Vadnais Heights Press

Button contest winner rides home in style

Above: Fourth grade Lincoln Elementary School student Vinny Collova displays the Manitou Days Button Contest winning “A Century of Community” design that earned him a ride home from school in a 2020 Corvette, at left, driven by Scott Bohnen of State Farm Insurance. Collova’s classroom also receives a Carbone’s pizza party and tokens for ice cream at Cup and Cone. Find more Manitou Days information and a detailed schedule of events in the June 7 edition of the White Bear Press.

Partnership helps bring new

and just kind of go wherever,” says Roeck, who is majoring history and digital humanities with a business minor.

Bay’s dock usage area under fire

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A crowded and shallow Commercial Bay is drawing attorneys to the fray. Docks of White Bear marina manager Brian McGoldrick informed the conservation district board he plans to contest attempts to reduce his slip numbers from 260 to 240.

Cramming boats within the authorized dock usage area (ADUA) has been a longtime challenge for marina owners, especially to the south, where the bay is particularly sensitive to lake level. Nestled in the corner is ADUA owned by the city in front of Lions Park, which abuts Docks of White Bear. For possibly the first time ever, the city is contesting ADUA the marina has historically occupied.

District Chair Bryan DeSmet explained that the city would like to “get better use of its ADUA,” an area approved annually through a permitting process by the conservation district.

“Docks of White Bear has self-defined its ADUA as going toward the middle of the lake,” according to DeSmet. “The city has requested the boundary be defined in a different way, going perpendicular from the shoreline. That impacts the ADUA Docks of White Bear has been using in the past.”

The district board had hoped the city and McGoldrick would find a compromise, but that never happened. At the last hour, Tract Properties, which owns the White Bear shopping center and the marina, hired attorneys to have a discussion with the city.

SEE COMMERCIAL BAY, PAGE 18

Instead of heading to class on Tuesdays and Thursdays this spring, Emily Roeck ’23 and Brianna Mutterer ’24 are working two days a week at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society (WBLAHS). Thanks to a new paid internship partnership, the two are supporting key projects during a transformative season for WBLAHS while gaining hands-on work experience to prepare for their careers. “It’s not just the basic, typical intern work—like making copies or answering emails. You get to do research, make projects,

WLBAHS and Bethel formed the internship partnership thanks to support from Si and Vicki Ford through the O’Silas Foundation. So far, it’s a winwin. “It has been a fantastic opportunity for the students and for the historical society,”

WBLAHS Executive Director Sara Hanson says. For Bethel, it’s giving Roeck and Mutterer chances to gain valuable work experience. “Our history majors have the chance not just to study history, but to practice it, taking on a variety of roles in a small but vibrant organization and seeing

firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing public historians,” says Chris Gehrz, co-chair of the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science.

For the historical society, the interns are helping Hanson and her team accomplish projects that have been on the WBLAHS “ideas” list but haven’t come to fruition due to staffing levels. Hanson is pleased that the historical society is receiving valuable help while allowing students a chance to explore future careers.

“The hands-on opportunities we are able to provide along with

SEE INTERNS, PAGE 5

Emily Roeck ’23 and Brianna Mutterer ’24 outside the Fillebrown House. Through a new partnership, Roeck and Mutterer are the first two Bethel students to intern at the White Bear Lake Historical Society.

PAUL DOLS | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Roma building sells to equestrian store owner

It’s official. St. Croix Saddlery in Hugo is relocating to the former Roma restaurant in Willernie.

Business owner Christy Weflen and husband Mike signed the closing papers earlier this month, and plan to move the English tack store mid-July.

“We are so excited,” said Weflen, who calls the 15,000-square-foot building “dream retail space in the heart of horse country.”

Once a bowling alley, the building has seen several iterations over the years, the most recent a restaurant and microbrewery owned by the Pilrain family that closed March 31. The property at 310 Stillwater Road was listed for sale last August.

With triple her current space, Weflen said she intends to expand her lines of specialty equestrian clothing, add Western wear, bring an embroidery service in-house and resume manufacture of baked horse muffin treats (a proprietary recipe) in the restaurant’s kitchen.

