coverage our military personnel possess?
Job well done! Hooah!
Jerry Briggs Program Coordinator, VFW Post 1782The following selected incidents were reported by the White Bear Lake Police Department:
• O fficers responded to a report of alleged theft of cash from the register by an employee at a gas station in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue. The investigation is ongoing.
• A ssault was reported in the 3500 block of Century Avenue March 29.
• O fficers responded to noise complaints in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road and the 1800 block of Fifth Street March 29.
• T heft was reported in the 4800 block of White Bear Parkway March 29.
• Suspicious activity was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road March 30.
• A nose disturbance was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue March 30.
• O fficers mediated a dispute in the 2400 block of Floral Drive March 30.
• O fficers helped dispatch a sick raccoon in the 4700 block of Carolyn Avenue March 30.
• O fficers responded to a complaint of juveniles on motorized scooters in the 4700 block of Washington Square March 30.
O fficers responded to a dispute in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive March 31.
• O fficers mediated a dispute in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue March 31.
• H arassment was reported in the 1500 block of Fifth Street March 31.
• A complaint about a barking dog in the 4800 block of Debra Street was made March 31.
• A d river was arrested for DWI and assaulting an officer March 31 when she was pulled over at a gas station in the 1800 block of County Road F following a complaint called in for erratic driving.
• T heft was reported in the 1400 block of Highway 96 March 31.
• O fficers responded to a domestic situation in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue April 1.
• A woman was arrested for criminal vehicular operation April 1 after she was involved in an accident at Interstate 694 and White Bear Avenue and was found to be impaired.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais Heights
• A North St. Paul man, 40, was arrested on a Washington County felony warrant March 13 at a hotel in the 1100 block of County Road E and transferred to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
• W hite Bear Lake Mitsubishi in the 3400 block of Highway 61 on March 16 reported criminal damage to a rental vehicle loaned out to a customer whose own vehicle was in the repair shop. After the customer refused requests to return the vehicle, an investigation determined that the case was a civil matter.
• A resident in the 4200 block of Bridgewood Terrace reported a fraudulent check written from her account March 17 and deposited via mobile phone and honored by her bank. The bank has agreed to reverse charges. The case is under investigation.
• A Blaine woman reported a purse stolen from the back seat of her unlocked vehicle March 17 as it was parked in a business lot in the 900 block of County Road E while she was in the store. No suspect
• Suspicious activity was reported in the 3600 block of Auger Avenue April 1.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 4800 block of Cook Avenue April 1.
• O fficers responded to a noise complaint in the 1800 block of Fifth Street April 1.
• A W hite Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI after a traffic stop near Rishworth Lane and White Bear Avenue April 3.
• O fficers responded to a suspicious person who knocked on the door of a residence in the 3900 block of Van Dyke Street April 3.
• O fficers responded to a dispute in the 2000 block of Dotte Drive April 3.
• C riminal damage to property was reported April 3 in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue.
• Items were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 1300 block of Highway 96 April 3. The suspects were driving a vehicle stolen out of Minneapolis.
• T respassing and disorderly conduct was reported in the 4700 block of Bald Eagle Avenue April 3.
• H arassment was reported in the 2300 block of Roth Place April 3.
• O fficers assisted in removing a raccoon from the 4600 block of Otter Lake Road April 3. A vehicle in the 1800 block of Birch Street was tampered with April 3.
• T heft was reported in the 3100 block of Century Avenue April 3.
• A W hite Bear Lake man was arrested for driving with a canceled license after being pulled over in the 4600 block of Highway 61 April 3.
• O fficers responded to juvenile incidents in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue April 4.
• C riminal damage to property was reported in the 1700 block of Linden Curve April 4.
• T wo yard signs were stolen from an address in the 3600 block of Bellaire Avenue April 4.
• O fficers responded to a dispute in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road April 4. O fficers assisted with a vehicle fire in the 3900 block of White Bear Avenue April 4.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Grant
• Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched out to the 10000 block of 69th Street N. at 7:39 p.m. March 15 on a report of a married couple having a dispute over a vehicle.
• A n unidentified motorist was arrested for DWI at 8:13 p.m. March 17 in the area of 75th Street N. and Jamaca Avenue N. after deputies on patrol observed a speeding vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
Mahtomedi
• A vehicle parked in the 300 block of Hallam Avenue S. received a parking ticket under its windshield wipers at 6:16 a.m. March 12 after deputies on patrol in the early hours spotted a vehicle with Minnesota plates parked in violation of the winter parking ordinance. Two other vehicles, parked in the 500 block of Dahlia Street, received the same treatment at 1:30 a.m. and 1:36 a.m. March 17. A fourth parked vehicle on Hallam Avenue was tagged at 3:34 a.m. that same morning for the same violation.
• A suspicious male reported at 1:23 a.m. March 13 matching a possible burglary suspect in the 3000 block of Century Avenue turned out not to have been involved in any burglary at all.
• A Quail Street resident reported credit card fraud March 13.
• D eputies assisted the Oakdale Police Department as cover at 2:26 a.m. March 13 in the area of Long Lake Road and Century Avenue with a motorist who was slow to stop. Motorists who resist being pulled over are of concern to deputies.
• A n erratic driver, both behind the wheel and out of the vehicle, was arrested at 11:54 p.m. March 15 on eastbound Wildwood Road at Wedgewood Road following a traffic stop for speeding 57 mph in a 45 mph zone. Deputies noted that the driver, who maintained his high speed even after passing the squad car, exited the vehicle during the traffic stop and started acting strangely. Deputies arrested the subject in an effort to get to the bottom of the bizarre behavior.
• A t hreatening voicemail was reported March 16 in the 3000 block of Century Avenue. A motorist was cited March 17 in the area of Century Avenue and Long Lake Road for driving after revocation, following a traffic stop for no front license plate displayed and suspected illegal window tint.
A motorist of undisclosed identity was arrested for DWI at 1:10 a.m. March 18 in the area of Hilton Trail N. and 70th Street N, after deputies observed the vehicle strike a snowbank and conducted a traffic stop. After standard field sobriety tests were administered, the driver was transported to the law enforcement center.
• A n iPhone was reported stolen March 18 on Long Lake Road after its owner left it in an Uber vehicle the previous evening. On the day of the report, the phone was mapping to the Long Lake Road location. Although the complainant reported the missing phone as a theft, she said she didn’t want to report it as a theft, because she had yet to make contact with the Uber driver to determine whether it was stolen or merely left behind. The complainant promised to report the missing phone as a theft (for real this time) if she couldn’t get in touch with the Uber driver.
information exists, and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies advised the victim to cancel her debit card right away.
• A St. Paul woman reported two televisions, valued at $1,300, stolen March 18 from her storage unit in the 3200 block of Highway 61, after a lock was discovered broken by management during a routine morning check of the area.
White Bear Township
• A resident in the 1200 block of Birch Lake Blvd. reported a suspicious opossum lurking around his house March 13 and was worried about his small dog and grandchildren. The caller agreed to borrow a live trap from Animal Control to catch the ‘possum.
• A construction excavator reported stolen March 15 from a site in the 5900 block of Centerville Road turned out to have been sold by its owner without the contractor’s knowledge. When the contractor notified the equipment’s owner, he learned its status. The item was removed from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
• T he Cub store in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive reported a Vadnais Heights woman, 24,
for stealing a cashier’s phone March 16 while the cashier was distracted by ringing up the purchases of the suspect’s companion. The case is under investigation.
• A bus driver reported finding a wallet March 16 in the 2300 block of Leibel Street. Deputies came to pick up the wallet and returned it to its owner in White Bear Lake.
• A C oon Rapids man, 44, was cited March 17 in the area of Meadowlands Drive and Birch Bend Lane for violating a traffic control device after deputies in their squad were almost creamed by the UPS delivery truck blowing through the intersection at that location.
April 18-23 vs. Scranton/WB Railriders
May 2-7 vs. Nashville Sounds
May 9-14 vs. Indianapolis Indians
• D eputies assisted emergency personnel in transporting a patient to St. John’s Hospital at 3:13 a.m. March 18 in the 1200 block of Doe Circle after they were dispatched out to the scene of a disorderly conduct that turned into a medical call.
• D eputies responded to a drunk and disorderly conduct call at 2:57 p.m. March 18 in the 5100 block of Cottage Lane and ended up providing courtesy rides to two persons to White Bear Township and Shoreview.
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
‘RENT’
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 14, 21 & 28; 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15, 22 & 29; 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20 & 27; 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 30
Where: Century College West Campus Theatre, 3300 Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake
Details: Award-winning pop culture musical with story that resonates with audience of all ages. Call box office for tickets.
Contact: 651-748-2623 or century.edu/ campus-life/fine-performing-arts
SUZI HUDSON RETIREMENT CELEBRATION
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 21
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Detail: Open house celebrating the retirement of Suzi Hudson, executive director of the White Bear Center for the Arts. Light refreshments served and program at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
Contact: whitebeararts.org
VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, April 15
Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Road F
Details: Distribution of food to any family in need and considered low income. May register day of event.
Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadnaisheights.com/foodshelf
CENTURY COLLEGE CHOIR CONCERT
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April15
Where: Salem Lutheran Church, 11 Bernard St W, West Saint Paul
Details: Free concert directed by Erik Christiansen. Contact: century.edu/campus-life/ fine-performing-arts
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
RESILIENT YARDS: BLUE THUMB WORKSHOP
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 18
Where: Online
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
GLOBAL POETRY CELEBRATION
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Watch a lineup of readers from the community read a poem written in another language, along with the English translation. Register online. Contact: whitebeararts.org
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.
SENIOR HOUSING DAY
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 22
Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F
Details: Seniors can explore housing options in the area and have questions answered. Contact: 651-653-3121 or communityservices.isd624.org
We
We invite the community!
SUNDAY SEPT. 26 10am worship & BYO picnic with The Barley Jacks
Street WBL 55110 | wblumc.org/links/livestream
1851 Birch Street WBL 55110 | wblumc.org/links/livestream
This should start in the Sept. 29 Christmas.
