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ARTS DISTRICT ADDITION: McNeely Music Center plans approved PAGE 2A
Familiar faces recognized by area chamber BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER
As members of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce lunched, they listened to keynote speaker Steve Grove, commissioner of the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). But first came special recognitions of familiar names and faces in the White Bear community. New 2022 Chamber Chair Scott Bromelkamp, MidwestOne Bank, was introduced by outgoing chair Rita Pechmann at the group’s annual meeting April 15 at Keller Golf Course. After his introduction, Bromelkamp, a Mahtomedi High School grad, then presented special Legacy awards to John Lupo, Ellen Hiniker and Jo Emerson. “John was always the voice of reason,” Bromelkamp said as he announced Lupo’s award. Hiniker was described as “always kind and level-headed with a great sense of humor.” The former city manager wasn’t sure about
PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Finding some early open water Anglers float offshore near remaining shards of lake ice recently piled up on the beach at White Bear Lake County Park. The ice out is officially called when ice is no longer visible on both the White Bear and Mahtomedi sides of the lake. Over the weekend a large remaining sheet of ice was still visible after strong winds had pushed it to the shoreline near Mahtomedi Beach.
SEE CHAMBER, PAGE 7A
Sigh of relief as church debt paid in full BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER
The wringing of hands is over for St. Mary of the Lake priest Fr. Ralph Talbot, who helped lead his flock out from under a sizable debt. His recent announcement that the 140-year-old church was now debt-free was a long time coming for the congregation, which rallied to pay off $10.1 million in 10 years — five years ahead of schedule. Talbot inherited the debt when he came to White Bear Lake in 2011. Nine years earlier, the parish borrowed $12.1 million for a much-needed expansion of the parochial
school and Life Parish Center, doubling the space to serve both students, staff and community. The generosity of church members, the archdiocese and local businesses and a close working relationship with Premier Bank were credited with paying off the debt. The priest thought about the euphoric feeling of being debt-free while attending last week’s meeting with the finance council. “It used to be one of my most dreaded meetings,” Talbot admitted. “We were wringing our hands wondering how to pay off the debt, while still doing our ministry. It took 20% of our
budget. It wasn’t sustainable.” The word bankruptcy was spoken, he said, but the church leader never thought it would come to that. The monthly debt payment alone was about $10,000. Since that joyful February day the bank marked the loan “paid in full,” the finance meeting is one of his favorites, added the priest. “We’re in a beautiful place now,” Talbot said. “We can focus on our mission to advance the name of Jesus.” And for that, Fr. Talbot is grateful. SEE ST. MARY’S, PAGE 6A
DEBRA NEUTKENS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
St. Mary of the Lake Pastor Ralph Talbot said the church can focus on its mission now that the parish is debt-free. A celebration is planned June 12 at the Parish Life Center.
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