A remodel is underway, and Weflen is keeping fingers crossed there won’t be too many hiccups. “The building is built

like a fortress and beautiful inside,” she said. “The dark wood is perfect for an equestrian background.”

St. Croix Saddlery, once located in White Bear Lake, is celebrating its 41st year in 2023. Weflen, who is also an attorney specializing in equine law, has owned the business for 13 years. Her Hugo building, once a daycare center at 5525 141st St., is available for lease.

SUNDAY NIGHT IS RESTAURANT/BAR

INDUSTRY NIGHT.

Spend time and hang out with your peeps. Happy Hour and $2.50 hot dogs from 7 pm - close.

Debra Neutkens

CONTRIBUTED

Mike and Christy Weflen, on right, share a celebratory toast with Brian Pilrain at Roma. The two men seated behind them are unidentified.

WHITE BEAR AREA SENIOR PROGRAM

COMMUNITYSERVICES.ISD624.ORG

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

UPCOMING CLASSES - REGISTRATION REQUIRED

55+ Defensive Driving Classes

4-Hr Refresher at Sr. Center, $35: June 13, 9am-1pm | June 15, 5:309:30 pm

8-Hr Class at Sr. Center, $45: June 21 & 22, 5:30-9:30pm

Crafts at the Senior Center:  1-day classes, variety of projects available, $15, June 16, July 14, August 10  Call for details.

Tai Chi: Jun 12-Aug 17, Mondays 8-9pm

St. Paul Saints Game: Jun 28, 11:30am-4pm, $50

How to Outline & Write an Irresistible Romance (online): July 12, 5-6pm, $30

Afton House Lunch Tour: Jul 13, 10:30am - 2pm, $60

Summer Senior BBQ & Music:  Jul 20, 11am-1 pm, $5

Monday-Friday, hot or frozen meal delivery. If you are interested, know of someone who may need meals, or have questions, please call 651-653-3123.

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

LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES

10 Signs of Dementia Online Class.  Join us via Zoom on Monday, June 5 (1–2 PM) for a discussion about the 10 signs of dementia and the importance of brain stimulation early on in a person’s journey with

dementia.  Presented by Lyngblomsten Community Services.  FREE.  To receive a link to the Zoom session, call (651) 632-5330 or email communityservices@lyngblomsten.org.

The Gathering group respite program is held Thursdays at St. John in the Wilderness Church in White Bear Lake. The Gathering provides brain-stimulating activities for adults living with memory loss and four hours of respite for their family caregiver. To learn more or to be placed on our interest list, contact us at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@ lyngblomsten.org.

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION

ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC)

1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.

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

TUESDAYS: Cribbage 1-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS: Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS: 500 Cards, 12:30-3 PM

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

Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE

Sew Day: Tuesday, June 20, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, DEC

Meeting: Tuesday, June 27; 5:30-8:30 PM, DEC

Bingo: FREE! June 26, 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring items to donate to the prize table!

THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES REGISTRATION: MAHTOMEDI.CE.ELEYO.COM

Dog Obedience Level 1 (dogs 6 months and older) - $100

Tuesdays, May 30-June 20, 5:00-6:00 PM, DEC Ice Rinks.

Puppy Socialization (Puppies 8 weeks to 6 months) - $100

Tuesdays, May 30-June 20, 6:05-7:05 PM, DEC Ice Rinks.

Wedding Dance Rescue - $30/person

Wednesday, May 31, 6:30-8:30 PM, DEC

Learn to Kayak - $30

We help you get back to living.

Thursday, June 1, 5:30-7:00 PM, Mahtomedi Beach.

Spanish in the Kitchen: ‘Vamos a Comer y Cocinar’ (online) - $100

Mondays June 5-26, 6:00-7:00 PM, LIVE Virtual Class via Zoom.