This should start in the Sept. 29 Christmas. THANK YOU! 1851 Birch Street WBL 55110 | wblumc.org/links/livestream
10:45am New Crossings
There is much more behind the scenes that transpired before the White Bear Lake Area Hockey Association gambling manager’s surprise resignation and resulting lawsuit.
The association’s financial practices came into question last October, about the same time Christine Olson launched Minnesota Gambling Consultants LLC, when a parent emailed officers requesting a list of documents for review, accorded her by association bylaws.
The parent, Lorray Rolfer, was concerned certain potential irregularities within the association could violate its nonprofit status and questioned the “lack of transparency,” both in vague meeting minutes and expenditures.
Among the documentation she requested were bank statements, a detailed 2022-23 budget, project contracts and invoices, and a list of board members and/or directors who pay discounted or zero fees for their kids to play hockey in return for their volunteer service. She also wanted projected income, expense and profit estimates regarding the new Bingo Hall at Jimmy’s Event Center in Vadnais Heights.
Rolfer said she was looking for accountability, particularly with charitable gambling within the hockey association, which reported net revenues of $6.7 million in fiscal year 2022. “There is a serious lack of transparency and unwillingness to share financials with the membership,” she said. Rolfer also questioned mandatory fundraising when the gambling manager collects a commission from its sales.
Shortly after making her request, Rolfer was informed by association
attorney Chris Wachtler that she lived outside the geographical boundaries of the White Bear Lake school district and was therefore not a member. Nor was her son registered for the ’22-23 season. Because she was not a member, Rolfer was not allowed access to the records she requested. And even if she was a member, Wachtler added, she would not be entitled to inspect information that relates to “property, affairs and business” solely within the board’s control.
In response, Rolfer sent both Wachtler and association President Chad Marquardt a map showing that her home is indeed within the district boundary and that her family has been a paying member of the hockey association for 11 years. When she tried to register her son, a high school sophomore in the Junior Gold program, she was told registration was closed.
What she perceived as a reaction to her questioning financial practices didn’t stop there. Rolfer was one of five people named in a restraining order petition filed by former gambling manager Christine Olson Jan. 3 in district court. The other four named, Brad Naylor, Lauralea Graham, Danielle Friendt and Selena Acevedo (the mother of Olson’s grandson), were part of a Facebook group raising charitable gambling concerns. For the record, Naylor is, or was, a customer at the gambling establishments. Graham, Friendt and Acevedo were former association employees fired by Olson.
Naylor and his partner, Gretchen Artig-Swomley, were banned from charitable gambling at White Bear Hockey sites after the social media site started gaining followers. “No explanation was given,” ArtigSwomley said. “I have no idea why, except through guilt by association.
(nee Roberts)
Age 95 of Mahtomedi
Grace passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on March 19, 2023. Grace was born May 21, 1927, to William and Julia (Pinelli) Roberts, in St Paul MN. Preceded in death by husband, Robert Bevins; parents, 5 brothers; 1 infant sister. Survived by children, David Anger, Darlene Anger, Diane, William (Joni Marty) & Joseph (Karen) Bevins; stepchildren; Jean Peterson (Gary), Robert (Jan) Bevins, Wanda Pederson & James (Cheryl) Bevins; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; One brother, Thomas (Betty) Roberts; sisters-in-law, Eileen, Annette & Lisa; also, many nieces, nephews & friends. Grace grew up a resident of Frogtown in St Paul, Homecoming Queen and graduate of St Agnes 1945.
I was a very good customer of White Bear gambling sites, so they were saying goodbye to more than a few dollars.”
But back to Olson’s restraining order petition. The then-gambling manager claimed the group was trying to get her terminated from her job by accusations of nepotism, theft, mistreatment of employees and corruption, which was “negatively affecting” her emotional and mental health.
Olson also claimed harassment, noting an incident of vandalism at her Hugo home shortly before Halloween last fall. In her narrative, Olson said her vehicles were sprayed with eggs and milk in her Hugo driveway; the perpetrator(s) left cartons behind that were traced to Kwik Trip. A deputy came to the house and told Olson the egging would be reported as disorderly conduct and not property damage, as the eggs and milk could be easily washed off. She then named a male person she thought was involved based on video obtained from the store, who was not one of the five. Those named in her petition called the allegations “absurd and ridiculous.”
The petition never made it to a Feb. 21 court hearing as Olson requested dismissal, noting there had been a “cooling off” period between parties.
Attorney Wachtler then sent a “cease and desist” letter to the five named in the petition on behalf of his clients, the WBLAHA and its board, demanding an apology and retraction of false and defamatory statements.
Social media postings, he wrote, contain “unsupported allegations of financial mismanagement, selfdealing, and even allegations of criminal wrongdoing” regarding the association, board members and most specifically, gambling manager Christine Olson. Wachtler
Dippel; and daughter, Pam Chapman Plummer. She is survived by sons, Dean (Kathryn), Dennis (Heather); 9 grandchildren, Eric, Hannah, Maddie, Alexis, Abigail, Audrey, Aiden, Ava, Anson; sister, Dorothy Bibeau; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held 5-7 PM, on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Memorials may be made out to the Animal Humane Society.
April 26, 1943 - March 22, 2023.
noted that Ms. Olson has suffered a “compensable loss of reputation within the community as a result of your irresponsible behavior.”
The board also sent a letter to hockey parents after the egging incident “condemning the verbal attacks and property damage made towards the gambling manager.”
“No one at the association bothered to check to see if there was any actual proof of the actions being alleged,” Naylor said.
Stating that their goal is to “improve the association and put as much money as possible towards its bottom line to help more kids get involved in hockey,” Rolfer and the others reached out several times to the board, encouraging directors to take their concerns seriously and to do something about it.
“You are still a fiduciary in this situation and your duty of care extends to all aspects of the charity,” they wrote. They added that the “intimidation strategy that has been around WBLAHS for many years has got to stop. No one should ever be afraid to do the right thing in a charity for fear of retaliation. No employee anywhere should have to fear losing their job for asking a question or filing a complaint with their supervisor. We have pointed out numerous infractions over the last couple of months. It’s time to make this right. It’s time to ask for a forensic audit.”
According to Rolfer, they never received a response.
“It takes guts to be a whistleblower,” observed Artig-Swomley, who is also mayor of Gem Lake. “No one wants to harm the hockey association. But why weren’t they (the board) doing something?”
An attempt to reach the hockey association president via email was not successful.
unteered at Ruby’s Pantry in Forest Lake. He was involved with the Encompass Senior Ministry at Eagle Brook Church in White Bear Lake and a Bible Study at Forest Hills Church.
Memorial Service at Forest Hills Church in Forest Lake, MN on April 29 at 1:00. Visitation one hour before service. Memorials to Forest Hills Church preferred.
Maria Balla, age 74, passed away on April 2, 2023. She was born on August 24, 1948 in Budapest, Hungary to Radanyine Elek Katalin and Radanyi Elek. Maria is survived by her grandson (Oliver) and two daughters, Eszter (Ryan) and Anna (Dariusz). She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and beloved sisters.
Visitation 4-7 pm
Friday, April 14th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Saturday, April 15th, at St. Jude of the Lake, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi, MN, With visitation 10:30-11:30 am prior to Mass. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery held at a later date. Memorials preferred to St. Jude of the Lake Church or St Jude’s Children’s Research. www.robertsfuneralandcremation.com
Patricia “Pat” A. Chapman, age 87, of Forest Lake, formerly of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2023. Pat had many hobbies. She loved to go camping, peruse flea markets and attend pow wows and sweat lodges. She also performed psychic readings and was an ordained minister. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Mildred Nowicki; sister, Virginia
David was born in St. Paul to Earle and Beverly Gray when his dad was in combat during WWII. David lived in Vadnais Heights until age 10 and then moved to Roseville. Graduate of Alexander Ramsey High School. He attended Mankato State University and the Naval Air Cadet school in Pensacola, Florida. He passed away at his home in Marine on the St. Croix.
He is survived by loving wife Kathy (Steffer), Stepson Greg, Sister-in-law Bonnie Youngquist (Steffer), Mother Beverly, Siblings Ron (Kathy), Tutti Vik (Duane), Mike, Gary (Deb), Jan Travis (Ron), Cheryl Stutsman (Jay), Joann Kriegler (John), and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his father Earle Gray.
Dave was a lifelong employee of Schelen-Gray Elecric. He was an expert in auto electric repair. He generously volunteered his time and expertise doing car repairs for a car care ministry at Forest Hills Methodist Church in Forest Lake. He also vol-
Please consider donating to Twin Cities Parrot Rescue in her memory (https://tcparrotrescue.org/).
Jeff J. Majeske, Age 69 of White Bear Township, Passed away at home on April 3, 2023. Preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Ludger Majeske. Jeff is survived by his wife, Cindy; children, Matthew (Vanessa) and Abby; granddaughter, Hattie; sisters, Andrea (Kevin) Poitras, Monica (Jack) Walton and LuAnn (Dan) Quie; and many nieces; nephews; and friends. Visitation 4-7:00 pm on Thursday, April 13th at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Friday, April 14th at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Kidney Foundation. A very special thank you to Accent Care Hospice. Mueller Memorial-White Bear Lake, www. muellermemorial.com , 651-429-4944
complaint filed by attorney Janel Dressen, Anthony Ostlund Louwagie Dressen & Boylan PA.
Among the allegations was interference with the 55-year-old association’s relationships with its gambling partners, vendors, employees and members, as well as using confidential information to benefit Olson in a new position designed to take away the association’s gambling business.
Her unlawful conduct, the lawsuit goes on to allege, includes destruction of association property (kept in her home office) such as business records, contracts and emails that were deleted immediately before she resigned.
The complaint alleges that Olson has been making defamatory statements about the association and its board, including claims that the association is violating gambling laws and providing false information to members, online and otherwise.
“While the association believes these assertions by her are false, any alleged gambling violations would be the result of her actions and failures to fulfill her numerous fiduciary obligations to the association as gambling manager,” the suit claims.