55+ Drivers Safety 8-Hour Class (online)  - $45

Monday & Tuesday, June 5 & 6 (*must attend both days), 1:30-5:30 PM (online via Zoom)

Spanish for Travel (online) - $100

Tuesdays June 6-27, 6:00-7:00 PM, LIVE Virtual Class via Zoom.

Every step of the way.

Strength & Balance for Adults 55+ - $150

Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 6-July 27; 1:00-2:00 PM, DEC

Everything You Want to Know About Medicare - $10

Tuesday, June 13, 6:30-8:00 PM.

How to Decide When to Sell Your Home  - FREE

Thursday, June 15, 6:00-7:00 PM, DEC

Coffee, Core & Pelvic Floor - $40

Friday, June 16, 10:00 AM-Noon, DEC

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

Tuesday, June 20, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Landmark Tours Travel Presentation - FREE

Thursday, June 22, 10:00 AM-11:00

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

Weather Talk with Dr. Mark Seeley: Interesting Stories About MN

• Aquatic Therapy

Weather and Climate History - $15. Tuesday. June 27, 6:30-7:30 PM, DEC

Day Trip: Saints Game! - $50

• Occupational Therapy

Wednesday, June 28. Bus leaves Mahtomedi District Center at 11:30

AM, Returns at 4:30 PM.

• Physical Therapy

• Speech Pathology

If you have any questions, please call 651-407-2024.

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

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

Magical Dozen

William McKnight is a big name in our area. I never met him, but I have read a lot about him. He had a great ability as an American businessman and philanthropist.

He joined the 3M company in Duluth in 1907 as an assistant bookkeeper and rose quickly to become president in 1929 and chairman of the board in 1949.

One of the key points of his management style was to delegate responsibility and encourage the men and women to exercise their initiative.

About the Town

The booklet of rules that McKnight used and gave each employee was how to make greater profits and results. It was often referred to as the magical dozen if applied.

I think it has an application for all businesses.

Here they are:

1. Improving the quality of products.

2. Reducing mistakes to a minimum.

3. Constant efforts toward reducing costs.

4. Eliminating lost time and delays.

5. Better planning of each job.

6. Avoiding waste and spoiled work.

7. Saving materials and supplies.

8. Developing more efficient methods.

9. Better care of equipment and tools.

10. Increased individual effort.

11. Completing each job promptly.

12. Continuous study and training.

Their 17,000 square ft. home in Dellwood was built in the late 1800s in the English Tudor style. Actually, the McKnights took over the home in early 1940s and did extensive remodeling. Eventually the home was razed and the property divided.

Summer solstice

This year the summer solstice occurs on June 21, marking the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. It is also the longest day of the year.

In the northern hemisphere, the solstice occurs when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe, and the opposite in the southern hemisphere.

Advice to Youth

In May, millions of young college students celebrate their graduations and move forward into the world of jobs, family and civic responsibility.

President Ronald Reagan in 1989 offered the nation’s young people a lesson about America!

“And let me offer lesson #1 about America: All great change in America begins at the dinner table. So tomorrow night in the kitchen, I hope the talking begins. And children, if your parents haven’t been teaching you what it means to be an American, let ‘em know and nail ‘em on it’. That would be a very American thing to do.”

Some things you’ll never need to know

• QI is the most commonly played word in Tournament Scrabble. It’s pronounced “chee” and means “life force” or “energy” in Mandarin.

• There is one and a half times more caffeine in milk chocolate than in Coca-Cola.

• Boring, Oregon has become a “sister community” with Dull, Scotland.

• The Greek national anthem has 158 verses, but only two of them are ever sung.

• When a Navajo baby laughs aloud for the first time, the family throws a party. The person who made the baby laugh provides the food.

Talking lawn care with U of M

We’re getting back into our yards and gardens, with pent-up demand following a long winter. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Jon Trappe has tips for yards that accomplish multiple goals, including promoting pollinators, climate action and a lovely look.

Q: Why do our yards matter?

Q: It’s more complicated than meets the eye. How do you do the right thing?

A: Aim for a yard with grass 3 1/2 inches tall or higher. That means letting it grow to 5 inches or more before mowing. One of the great things about letting grass get taller is that its roots will grow deeper, meaning it can withstand drought much better than shorter mowed yards. Letting grass grow higher also fends off weeds like crabgrass in your yard and helps you reduce your carbon footprint by using less fuel.

first. Many organic fertilizers have phosphorus, which cannot be applied unless the soil test shows phosphorus as deficient.

Q: What about watering, especially if we have a dry summer?

Movers & Shakers

A: For many people, their lawn is their first and most frequent point of contact with nature. The benefits of nature-based therapy can literally be found in their backyard. They are safe, convenient and private places for children and pets. Many people enjoy working in their yard as a hobby or as a connection to the outdoor world. There are environmental benefits behind the turf that make up our yards. They protect surface and groundwater by serving as living filters. They grow well in suburban and urban areas that are often dominated by impervious surfaces, while helping cool these areas that tend to hold heat. Yards are incredibly efficient at storing carbon in the soil as organic matter, playing an important role as a carbon sink for greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

• Limited to 350 words.

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Q: Should I use lawn fertilizer? Are there organic alternatives?

A: We encourage some supplemental fertilizer in lawns because it can help ensure a healthier turf. A healthier turf can be more resilient to stresses like foot traffic and allow the lawn to crowd out weeds like crabgrass. How much fertilizer to be applied can depend on a lot of things like the lawn species, soil type or even how much shade you have. A good starting point is to have your soil tested. This will tell you the nutrient levels of your soil and the most beneficial type of fertilizer product.

From the plant’s perspective, it doesn’t care if the fertilizer is synthetic or organic. However, your soil might benefit from an organic-type fertilizer product. Check your soil test

A: Many of the grasses that grow in Minnesota or the upper Midwest can get by without any extra water beyond what nature supplies. The lawn may get a little dry and the turf may get a little tannish, but this is likely the grasses going dormant. If we go more than 30 days or so without rain, consider watering to keep the lawn alive until the next rainstorm. When the lawn is stressed from lack of water, try and stay off of it to reduce stress, and it should be able to bounce back just fine.

If you are going to water, don’t do it by a set schedule. By watering “deeply and infrequently,” you can actually train the grass roots to go deeper into the soil. This just means that if you are going to water, it is better to do it less often but with a higher amount. If you have an irrigation system, look into using a smart controller that can adapt to local weather conditions. It will save you water and make your lawn more resilient.

Jon Trappe has been a turf extension educator for the University of Minnesota since October 2022.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | LETTER GUIDELINES

at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.

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

• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject

Carter C. Johnson ...............................Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson .....................Publisher Emeritus ppinfo@presspubs.com Shannon Granholm ................Managing Editor quadnews@presspubs.com Amy Johnson..............................Interim Editor news@presspubs.com Patty Steele .......Director of Sales & Marketing marketing@presspubs.com

matter will not be published.

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

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

• All letters are subject to editing.

Zoey Nguyen ......................................Designer art@presspubs.com Brianna Luecken..............................Circulation circ@presspubs.com Paul Dols ................................Photo Journalist photos@presspubs.com Other departments obits@presspubs.com classified@presspubs.com callaspecialist@presspubs.com

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

• To submit a letter, e-mail it to vadnaisheightsnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Gene Johnson

Jon Trappe

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Response to letter

What a great country we live in. As of today, we still have the freedom of speech even though someone will attack you for it if they don’t agree with your point of view. We take it as a badge of honor.

Thank you, Mr. Kenny, for your letter to the editor, “Random Thoughts”. You are spot on!

We are in a spiritual war with good against evil. It has been prophesied that God will rescue us like He did the Israelites — remember the Red Sea! All the evil in our government and governments across the world will be exposed for what they have done to their citizens. We are going to see a show like no other.

We need to stay in prayer and be on the right side of God.

God Bless America!