The 22-page complaint alleged that Olson did not comply with the association’s conflict of interest policy that she herself implemented for all gambling employees. That allegation was explained further in regard to the new bingo hall adjacent to Jimmy’s Food and Drink.
The bingo hall was projected to earn profits of $600,000 per year, which would be used to lower the “significant” fees charged to youth hockey participants. As gambling manager, Olson was responsible for overall control of its operations.
In June 2022, the complaint says she started demanding additional compensation for managing the hall. Nothing was approved and the matter didn’t come up again until December, when Olson again demanded a salary increase. At the time, she was making $129,000.
According to the complaint, “Olson falsely claimed that her compensation had been approved at the May 2022 board meeting based on an expense sheet that had accompanied the business plan.” Nevertheless, the board discussed ways to increase her salary.
Gambling provides huge revenue for the hockey association. A 2021 audit shows the association generated
almost $32 million in revenue, $4.7 million in net revenue and $871,300 in profits. Under Olson’s management, 2022 gambling profits decreased to $680,300, despite an increase in revenue.
In January, 2023, Olson obtained bids for electrical contracting work for the new bingo hall. She received three bids, which ranged from $40,000 to $50,000 and which, according to the complaint, were, “upon information and belief, obtained from her friends and/or friends of her husband, thereby constituting a conflict of interest.”
The complaint alleges that Olson was receiving inflated bids, so concerned board members reached out to other contractors as a check and balance on the bid process, which upset Olson and led to her claiming that the board was violating the association bylaws when, in fact, the board was taking action to appropriately fulfill its fiduciary duties to the organization.
“Shockingly, in comparison to the bids Olson received, the board received electrical bids around $14,000 for the same work,” the complaint says.
Although allegedly Olson was told by the board that the company could not proceed with the excessive bid, she informed the board the $44,000 bid had already been accepted.
Despite her alleged behavior, the board approved a salary increase to $140,000, with a 3.5% return from the bingo hall going forward to “smooth relations with her.” That was around March 13. Olson was set to become one of the highest-paid gambling managers in the state, yet she wanted more, insisting no one would work for what was being offered.
Stated in complaint
Olson was also directed not to have her husband do any construction work at the bingo hall, but he allegedly did anyway.
At the Feb. 8 board meeting, Olson “falsely accused the board of being ‘denied payment’ for her work and for not following the association bylaws.” She “conveniently” ignored the reason for the directive to stop work at the bingo hall and “falsely claimed,” according to the complaint, “that the association would potentially lose $500,000 to $1 million in sales because of the board’s actions.”
Olson told the board part of her job was doing “what is in the best interest of White Bear Lake Hockey’s charitable gambling.”
“Unfortunately,” the suit states, “she was not acting in the best interests of the gambling operations for the association, but was instead acting out of self and conflicted interest.”
The following statement to membership was posted on the very Facebook page started by a group vocal about its concerns:
As we navigate our charitable gambling situation, we would like to update you as the process evolves.
As of today, we are extremely happy to announce our partnerships with Doc’s Sports Bar, Beartown Bar and Grill, White Bear Bar, and Jimmy’s are intact and will continue to grow.
We would like to extend a big thank you to these establishments for their years of support and continued partnerships with WBLAHA.
Please take the time to show your thanks and support to all these establishments for their loyalty.
Negotiations with Saks Sports Bar are still underway, and we will update our association once a final decision has been made.
Fiesta Cancun, we would like to thank you for your years of support. We hope to continue
Your support allows the paper to inform more local residents in a single week than any other medium.
“A common thread in the community.” –Press Publications
The day after her March 28 resignation, Olson allegedly accessed the association Facebook account to post a status update, falsely claiming that WBLAHA-sponsored bingo was canceled at two locations. Olson also allegedly sent an email to gambling operations employees, disparaging and accusing the board of violating bylaws and gambling control board rules and statutes, without providing specifics. She announced that the hockey association was losing some of its locations and called the employees to a special meeting at Jimmy’s to “inform them of what is transpiring.” She told them she was working for a St. Paul nonprofit called Merrick Community Services (not to be confused with Merrick Inc.) and that she had already recruited four of the association’s partners to follow her and had four to five opportunities for new locations. That statement, according to the complaint, evidenced her significant breaches of fiduciary duty to the association and its conflict-ofinterest policy.
The employees had until April 10 to decide whether to follow her.
The subject and content of the emergency meeting ultimately revealed how long Olson had allegedly been working behind the association’s back while she was still employed as an officer.
The association also claims it received signed identical form letters from its partnering restaurants and bars seeking to terminate gambling operations. “Not only were the letters identical, but they are also dated March 27, 2023 — while Olson remained an association employee,” read the complaint.
“Upon information and belief, Olson either told the bar owners what to put in their termination letters or she prepared the letters
to grow our long-standing relationship in the future.
As a community, we are thankful for these partnerships past and present.
A sincere Thank You to our wonderful charitable gambling staff. We appreciate your dedication and patience as we get back on track.
Our community is strong and united, and supporting WBL Youth Hockey is the main goal.
Thank you all, updates on our progress will follow accordingly.
for them, all while still an officer and employee of the association.” (See the association’s statement for update on the partnerships.)
The complaint contains six counts against the ex-gambling manager: breach of contract, breach of loyalty, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with businesses, unfair competition and, lastly, civil theft for allegedly destroying, deleting or unlawfully possessing and retaining association property. The association is asking for damages in excess of $50,000 for each count, except the last. That amount is to be determined at trial.
Also noted, the association intends to file a motion to amend the complaint to seek punitive damages “at the appropriate time.”
The plaintiff is asking the court to prohibit the defendant from soliciting any current association employee and/or otherwise employ such employee to compete against the association’s gambling operations or to interfere with any entities with whom the association has any gambling business or relations. They are also asking the defendant pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and all other relief the court deems just and equitable.
Olson has 21 days to respond to the complaint.
Reached by telephone to ask if she wished to comment on the complaint, Olson replied, “No comment.”
Rotary Matters
wblrotary1@comcast.net
Juliette Malek FrassatiFrassati Catholic Academy Middle School has chosen Juliette Malek as our Academic Achiever for the 2022-2023 school year. Juliette consistently completes her work at the highest level. She enjoys reading and math. One of her favorite books is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Juliette always treats her classmates and teachers with kindness and respect. In her free time Juliette enjoys playing softball where she is a pitcher and shortstop. Juliette also dances. Congratulations Juliette!
Sponsored by White Bear Country Inn, Rudy’s Redeye Grill
Despite Olson’s alleged behavior, the board approved a salary increase to $140,000, with a 3.5% return from the bingo hall going forward to “smooth relations with her.”
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.
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.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2023
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:02 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, McGuire, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present was Ryan O’Connor, County Manager, and Sam Clark, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
AGENDA of March 21, 2023 was presented for approval. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved.
MINUTES of March 14, 2023 were presented for approval. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Finance – 2023 Capital Improvement Program Bond Series 2023B – Parameter & Reimbursement Resolutions. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-044)
Finance – Authorization for 2023B Bond Sale. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-045)
Social Services – Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Saint Paul for the American Rescue Plan Act Innovation in Community and Safety Grant. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023046)
Housing Stability – First Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority for Housing Trust Fund. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-047)
Parks & Recreation – Joint Powers Agreement with Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts Technical Service Area Joint Powers Board for Metro Area Children’s Water Festival Program Host Services. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-048)
Community & Economic Development – Rice Creek Commons Joint Development Authority Advisory Committee Vice Chair. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-049)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Presented by Commissioner MatasCastillo. Discussion can be found on archived video.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – Presented by Ryan O’Connor, County Manager. Discussion can be found on archived video.
OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – Discussion can be found on archived video.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATES – Discussion can be found on archived video.
ADJOURNMENT – Chair MatasCastillo declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
CLOSED MEETING
Rice Creek Commons Thumb Parcel
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13D.05, subd. 3(c)(3) (to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real property), the Ramsey County Board will meet in a closed meeting, which is not open to the public.
In Re Rice Creek Commons Thumb Parcel: The property that is the subject of this meeting is located in the City of Arden Hills.
The Closed Meeting was called to order at 10:20 a.m.
Present: Commissioners Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present: Ryan O’Connor, County Manager; Johanna Berg, Deputy County Manager - Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team; Kari Collins, Director, Community and Economic Development; Jean Krueger, Director, Property Management; Alex Kotze, Chief Financial Officer, Finance; Amy Schmidt, Assistant County Attorney, Office of the Ramsey County Attorney; Josh Olson, Deputy Director, Community and Economic Development; Rick Howden, Economic Development Specialist, Community and Economic Development; Martha Faust, Redevelopment Manager, Community and Economic Development; Ella Mitchell, Economic Development Specialist, Community and Economic Development; and Mee Cheng, Chief Clerk - County Board, County Manager’s Office.
The Board of Ramsey County Commissioners authorized the Ramsey County staff to proceed as discussed in this closed meeting.
The closed meeting was adjourned at 10:53 a.m.
South Maplewood Properties
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13D.05, subd. 3(c)(3) (to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real property), the Ramsey County Board will meet in a closed meeting, which is not open to the public.
In Re South Maplewood Properties: The property that is the subject of this meeting is located in the City of Maplewood.
The Closed Meeting was called to order at 10:57 a.m.
Present: Commissioners Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present: Ryan O’Connor, County Manager; Johanna Berg, Deputy County Manager - Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team; Kari Collins, Director, Community and Economic Development; Jean Krueger, Director, Property Management; Alex Kotze, Chief Financial Officer, Finance; Amy Schmidt, Assistant County Attorney, Office of the Ramsey County Attorney; Josh Olson, Deputy Director, Community and Economic Development; Rick Howden, Economic Development Specialist, Community and Economic Development; Martha Faust, Redevelopment Manager, Community and Economic Development; Ella Mitchell, Economic Development Specialist, Community and Economic Development; and Mee Cheng, Chief Clerk - County Board, County Manager’s Office.
The Board of Ramsey County Commissioners authorized the Ramsey County staff to proceed as discussed in this closed meeting.
The closed meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 12, 2023.