Annemarie and Jim Foley White Bear Lake

Response to countersuit

As someone with a 24 year old daughter, I was frustrated to read that the former gambling manager of the White Bear Hockey Association is playing gender and age discrimination cards in response to being sued by her former employer.  Time to set things straight. She resigned after turning down a large raise. She was already one of the highest paid gambling managers in the state. She employed about 69 people, all but one of them was female. While she was making six figures, most of her employees were making minimum wage. It all fell apart when four of the bars’ owners decided to stay with White Bear Hockey. Her problems now are

all self inflicted. To blame this on gender and age discrimination is an insult to women and older people who really need these protections. One of her wildest claims is that they hired a man to fill in when she left her job, and therefore she was discriminated against, despite not working for White Bear Hockey Association anymore. The organization had an unexpected resignation on their hands. The board had to move quickly to put an interim gambling manager in place and then began a search for a permanent manager.  The former gambling manager cites unspecified bylaw violations by White Bear Hockey Association that forced her to resign. As a highly paid manager, it was her job to be sure everything was in accordance with gambling rules, bylaws, etc. One more thing. This person claims she had to work within a hostile work environment. This is like the iceberg suing the Titantic for creating a collision.

Brad Naylor Gem Lake

Hopes attitude isn’t the norm

I had to read Patrick Kenny’s letter to the editor twice to make sure I read it correctly. It is shocking to me the blatant racism that is still alive and kicking in White Bear Lake. He doesn’t want President Biden reelected because there’s a chance that we might have a BLACK WOMAN as president? Does he think a woman can’t be president or that a black person can’t be president? Was he out of the country during Barack Obama’s eight years as president? In case he

hasn’t noticed, this is 2023, not 1955. Women of all colors and ethnicities hold leadership positions in all sorts of businesses and organizations. The world hasn’t come crashing down yet. There was much misinformation in his letter, but I’m stuck on his first sentence. I sincerely hope this is a rare attitude and belief and not the norm in White Bear. This needs researching and to be written about in the Press.

Cathi Tristani-Kendra White Bear Lake

Regulate retirement salaries to force ethics

The Constitution’s Article III makes clear the Framers valued the independence of the judiciary.

It accomplished this by giving the justices lifetime tenure and freedom from reduced compensation as embodied in these words, “The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.”

Most scholars agree the words “good behavior” are the constitutional equivalent of lifetime tenure.

Thus, only voluntary retirement, death or impeachment removes a justice from her office. Congress cannot punish a Justice by reducing his or her salary.

Then what can Congress do if corrupt justices refuse to regulate themselves because they know impeachment is politically impossible?

Congress can still regulate judicial

INTERNS: Helping Historical Society through transformation

the experience in a real-world setting is critical to a better understanding of the history field and what they may choose to pursue in the future,” she says. The work comes at an important time for the historical society. After acquiring the armory building in White Bear Lake, WBLAHS is transforming it into a history center and permanent headquarters, with plans to develop an exhibit gallery, a flexible lab, and a group program space. “We are a small organization on the cusp of tremendous growth,” says Hanson. As WBLAHS gears up for the changes, Roeck and Mutterer are helping bring fresh ideas. “It has been wonderful to have the students on site each week, sharing new approaches and having a fresh perspective on our regular activities,” Hanson says.  Roeck is using her history and digital humanities experience to infuse new technologies into the offerings at Fillebrown House, an 1879 lakeside cottage and historic house museum. Roeck is building a website so visitors can scan a QR code to learn more about items or features in the historic house. “If something stands out to somebody and they want to learn more, they can easily just scan and have that on their phone and look at it,” Roeck says. And the digital elements will enhance tours for people who are unable to access certain areas of the house due to mobility challenges. Roeck is also creating web pages to highlight artifacts showcased on the tour. This will provide

innovative resources for school groups and others who visit the house.

While Mutterer has helped with work at the Fillebrown House, she’s predominantly conducting research for an upcoming exhibit, “A Century of Community: How the 1920s Shaped the White Bear of the 2020s.” She’s combed through hundreds of newspapers from the 1920s to find articles on community beautification and major projects. The work has presented Mutterer with opportunities to help community members research newspaper records for family history, and she even helped the Fords find information about a family home that burned down several decades ago. “That’s actually been one of the more rewarding parts of looking through all those newspapers,” says Mutterer, a history and digital humanities major with minors in political science and computer science.