PUBLIC NOTICE
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-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 12, 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.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-203
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In re the Estate of:
Naomi Anderson, Decedent. NOTICE is given that on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 9:15 a.m a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated August 14, 2006
(“Will”), and for the appointment of Daniel Ogren, whose address is 4397 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.
Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.
Any objections to the petition or the Will must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.
Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.
NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.
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.
Date: March 9, 2023
BY THE COURT:
Michael Upton,, Court Administrator
BY: Laura J. Stevens, Deputy Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner:
Patrick Kennedy (#0400857)
Morris Law Group, P.A. 7380 France Ave. S., Suite 250, Edina, MN 55435
Telephone: (952) 832-2000
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 12 and 19, 2023. STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-205
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In re the Estate of:
Suzanne Ogren, Decedent.
NOTICE is given that on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 9:30 a.m a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated August 14, 2006 (“Will”), and for the appointment of Daniel Ogren, whose address is 4397 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration.
Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.
Any objections to the petition or the Will must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.
Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.
NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.
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.
Date: March 9, 2023
BY THE COURT:
Michael Upton,, Court Administrator
BY: Laura J. Stevens, Deputy Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner:
Patrick Kennedy (#0400857)
Morris Law Group, P.A.
7380 France Ave. S., Suite 250, Edina, MN 55435
Telephone: (952) 832-2000
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 12 and 19, 2023.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE COURT DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-294
NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In re the Estate of:
Geraldine Ryan, Decedent.
NOTICE is given that on Tuesday. Mav 23. 2023 at 9:45 a.m. a hearing using remote technology will be held by this Court for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s last will dated May 8,2022 (“Will”), and for the appointment of John Rominski, whose address is 121 7th Place East, Suite 4500, St. Paul, MN 55101, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent in a supervised administration.
Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 65l-266-8145.
Any objections to the Petition or Will must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with full power to administer the estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real estate and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the estate. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.
Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.
NOTICE SHALL BE GIVEN by publishing this Notice as provided by law and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.
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.
BY THE COURT:
Date: April 4,2023
Michael Upton, Court Administrator
BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner:
So Yeon Woo-Bockman (0398590),
Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, Civil - Probate 121-7th Place East, Suite 4500, St. Paul, MN 55101
Telephone: 651-266-3014
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on April 12 and 19, 2023.
Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn't end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buyers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners' utmost attention.
All that hard work is perhaps one reason why seniors may be a little reluctant to downsize as they advance through their golden years. In addition to the sweat equity homeowners put into their homes, all the memories they've made within their walls can make it harder to put a home on the market.
Downsizing is a difficult decision that's unique to each homeowner. Seniors who aren't quite certain if downsizing is right for them can consider three key factors to make a decision that's in their best interests.
· Cost: Perhaps no variable affects senior homeowners' decisions to downsize their homes as much as cost. No one wants to outlive their money, and downsizing to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses by a significant margin. Even homeowners who have long since
· Space: Many people love the extra space that single-family homes provide. But seniors can take a walk through their homes and see how many rooms they still use on a consistent basis. If much of the home is unused, seniors can probably downsize without adversely affecting their daily lives.
paid off their mortgages can save substantial amounts of money by downsizing to a smaller home or even an apartment or condominium. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance premiums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways downsizing can save seniors money.
· Market: The real estate market is another factor to consider when deciding if the time is right to downsize. A seller's market can help seniors get the biggest return on their real estate investment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices skyrocketed across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, making that a great time for sellers to put their homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won't be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers' favor.
Downsizing requires careful consideration of a host of variables. No two situations are the same, so seniors should exercise due diligence to determine if downsizing is right for them.
Anthony Hotakainen, of Hugo, and his friend Joey Schwartz, of New Jersey, are in the running to win the Bentleyville theme song contest. The two freshmen at Elon University are majoring in production and recording arts. Hotakainen is a Lakes International Language Academy graduate.
Bentleyville in Duluth put the call out for theme songs. Hotakainen and Schwartz’s song, “Millions of Lights,” is all about the adventure of going to Bentleyville, everything from the experience of going with your family and friends to enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. Their song made it into the top five, and now they need your votes. To listen to the top five songs, visit hot98duluth.com/ bentleyville-themesong/ and vote for your favorite. Voting runs through April 16.
If they win the contest, they will get to record their song with Pinnacle Pointe Studio. The song will then be played at the beginning of the evening at Bentleyville. They would
also win a $100 gift card to Silos restaurant and a one-night stay at Pier B resort Hotel.
White Bear Lake Area Historical Society is among eight organizations who will be honored by the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums for their interpretive program, “Bears
on Boards: Water Skiing in White Bear Lake.”
“A very well organized, creative and entertaining exhibit. Excellent use of local history on a national theme.” one History Awards committee member assessed.
Above: One of the several Easter Lilies soaking up natural light recently inside the greenhouse at White Bear Floral serves as a hopeful symbol of the incoming spring season after a long, cold, snowy winter.
At right: Kimono Yellow celosias look like they are part of a surreal forest and a dahlia flower faces toward the light inside the greenhouse. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.
Above: Darlene Birkeland, left, Melanie Kasel and Gigi Birkeland display colorful spring plants. They represent three generations from a long history of growers at White Bear Floral.
At left: Flower-filled boots hang in memory of beloved, longtime greenhouse employee Richard “Dickie” Garner, who passed away unexpectedly in February. He worked in the greenhouse, at left, for 65 years.
WHITE BEAR LAKE — City staff is looking for a developer to redevelop vacant property at 1755 Hwy. 96.
City Council approved a resolution March 28 authorizing staff to solicit a request for proposals to select a preferred developer. Once a developer is selected, staff will come back to City Council to authorize a specific contract. After approval of a specific contract, the preferred developer would then begin the development review process, which would typically include concept plan review with a neighborhood meeting, subdivision and planned unit development (PUD).
The city-owned property is north of Hwy. 96 across from Columbia Park and east of Karen Street.
Staff anticipates redevelopment of
The shift from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month reflects input from autistic and other community leaders, including members of the Association of University Centers on Disability who are advancing support, research, evidencebased interventions, inclusiveness and advocacy for the human and civil rights of all people with autism spectrum disorder / developmental disabilities (ASD/DD).
Autism diagnoses are growing, both for children and adults. In December 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that one in 44 children are diagnosed with autism. Over 7 million people in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum. Autism affects people from all racial, ethnic and socio-economic standings. The numbers stress the urgent need for equitable access to diagnostic evaluations and early interventions that have a significant impact on lifelong outcomes.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that are different from most people. Their appearance may not set them apart from others, and their abilities can vary significantly. Some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
ASD begins before the age of 3 and can last throughout a person’s life. Symptoms may improve over time. Some children with ASD gain new skills and meet developmental milestones
the subject property would include at minimum one single-family lot sized to match the surrounding neighborhood with access from Eugene Street and a medium-density residential infill parcel with access from Highway 96.
Medium-density residential has a range from 8 to 14 units per acre and typically includes multiunit townhomes, fourplexes and smallerscale apartment and senior living facilities.
The entire site is currently guided Low Density Residential. The portion of the property anticipated to have a single-family lot will retain this designation, but the remainder parcel intended for medium-density residential will likely need both a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning.
Other city-owned property
identified as priorities for redevelopment at a council work session are the northeast corner of County Road E and Bellaire and the former public works site. Staff will begin investigating the environmental and rail work needed
of anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which occur more often in people with ASD than in people without ASD.
Approximately 1 in 5 young adults with autism will interact with a police officer before the age of 21. Individuals with disabilities, including those with autism, are five times more likely to be incarcerated than people without disabilities. Police interactions lead to more injuries and fatalities within this population, largely due to lack of training and the improper use of excessive force.
Up to 85 percent of autistic adults with a college education are unemployed, and over 70 percent of adults with autism are underemployed or unemployed. Given the current labor shortage, employers could benefit from expanding their pool of applicants through inclusive hiring practices.
The Autism Society offers a series of fact sheets and brochures to educate first responders and partners with businesses to offer learning opportunities, resources and connections to the wide network of autistic individuals in the workforce to support inclusive workplace missions.
More information can be found at https://autismsociety.org/ and https://www.cdc.gov/
Honor an outstanding volunteer
Do you know someone who deserves to be publicly recognized for their contributions of time and talent to the community? White Bear Events is currently accepting nominations for Volunteer of the Year. The award is given annually to an active participant in the White Bear Lake area who demonstrates exceptional service to the community and whose involvement significantly impacts
the community and organizations in which he or she is involved. The Volunteer of the Year is honored during the Manitou Days community festival.
Nomination forms for Volunteer of the Year can be found at manitoudays. com/volunteer. Nominations are due by Monday, April 24.
Ramsey County has announced
upcoming road construction and maintenance projects for the 2023 construction season, which includes continuation of the South Shore Boulevard reconstruction and trail expansion.
The project involves the addition of a 1.5 mile multi-use trail from from White Bear Avenue to County Road F. The trail will connect pedestrian and bicycle trails and facilities in the city of White Bear Lake and White Bear Township as part of the Lake Links Trail network. The new road
design will include a two-way road with a trail from White Bear Avenue to McKnight Road and a one-way road and trail from McKnight Road to County Road F.
Additional closures between White Bear Avenue and McKnight Avenue will be required during construction. To learn more about the South Shore Boulevard project and other upcoming road projects in the county, visit ramseycounty.us/roadwork.
The White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press exists thanks to the community’s support. We hope you find the White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press helpful in your daily lives. You will find feature stories, community events, government and school news.
Our readers value the contribution Press Publications makes to their local communities. If you also find value in the stories, photos and advertising that appear on these pages each week, please consider becoming a subscriber to this publication.
“We really love this local paper. Keeps us really informed on what’s going on in our community.”
“I appreciate reading about the positive things going on in the community, especially with our youth. Great to see and read about!”
Coach — Ryan Fitzpatrick
Assistants — Aaron Turner, Alex Alvarez, Dan Zurbey
Record last year — 4-14 conference, 7-16 overall
Captains — Aiden Welch, Jack Setterlund, Kyle Gibson, Blake Eckerle
Returning lettermen — Seniors: Setterlund, Welch, Gibson, Tim Boucher, Kaden Johnson, Eli Reeves; Junior: Jackson Berg; Sophomores: Eckerle, Kevin Zollinger, Isaiah Weber, Owen Mortimer
Fast facts — Johnson was the top hitter last year with a .354 average and .455 on-base-percentage. Setterlund led with 14 runs and Gibson led with 12 RBI’s. More than 70 players tried out, 58 were kept in in grades 9-12
New coach — Fitzpatrick takes over as head coach after five years as an assistant. He has also coached at Mahtomedi. Coach says — “This group provides us with the best depth we’ve had in a long time. A very competitive group made up of mostly seniors and sophomores. They will pride themselves on their defense, and we will throw strikes. We want to contend. I believe we can contend.”
Coach — Jill Leverty
Assistants — Nick DeVet, Mary Hildestad, Emily Price, Rico Lopez
Last year — 22-5, 4th place at state, champions of SEC (16-2) and Section 4AAAA
Captains — Chloe Barber, Annika Olsen, Abby Taylor
Returning starters — Seniors: C. Barber (P), Olsen (SS, 2B), Taylor (1B), Autumn Lund (3B), Clara Griebel (OF); Junior: Heidi Barber ©; Sophomore: Maddy Belisle (OF)
In the mix — Juniors: Lily Glendenning (2B), Emma Larson (OF)
Fast facts — C. Barber, H. Barber, and Olsen were allconference. Chloe Barber was Star-Tribune all-metro with 18 wins, 11 shutouts, 14 homers and 42 RBI’s Coach says — “We have experience, offense, pitching, and high softball IQ” New coach — Leverty succeeds Kaity Wightman, who stepped down. Leverty was a varsity assistant for five years and freshman coach one year. She played for the Bears (Class of 2012) and North Dakota.
Coach — Colleen Cameron
Assistants — Kassie Bartness, Lois Campbell, Madeline Barkholtz
Last year — 6-9 overall, 4-5 conference
Captains — Jaeda Jensen, Bev Peterson, Quinn Denne, all second year captains
Returning starters — Senior: Calla Spence (defense); Juniors: Peterson (midfield), Jensen (attacker), Julie Hendrickson (attacker), Denne (defense/attacker), Georgia Kodytek (attacker), Bella Kuyava (defender), Mesa McElmury (goalie), Zoe Timmons (center)
Other returning letter winners — Seniors: Alex Reiland (defense), Rachel Ludwig (midfield); Junior: Olivia Jacobs (midfield); Sophomores: Grace Castro (attack), Amanda Smythe (defense); Freshman: Olivia Simpkins (attacker)
In the mix — Junior: Mesa McElmury (goalie); Sophomore: Emily Lokken (defense)
Fast facts — Jensen, Peterson, Timmons were all-conference last year. Kodytek and Kuyava were honorable mentions. Top scorers last year were Jensen (36 goals), Peterson (19) and Kodytek (17). Denne is committed to Western Missouri. It’s Cameron’s 10th year at helm, and 6th for Bartness as assistant. Campbell and Barkholtz are new. 42 girls signed up. No B squad this year
Coach says — “Strengths are having so many young returners, and defense. Hoping to really carry what our girls learned last season into the very beginning of this season instead of having to start over with a new group. I am really hopeful that we will find ourselves at the top of the pack.”
Coach — Craig Nasvik
Assistants — Mark Misgen, Sam Stang
Last year — 5th in conference, 3rd in section
Captains — Kristina Pratt, Ivory Drusch
Returning starters — Senior: Pratt; Juniors: Drusch; Sophomores: Sydney Pfeil, Kate Harrington, Cami Bachmeier
Fast facts — Pratt, Drusch were all-conference in 2022. Pratt was a state qualifier.
Coach says — “The girls should look to better the 5th place finish in conference last year and better the third place finish from sections.”
Coach — Craig Nasvik
Assistants — Dalton Norwicki, Chris O’Connell
Last year — 3rd in conference, 3rd in section
Captains — Cam O’Malley, Ryan Jamieson
Returning starters — Seniors: O’Malley, Jamieson, Will Peterson; Junior: Nolan Roed; Sophomore: Jack Stanius
Other returning lettermen — Senior: Cal Healy; Juniors: Anders Samec, Wyatt Peterson, Isaiah Berry
Fast facts — Jamieson, O’Malley were all-conference in 2022. Jamieson was state qualifier and placed 41st
Coach says — “We have a great mix of returning golfers that should lead the newcomers to compete and improve week to week. It’s not how you play in April but how you perform in the section that matters. The boys are contenders for both conference and section.”
Head coaches — Brianna Seibel (sprints), Hannah Hensley (jumps)
Assistants — Daniel Rossiter (throws), Abigail Furlong (hurdles), Shannon Reibow (distance), Davarus Branigan (middle distance), Alyssa Mitchell (pole vault), Jenna Powers, volunteer
Last year — 3rd of 8 at section, 8th of 10 at conference
Returning starters — Seniors: Katelyn Porter (middle distance), Aveline McCabe (distance), Blessing Adebisi (sprints), Meg Ryan (jumps), Nola Hipkins (hurdles), Precious Boahen (jumps, sprints), Anna Kazmierczak (distance), Maia Nero (sprints), Amelia Nerios (hurdles), Ella Paschke (hurdles), Samantha Perez (throws), Lily Schneider (middle distance), Kamaria Newton (sprints); Juniors: Autumn Maki (sprints), Keira Windish (throws); Sophomores: Grace Bailey (sprints, middle distance), Sophie Haley (sprints), Lys D’Almeida (sprints), Alyssa Hamlin (sprints)
New facility — Bears will compete at new facility on north campus with five-lane mondo indoor field house and 10-lane outdoor track
Fast facts — At the SEC meet last year, Porter was 3rd in 800, D’Almeida 4th in 100 …. State qualifiers last year were Porter (800) and relay runners Porter, Adebisi, Bailey, Haley, D’Almeida, Hamlin, Newton and Maki
Coach says — “We have 99 athletes registered. Since the COVID season in 2021, we were seeing really reduced numbers, and we are excited to be closer to our average from pre-COVID. A lot of young athletes are putting in the work to get better. We’ve started optional Saturday practices and have been excited to see many of our younger and seasoned athletes coming in. The coaches have already noticed some really well rounded athletes who could be competitive in several different events. We’re excited to see what the season holds.”
Coach — Tom Paulson
Assistants — Doug Hicks (sprints), Dan Kovacich (distance), Jon Pratt (throws), Robert Anderson (high jump), Mike Rausch (hurdles), Ozzie Larsen (pole vault)
Last year — 2nd of 10 in SEC, 2nd of 8 in Section 4AAA, 10th in state
Captains — Bennett Gilson, Jack Koivisto, Seth Olson, Tolu Oyekunle, Jontay Vaulx, Luke Williams
New facility — Bears will compete at new facility at north campus with five-lane mondo indoor field house and 10-lane outdoor track
Returning starters — Seniors: Gilson (TJ, LJ, HJ), Oyekunle (hurdles), Vaulx (sprints), Nate Tobeck (distance), Rayshaun Brakes (LJ, sprints), Vatel Henderson (TJ, HJ), Olson (LJ, sprints), Imeleyo Stanton (throws), Koivisto (throws), Eli Leafblad (PV); Juniors: Caleb Anderson (sprints), Keith Johnson (sprints), Williams (distance), Ian Cran (PV),Tommy Cao (PV); Sophomores: Matt Hunter (throws), Nate Asiedu-Mensah (hurdles), Isaac Kolstad (distance)
Fast facts — Turnout of 135 athletes in grades 9-12 is the most ever. At SEC last year, Gibson was 2nd in LJ, Anderson was 4th in 200, Williams 4th in 1600 and 3200, Oyekunle 4th in 110H and 300H, Gibson 4th in HJ and LJ, Henderson 4th in 3J
Coach says — “We will have an outstanding team this spring. Can be better than last year. Much deeper.”
Head coach — Paul Kolenich
Assistant — Jeff Fretwell
Last year — 4-5 record
Captains — Travis Domschot, Brock Moor, Derrick Thomas
Returning starters — Will Fleming (1S), Derrick Thomas (2S), Andrew Kolenich (3S), Colton Knutson (4S), Travis Domschot/Brock Moor (1D), Grady Gallatin (3D)
Fast facts — Whole singles lineup returns and half of doubles lineup. Fleming, Thomas, Kolenich, Domschot, and Moor were all-conference
Coach — Michael Narow
Assistants — Jared Johson, Parker Hoen, Ryan Brown, Marshall Murphy
Last year — 11-5 overall, 4-1 conference
Captains — Jack Roehrich, Owen Tacheny, Tommy Peer, Isaac Wendorff
Returning starters — Seniors: Jackson Johnson (attack), Roehrich (defense), Tacheny (face-off); Junior: Eric Buttke (attack); Sophomore: Oskar Magnuson (attack/midfield)
Other lettermen — Seniors: Michael Robinson (attack), Isaac Wendorff (midfield), Eric Granec (midfield), Nolan Dimitri (midfield); Junior: Drew Marchant (defense); Sophomore: Landon Kruse (midfield)
Turnout — Turnout of 40 players is below normal, so there will be a shorter bench. There are 8 seniors, 5 juniors, 21 sophomores, six freshmen, one 8th-grader. A handful of players did not return, choosing to focus on one sport, Narow said Fast facts — Four of the top six goal scorers return: Johnson 18, Wendorff 16, Buttke 14, Magnusson 12.Tacheny has committed to Division I Canisius College
Coach says — “We graduated 13 seniors. We will not have as deep a varsity this year. However, we have very experienced offensive players that have been playing together for many years. I believe the cohesion with each other and our various structures is going to allow us to be successful early. We also anticipate having one of the best face-off groups in the state with athletic wing play and an excellent face-off specialist in Owen Tacheny. I believe we will be contending for a section title.”
Coach — Matt Huss
Assistants — Janine Nelson
Last year — 4th in conference, 2nd in section
Captain — Maggie McCarty
Returning starters — Senior: McCarty; Junior: Sadie Stembridge; Freshman: Lexi McGrane; 8th grader: Reagan Juhl
Other letter winners — Sophomore: Molly Moffitt
Fast facts — McGrane and Juhl were state qualifiers in 2022 and McGrane was all-conference. McCarty has been on varsity since 7th grade
Coach says — “We have had some instances of competitive experiences, but a conference title and section title have eluded us because we were not able to defeat more experienced and talented players and teams. This year we have the talent to be competitive in every match. When the snow melts and the matches begin, then we will see if we have the determination to compete for a conference and section title.”
Coach — Ann Burns
Assistants — Angela Boreen, Marney Guesser
Last year — 7-8 overall, 2-3 conference
Captains — McKenna Cunnington, Adalia Falvey, Evi Cegielski
Returning letter winners — Seniors: Cunnington (attack), Falvey (midfield/defense), Mary McCormick (attack); Juniors: Cegielski (midfield), Regan Schrankler (defense), Ella Dahlberg (attack/midfield); Sophomores: Addie Demars (goalie), Reese Saenger (attack), Annie Tanner (attack), Kimmy Ryan (defense) ; Freshmen: Brooklyn Kragness (midfield), Maggie Duea (defense)
Fast facts — Top three scorers from last year return: Cunnington (55 goals, 15 assists), Cegielski (31-3) and Saenger (12-12). Cunnington and Cegielski were all-conference. Demars had a .543 save percentage
Coach says — “Numbers are solid this year, which is awesome. Addie Demars worked hard in the off season and will again be a leader on the field. Our JV goalie, Cate Curran, does a fantastic job helping new players learn team defense necessary for success. We were very young last year and are excited to have so many returning players on varsity as well as JV. We had quite a few new players last year who showed huge potential as they learned the game.”
Head coach — Jeff Poeschl
Assistant — Keith Newman
Last year — 1st in conference, 2nd in section Captains — Ethan Splett, Riley McGrane, Thomas Meader, Jacob Wilson Returning starters —Sophomores: McGrane, Meader, Wilson, Tony Kurn
Other lettermen — Senior: Splett
In the mix — Seniors: Jake Ruppel, Thomas Holley; Junior: Micah Schmidt; 8th-grader: Brooks Ashfield
Fast facts — Wilson, Meader, McGrane were all-conference. Wilson was a state qualifier. Twenty-five players registered, up from 18 last year
Coach says — Team strengths are “depth and skill.”
Head coach — Aaron Freer
Assistants — Dave Wald, Kevin Aufderhar
Last year — 8-0 conference, 17-4 overall
Captains — Jack Allaben, Sam Rathmanner
Returning starters — Senior: Dylan Pham; Juniors: Rathmanner, Allaben, Aidan Wald, Max Hendrickson; Sophomores: Brandon Pham, Zach Burge, Luke Roettger
Fast facts — Rathmanner, Allaben, Brandon Pham and Dylan Pham were all-conference. Allaben and Rathmanner are both in 5th year on varsity. Rathmanner and B. Pham are likely to play 1-2 singles with some doubles. D. Pham focuses on doubles with the ability to mesh with a variety of players. Wald, injured most of last season, provides singles and doubles depth. Four starters graduated
Coach says — “I have the expectation, and so does the team, that we will win the conference this year, and our goal is to head back to the state tournament. We have increased the strength of our non-conference schedule, adding in many of the very top teams in the state.”
Coach — Robert Garry
Assistants — John Arlandson, Mark Dornfeld, Judd Sather, Herb Gibson
Last year — 20-5 overall, 5th place in state tournament, 15-1 conference
Returning starters — Seniors: Sam Garry (C), Seth Nelson (P/IF), Tommy Muetzel (P), Jacob Johnson (OF/P); Junior: Josh Donna (SS/P); Sophomore: Ethan Felling (OF/P)
Other lettermen — Seniors: Ben Hyde (OF), Miles Morris (P/ IF), Will Harris (IF)
Fast facts — Garry, Nelson, and Felling were all-conference and all-section picks
Coach says — “We feel we should have a strong presence on the mound, and throw a lot of strikes. Offensively, we have five players returning that had strong numbers last year so we are hopeful for them to continue. We will continue to work hard and hold each other accountable. We have relied on and believed in our approach to getting better and competing over the last six years, and that won’t change. There are a lot of very good teams on our schedule. Excited for the season.”
Coach — Tim Gormley
Assistants — Pat Bogie, Steve Moore
Record last year — 11-12 overall, 8-6 conference
Captains — Annik Sturm, Olivia Boyle, Victoria Nelson, Calista Kurr
Returning starters — Seniors: Sturm (OF), Boyle (2B-1B); Juniors: Nelson (3B-CF), Kurr (1B), Morgan Marx (SS)
In the mix — Junior: Elizabeth Dupey (P); Sophomores: Malia Erickson (P-SS), Jayden Bonk (P), Julia Ruzynski ©; 8th grade: Abby Wright (P-1B)
Fast facts — Pitchers and catcher graduated, team trying out new prospects. Marx was SS in 9th grade, missed sophomore year for medical reason
Coach says — “The group that played the last two years has moved on to other things and we are excited to see who will take the ball and run with it. Mostly juniors and sophomores will be playing.”
Head coach — Jon Nelson
Assistants — Thad Tumbleson (jumps), Tony Moline (throws), Alli Ruprecht (hurdles/PV)
Last year — 3rd in conference, 1st in section Captains — Jack Oien, Ramsey Morrell, Jonah McCormick
Returning starters — Seniors: Jack Oien, Emmett Poppelman, Ramsey Morrell, Andrew Breien, John Gibbons, Wyatt Siess, Ahmed Ahmed, Maxwell Holley, Blake Fedie, Cody Dvorak, Palmer Emery; Juniors: Jonah McCormick, Michael Barry, Alec Mahoney, Caden Hallin, William Newman; Sophomores: Evan Carion
Fast facts — McCormick (hurdles) and Poppelman (shot, disc) were state qualifiers. McCormick was 110 and 300 hurdles conference champion
Coach says — “We should have a well-rounded team.” New coach — Nelson takes over as head coach. He competed for White Bear Lake, Lakewood Junior College, and University of Minnesota-Duluth, and has been assistant coach at WBL, UMD, and Mahtomedi
Coach — Jim Driscoll
Assistants — Jodie Tester, Thad Tumbleson, Tony Madline, Lisa Irsfeld, Ali Ruprecht
Last year — 1st in conference, 1st in section Captains — Kaia McKeown, Juliana Nyberg, Erin Steinman
Returning starters — Seniors: Sarah Brings (distance), Abbey Bush (sprints, PV), Greta Liner (distance), Madison Moeller (sprints), Steinman (hurdles, jumps); Juniors: Zoey Hauer (middle distance), Anna Moseley (sprints), Ella Prose (middle distance); Sophomores: Breanna Elbers (middle distance), Gabi Fox (middle distance), Ella Frazier (sprints, jumps), Kaili Malvey (hurdles, jumps), Olivia Thiele (middle distance)
Fast facts — Returning conference champions: Thiele (400), Malvey (triple jump). Returning state qualifiers: Thiele (400), Brings (3200), Fox (3200), Frazier (relays), Moeller (relays), Moseley (relays), Thiele (relays), Steinman (triple jump) Coach says — “I think we will contend for the conference and section championships. We have a lot of new people out and we are hoping that some of them will help out.”
The battery. That’s the term for the pitcher and catcher in baseball and softball.
White Bear Lake’s softball battery has been super-charged for the last two seasons. And now, senior pitcher Chloe Barber and junior catcher Heidi Barber are set for their third and final go-around together as the Bears battery.
“It should be a fun season. We’ve got four or five months left,” said Chloe, meaning high school and club team.
For Jill Leverty, the Barber sisters are a rare luxury to coach. “It’s awesome, for sure, to start with a pitcher and catcher like them,” said Leverty, now head coach after working with them two years as an assistant.
White Bear Lake softball had struggled for several years before the Bears came out of the 2020 nonseason to post a 17-7 record in 2021, then went 22-5 in 2022 with conference and section championships and a fourth-place finish at state, with huge contributions from the two longlimbed, 5-foot-11 daughters of Sheila and Justin Barber.
Chloe Barber, in two seasons, has thrown ten no-hitters among her 26 career wins, striking out 429 batters, and she’s just as formidable in the batters box, blasting 25 home runs and compiling a .424 batting average. She was a Star-Tribune all-metro pick last year.
Heidi Barber is a consistent run producer with a .335 career average in the leadoff spot. Her defensive contribution is even greater, as the perfect complement to Chloe behind the plate, along with a fearsome arm that prevents stolen bases.
“We’ve been (pitcher and catcher) together since, I would say, I was 10 and she was nine. I’ve always been a pitcher,” said Chloe. “And I’ve always been a catcher,” said Heidi, as the Press chatted with each of them after an indoor practice last week.
“Chloe always knows what (pitch) to call, if Heidi is struggling,” says Leverty. Chloe trusts Heidi, and Heidi trusts Chloe. We (coaches) don’t have to get in their way. They do it all on their own.”
Last season, Chloe had an 18-3 record, 12 shutouts, six no-hitters and a 1.04 earned-run-average, and led the state with 278 strikeouts in 148 innings. She belted 14 homers (tied for second in the state), drove home 42 runs (tied for fourth) and had a .417 average. Heidi batted .347 with 17 runs and 18 RBI’s. She has two career homers.
Chloe has signed with Wichita State, whose pitching coach spotted her at a Kansas City tournament. Heidi has committed to the University of Connecticut.
After the prep season, they’ll have a few dozen more games together with their longtime club team, Minnesota Force, before their partnership ends.
Asked where all her power comes from, Chloe said the homers just
happen; she does not swing for the long ball. “The majority of the time, I’m trying to hit line drives somewhere,” she said. Heidi offered, “Chloe is the strongest player on the team, in the weight room, I mean. She has what our dad calls ‘farm strength.’ You know, like from lifting bales and rocks.”
Their dad was a football/basketball/ baseball standout at Swanville, a small town near St. Cloud where he grew up on a farm.
Heidi is a three-sport athlete, having also played basketball and football (yes, football) since fifth grade. In basketball, she made all-conference this season as a rugged defender and good three-point shooter on a 22-5 team. She was a top sub on the Bears’ state third-place team as a freshman.
In football, after playing tight end previously, she became a quarterback in ninth grade, utilizing that strong right arm. She was the JV’s starting QB last fall, while appearing in two varsity games in mop-up roles. “I was a backup to Gavin (Knutson) last year,” she said. “I’m happy to be on the team, just practicing and enjoying football, but obviously I would love to start, and try to help the team win.”
Three of the football coaches — head coach Ryan Bartlett and assistants Jeremy Post and Nick Devet — are also basketball coaches, with Post as head coach. They all keep an eye on her, she said.
Chloe, meanwhile, settled on one sport. She played basketball with Heidi in junior high. Heidi said Chloe
was the better player, but Chloe dropped out after the pandemic nonseason. “I didn’t really know the (basketball) players,” she said. “Plus, the position I play, in softball, requires a lot more time.” She uses her fall and winter athletic time to work out in the MN Force’s New Brighton facility.
Looking fo r a roommate, I am a nonsmoker, educated, no kids under 25 working loca lly (WBL). Have 2 tiny adult dogs Willing to help with housework, cooking, ch ild care (in the evenings). Please reach out at smile4glo@y ahoo.com w/ contact information.
Waters Edge Craft Sale
Saturday, April 22rd
10am – 3pm
Waters Edge Clubhouse 15290
Farmham Ave N. Hugo
CCW Spring Jewelry & Craft Sale
The St. Odilia Council of Catholic Women is holding a Jewelry & Craft Sale. Huge selections of costume jewelry, fabrics, and glassware items will be priced to sell & must go! Quilts, blankets, baby items & more - handmade by CCW crafters.
Sale dates
*Saturday April 29 - noon to 6:30 p.m.
*Sunday April 30 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
St. Odilia Church, 3495 N. Victoria, Shoreview, MN. 55126
2011 Toyota Sien na
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Guaranteed minimum salary up to $20 per hour depending on shift
651-653-9845
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Up to $18/hr
3-5 days/wk Must be thorough cleaner!
Maids of White Bear 651-247-2807
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
Snuggle Me Organic in V.H. Hiring FT & PT Warehouse; also Assembly Team Members, M-F Flexible Hrs. Send Resume to: becky@ snugglemeorganic.com
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.
Now hiring:
• Recreation Staff
PRESS PUBLICATIONS IS SEEKING A
Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a staff writer-reporter you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers, website and social media pages. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, coordinating, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is an efficient writer, passionate about local community news and great at time managment. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.
We buy old stuff! Antique to contemporary Collectables jewelry, coin s, holiday advertising, spor ts, silver, gold, estate s and much more GET CASH FOR CLUTTER! Call Britt & Jay at 651-252-7919
PT Admin Position in WBL Circulation Dept. 15-20 hrs/week. Call Lisa 651-407-1205
www.presspubs.com
The City of Lexington is accepting applications for a part-time public works employee to assist the public works department in regular maintenance and repair work associated with the city’s parks, buildings, streets, and utilities. The position is 20-30 hours per week – flexible hours. A high school diploma and a valid driver's license with a clean driving record is essential.
Applications available Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, at Lexington City Hall, 9180 Lexington Ave, Lexington, MN 55014 or online at http://www.ci.lexington.mn.us/.
Salary Range: $17.05-$18.76/hour. For more information call 763-784-2792. Position is open until filled.
• Park Maintenance Staff
• Building Supervisor
Learn more and apply at CityofRoseville.com/jobs
da y.Call 888/91 3-5895
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Ho using Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preferen ce limitation or discriminat ion based on race co lo r, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or nationa l origin, or an intention, to make any such preferen ce limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal custod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.
Frank
Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com
Timing is everything. It hadn’t been the best weather heading into the Easter weekend with snow, sleet, rain, wind and thunder, but we saved the best weather since mid November for this past weekend. Temperatures soared into the 60’s and winds died down a bit and Easter weekend was a winner. The warmer temperatures even persisted into the workweek. With big temperature fluctuations, it looks like colder temperatures for this weekend. Lake ice watch is on. Any predictions of when area lakes will clear?
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.
Watson is a local Meteorologist who operates a weather station in White Bear Lake. Weather data and observation are from his weather station and trips around the area. Frank can be found on the internet at WeathermanWatson.com.
Why are the Troje trash carts being exchanged now?
Per a Ramsey County Solid Waste ordinance, the Troje trash carts do not meet ordinance requirements. Republic Services trash cart exchanges fulfill the requirement.
When are the Troje carts being exchanged?
Starting the week of April 17, Troje-branded trash carts will be exchanged for Republic Services trash carts. This is a large project that will take multiple weeks to complete. If you have a Troje trash cart, please have it out at the curb by 6 a.m. and leave it out until 5 p.m. on your service day until yourtrash cart is exchanged.
Why are only the Troje trash carts being exchanged, not the recycling carts?
Why are the Troje trash carts being exchanged now?
Per a Ramsey County Solid Waste ordinance, the Troje trash carts do not meet the requirement.
If you have any questIons, please call us at 320.252.9608, or emaIl our local team at WhIteBearlake@repuBlIcservIces com
When are the Troje carts being exchanged?
If you have any questions, please call us at 320 252 9608, or email our local team at WhiteBearLake@RepublicServices.com
The Ramsey County ordinance does not apply to recycling carts. Republic Services is a leader in sustainability and is committed to being environmentally responsible. We will continue to exchange broken and damaged recycling carts. If your cart is broken or dam aged, please reach out to White BearLake@RepublicServices.com or by phone at 320.252.9608. ©2023
Bear Boating is again gearing up to offer complimentary boating and fishing trips on White Bear Lake. The nonprofit has been operating since 2015 and serves seniors (age 60+), active-duty military, veterans and people with disabilities from May 30 through August.
This year, they are scheduling up to 10 guests per trip and up to three trips per day, Monday through Friday, so they could use some help. Both returning and new volunteer captains and crew are needed.
Due to the pandemic, Bear Boating has not had a fundraising event since
2019 and is currently looking for new opportunities to raise funds. The group is asking anyone with ideas for fundraising or to donate, to visit www.bearboating.org/.
For additional information on sponsorships, volunteering and scheduling trips, contact President Dave Ryan at trips@bearboating.org.
Submitted
New volunteers are required to take an in-person training session.
When: Monday, May 15 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m., or Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Both sessions will be followed by an additional 30 minutes of training for potential new captains. Sign-in for registered participants opens 30 minutes prior to the start of training.
Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St., White Bear Lake.
Detail: Questions and/or RSVP by May 10 to trips@ bearboating.org.
Returning captains and crew members can take training online.
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.
The White Bear Lake basketball team that placed fifth in the state tournament had three seniors named to the all-conference team, two of them also chosen for the coaches association state all-star game.
Jack Janicki and Wyatt Hawks were among 40 seniors chosen for four teams who were showcased Saturday at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Janicki elected not to participate, having played all season after surgery on his left (shooting) shoulder and needing to heal up, coach Gregory Burke said.
Jack Misgen was the Bears’ third allSuburban East Conference pick, and senior guard Jeremy Kolb got honorable mention.
Janicki averaged 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals, shooting 50.9 percent
tops Bears in opener
A year ago, White Bear Lake finally got the best of perennial power Stillwater, beating out the Ponies for conference and section titles, but the 2023 opener showed that Stillwater is formidable as always. The Bears, with seven of nine starters back, lost to Stillwater 3-0, in an afternoon game at Concordia-St. Paul. The Ponies’ junior pitcher Anna Corbid, in her first varsity
on field goals and 70.9 percent on free shots.
Hawks averaged 14.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists, while shooting 55.7 percent.
Misgen averaged 10.7 points and 3.0 rebounds and shot 54.2 percent. Kolb averaged 6.6 points and 2.1 steals.
Janicki made 44 three-pointers (hitting 34.2 percent). Zach Nelson. off the bench, took 97 of his 107 shots from 3-point range, sinking 35 for a team-leading 36.1 percent. (He was also 10-for-11 on free shots.) Misgen made 31 three’s (31.3 percent), Kolb 29 three’s (31.5 percent) and Hawks 13 three’s (34.2 percent). Janicki scored his 2,000th point on the final shot of his career, a free throw at the end of the Bears’ fifth-place win over Andover, 68-64. He had become the school’s all-time scoring leader four games earlier. The Bears’ updated 1,000-Point Club list is shown here.
start, out-dueled the Bears’ 26-game winner Chloe Barber. Corbid notched just three strikeouts and walked five, but limited the Bears to three hits. Barber struck out 12 in six innings and while giving up six singles, including RBI hits by Sarah Dollerschell and Lily Grunder. Another run scored on a two-out error. The Bears’ hits were by Maddie Belisle (double), Heidi Barber and Autumn Lund.
BOYS
Jack Janicki (2023) .………….2000
Jeff Halbert (2002) ……..….…1916
Jeremy Beckler (2019) ….….. 1315
Sam Schwartz (2019) ….…… 1297
Greg Halbert (1998) ……..….. 1141
Jamie Ogden (1990) ……..…. 1071
Spencer Cummings (2010) … 1066
Joe Regnier (1985) ………….. 1047
White Bear Mariner
Kyle Mork (1982) …………….. 1197
Brody Fox, University of Wisconsin-Stout sophomore from Mahtomedi, averaged 25.9 points per game in a season cut short by an ankle injury. In 16 games, the 6-foot-6 guard, scoring mostly on penetrations to the hoop, shot 57 percent on two-pointers
GIRLS
Alexis Foley (2012) …………... 1598
Jackie Norton (2004) ………… 1564
Tanya Dickey (2008) …….…… 1175
Alison Hinck (2016) ……………1171
Julia Dysthe (2010) …………….1134
Kelly Meadows (1995) ……….. 1108
Lauren Eckerle (2022) ……….. 1064
Brenda Brozik (1985) ………… 1030
while averaging 4.8 rebounds. UW-Stout had a 5-20 record. Fox averaged 18 points as a senior at Mahtomedi. At UWStout, as a freshman, he averaged 10.8 points in 25 games, nine of them as a starter, then made a huge jump in scoring as a sophomore. Fox had a 70-point game
this season against Greenville, IL, which was a school record for most points scored in a single game. Fox shot 34for-38 in the 70-point game, which UWStout won 147-126.
Bruce StrandWHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP — The Town Board conducted the following business at its April 3 meeting:
Approved plans and specifications for 2023 street improvements. Bids will open April 26 for the Gilfillan area and Weston Woods in one project and for Hammond Road (to Otter Lake Road) and Township Parkway in a second project. The board will award the bids for the three street projects in May.
• Heard a report from building inspector Mike Johnson that Universal Forest Products, 4141 Hoffman Road, was issued the necessary permits to construct and repair buildings, upgrade utilities and to install its required fire suppression system, as described in amended conditional use permit (CUP) approved in November 2022.
Johnson provided the board with a quick history of the company’s building
requests per its conditional use permit. The last request to amend the CUP was November 2022.
Conditions were added to the CUP since that time and the township has been working to resolve them ever since.
UFP is requesting more time for its contractor, who asked for a May 20 completion date. Supervisor Steve Ruzek asked Johnson if they are making progress? Johnson said, “yes.”
Chair Ed Prudhon, who chastised the company a month ago for not meeting its promises, asked if all the paperwork and applications have been provided, as the board asked. Again, Johnson said, “yes.”
The company’s regional director of operations, Brian Golanowski, said their goal is have “everything wrapped up” by summer.
The agenda item was a continuation of
White Bear Lake
Mia Haskins, White Bear Lake senior, is a four-sport athlete, although her top sport is not with a Bear team. Haskins has been an equestrian champion for several years. Her 2022 season highlight was riding her horse, Hailey, to first place in the Level 3 Hunter Hack category of American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show in Oklahoma City. Haskins was part of the Bears’ strong tennis doubles lineup last fall as the team went 14-8 and placed third in the SEC. In winter, she was co-captain of the Alpine Ski team. In spring, she’s captain of the trapshooting club team. She’ll be back to the equestrian circuit in the summer.
Mia Haskins
4661 Highway 61 | White Bear Lake northstarbank.com | 651-429-4531
the public hearing for the CUP request and no action was required.
• Approved annual contract with Northeast Youth & Family Services.
Supervisor Scott McCune asked that this item be pulled from the consent agenda to explain that contract amounts are not based on usage. The organization assists communities with the ability to help those with mental health challenges. They also provide elderly assistance and on-campus treatment programs in the school district.
Headquartered in Shoreview, NEYFS is funded through several sources, including municipalities, where contributions are based on population. The township approved payment of $22,850 to the nonprofit for services estimated to cost $10,800 through Dec. 31.
That cost of services included four clients who received a total of 37 mental health sessions at cost of $5,800; six clients who received 17 hours of diversion services for $4,800 and one senior who received seven hours of assistance at a cost of $175.
McCune wanted residents to understand that many services are provided free, or on a sliding fee scale based on income, if they wish to take advantage of the partnership.
• A greed to pay $47,850 to TKDA for completion of the 2023 GIS and asset management plan.
The township began the process of managing its more than 12,000 individual assets using a digital geographic information system (GIS). According to the engineering firm, the township owns and maintains an estimated $180 million in assets. Assets include sanitary sewer, watermain, storm sewer, streets, signage, fleet, buildings, materials inventory and park equipment.
• Established April 29 as Trash to Treasure Day in White Bear Township.
• A greed to partner with the city of Gem Lake after a request by its mayor for an annual cleanup event May 20 at Otter Lake Elementary. Township and Gem Lake residents will be asked for their address and verified on a spreadsheet that they live in either community.
• Approved amendment to memorandum of understanding with the state in with regard to the national opioid settlement. Attorney Chad Lemmons explained the state is requesting adoption of a resolution to support the settlement. “It increases the amount of money the state receives under the settlement,” he said. Money is for compensation as a result of the opioid problem and for better education initiatives.
According to the League of Minnesota Cities, settlements have been reached and, depending on the number of participants, could exceed $235 million over 15 years for Minnesota. Anticipated breakdown of “up to” payouts nationwide include: Teva Pharmaceuticals - $4.25 billion; Allergan - $2.37 billion; Walmart - $3.1 billion; CVS - $5 billion and Walgreens$5.7 billion.
• Reelected Diane Longville and Bryan DeSmet to three-year terms on the White Bear Lake Conservation District board of directors.
• Heard a resident on Oakmede Lane during open time ask that winter parking restrictions be permanently extended to April 15. The heavy snowfall April 1 was a problem, as many vehicles parked on the street, causing headaches for snowplow drivers. It was bad enough to get the sheriff involved. The current restriction ends April 1. Prudhon said the board will refer it to the Public Safety Commission and Public Works.
Debra Neutkens“Your Financial Partner”CONTRIBUTED Brody Fox
Big year in college hoops for former Zephyr
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WHITE BEAR LAKE — Two business owners facing ruinous loss of their tobacco license for twice failing compliance checks received a last-minute reprieve from city leaders.
The vote was close, however, and looked to be headed in the wrong direction for Nothing But Hemp and MNJ Tobacco until one council member changed his mind.
At issue was their sale of THC products the city claims violated a fairly new ordinance that placed a one-year moratorium on products containing more than 0.1% THC.
The city maintained that violation of its moratorium provides grounds for denying the tobacco license, which includes the sale of THC products. The fact the two businesses continued to stock and sell THC products after failing the first compliance check was considered a “blatant violation of the city’s moratorium and willful and flagrant disregard of local laws.”
The business owners, represented by attorneys at a March 28 City Council hearing, claim they did not violate the law; that their products were below the THC limit and questioned whether the police officers conducting the compliance checks understood the package label.
White Bear attorney Bryce Holstad, representing MNJ Tobacco, said he could find no evidence that his client has been charged with the misdemeanor violation and could not locate a citation or a formal complaint from the compliance officer.
“My client has not been charged,” Holstad said. “He has not been arraigned to hear charges and given opportunity to say if he’s guilty or not because he has not been charged. There has been no probable cause (to deny the license).”
Holstad told council he was “perplexed” as to why this was even an issue since his client has complied with the ordinance and then explained the reasons the city cannot legally refuse to renew his license.
Putting legalities aside, the attorney suggested to council that renewing his client’s license was “the right thing to do.” Holstad provided background on the owner, named Mike, noting he is a firstgeneration American born to Iraqi refugees. After
enlisting in the Army, Mike did four tours in Iraq and held a top security clearance. After falling in love with someone from Minnesota, he moved to White Bear Lake, where he sold his house to invest in a building for a tobacco store.
According to Holstad, his client “took a 60% hit” on his business after the city passed the moratorium last September.
Mayor Dan Louismet took issue with the citation part, saying one was issued, which then starts a criminal proceeding. “This comes from our city prosecutor. I accept that she is doing her job,” he said. The mayor then asked Holstad if he thinks his client is not violating the moratorium or just doesn’t understand it? “I feel the city doesn’t understand its own ordinance,” Holstad replied.
Again, the attorney emphasized that he has searched every database in the state to find the issued citation and comes up empty-handed.
Nothing But Hemp owner Eva Droz told council any products not meeting the city’s new ordinance were pulled from store shelves. “We took a huge hit on sales,” she said, adding she’s not sure why there is confusion, but claims to be in compliance. “We are trying to follow the rules. We are testing our products. We pulled products that fit your ordinance.
Her attorney, Susan Burns, also said her client has never been charged with a violation.
“I am here tonight to ask what is the violation alleged to have occurred?” she asked council. “My client’s products are compliant, and we are here because of the possibility of (you) not reissuing the tobacco license. I’d like to know what the issue is here. How does my client correct something they don’t know what to correct?”
City Attorney Troy Gilchrist said it was his understanding that a charge has been issued from the city prosecutor. “Both licensees allege they are not in violation. Frankly, that is not the city’s position,” he stated.
Council Member Kevin Edberg called the conversation “messy” and reminded members denial of a license “is a big deal for a tobacco shop. It is not trivial, it is their livelihood. We have to make sure we have all our ducks in a row and I don’t have that confidence.” Edberg felt the language in the ordinance was “extraordinarily vague” and did not
see proof that the penalty fits the transgression.
“I see no evidence the individual is charged, let alone convicted,” Edberg pointed out. “The idea that it is in process doesn’t meet my understanding of what it means to be found guilty. There is no documentation, no police report, no test results.”
Edberg added that the businesses may not be taking the city seriously and although he doesn’t have evidence, said selling illegal products shows disrespect.
Admitting the issue “makes me mad,” Council Member Dan Jones highlighted the three businesses that did pass the second compliance check. “What are we doing for them?” he asked. “They are passing up business, too.”
After lengthy discussion, Gilchrist told council whether a citation has been issued was not a factor. “It comes back to whether you are comfortable you have sufficient basis to make a decision,” he advised.
Council Member Heidi Hughes said she was not. “I’m uncomfortable taking away a license based on ‘he said, she said.’ I think this is confusing – what you can sell and what you can’t. There is enough question here that I’m uncomfortable denying their license based on conversations tonight.”
Council Member Bill Walsh on the other hand, said the businesses failed two compliance checks and it was within the city’s right to deny.
Edberg iterated that he is not comfortable terminating a livelihood, adding, “I don’t want to be sued.”
Jones said the conversation was “muddied” and although he was mad earlier about the alleged violation and seemed poised to deny, he agreed with Edberg. “I’ve been known to flip on a dime,” he admitted. If he had a choice, Jones said he’d ban THC sales in the city altogether. The councilman said he didn’t want to take away Mike’s livelihood and thanked him for his service.
In the end, council voted 3-2 to renew the licenses. Walsh and Engstran voted no.
Following the decision to renew, City Manager Lindy Crawford warned the two business owners that the police department will continue to do random compliance checks for THC.