Mutterer and Roeck have enjoyed witnessing how the center is an important part of the community. Though a smaller community museum, the historical society offers numerous tours and activities and has a vast collection of artifacts. WBLAHS attracts a strong base of community volunteers, and many people come to research their family histories. “Everyone who is from that town very much loves that town, so the historical society is a big part of that, and they’re only getting bigger and developing more,” Roeck says. “It’s cool to see the impact they have on the town around them.”  Roeck and Mutterer have both enjoyed their internships, which started in February, and

both plan to continue through the summer. They are grateful for the experience as they look ahead toward their careers.

After Bethel, Roeck hopes to work in public history, while Mutterer plans to pursue her passion for justice work and is considering law school.

Everyone involved is grateful for the Fords’ support and excited to see how the partnership develops in the future. As it grows and expands, Gehrz sees opportunities extending beyond history majors. He envisions social studies education students working with local schools, and political science students exploring nonprofit administration and local government. And he anticipates students will be able to work on communications, public relations, and fundraising. Roeck encouraged other students to apply for internships as the partnership continues and develops in future years. “It’s a really great opportunity,” she says, adding that the historical society has been flexible with their schedules. Looking ahead, WBLAHS hopes to create a learning lab setting where it can help equip future public historians through the center’s projects and programs. “The White Bear Lake Area Historical Society has a lot going on and a lot to offer those who are interested in being active in the field,” she says. “Combine those opportunities with the enthusiasm and fresh ideas of the next generation and the possibilities could truly be endless.”

retirement salaries to coax the justices into abiding by judicial ethics rules like other federal judges.

This Congressional power is in the text of Article III, which limits the power of the Congress to reduce judicial salaries during the time of active service of justices, but allows Congress to regulate the retirement compensation of justices.

This compensation is not paid “during their Continuance in Office.”

Moreover, historical statistics tell us that since the Founding, about onethird of all the justices have chosen to retire. (AARP.)

Of 115 justices to ever serve, 39 have voluntarily retired from the High Court, and current law entitles them to retirement benefits and salary. See Title 28 U. S. C. Section 371.  Congress can constitutionally impose new ethics requirements on the justices, including strict annual reporting rules, as a prerequisite to getting judicial retirement compensation upon the end of their “Continuance in Office.”

Congress can provide that only justices meeting those public reporting obligations qualify to receive judicial retirement compensation in full.

As the late Mr. Justice Brandeis said: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.”

It is time for an incandescent electric light to shine on the highest court in our land.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Honor women

veterans

VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary will host an event to honor women veterans on June 12, the date officially designated as Women Veterans Day. The Minnesota state proclamation in 2022 says, “Women have served in patriotic defense of our nation, starting with the Revolutionary War through World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom ... More than 25,000 Minnesota women have served our state and nation in the Armed Forces.”

The event will include pontoon rides (weather permitting) and light refreshments. Those interested in attending should RSVP to wblvfwaux@gmail.com no later than June 5.

Fools for Christ returns to stage

Fools for Christ is back with its first post-COVID musical – a production of the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

The group will perform four shows, June 15-18, with a live orchestra at Liberty Classical Academy. Shows are at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 15 and Friday, June 16; matinees are set at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17, and Sunday, June 18 Fools for Christ was

founded in 1993 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on County Road E, and provided sermon skits, dinner theaters and the annual Living Nativity during the Christmas season. In 2017, the group launched as an independent nonprofit organization to serve a larger audience in the community.

The staff at Liberty Classical Academy stepped up to offer space to stage the production and promote a partnership between the groups. Instead of renting the space, the Fools can offer equipment and expertise to the Liberty drama department to stage its spring drama.

“This sharing of resources is helping us live out our purpose — being ordinary people spreading an extraordinary message,” said Andy Hennig, Fools for Christ treasurer.

“The partnership with Liberty is helping both organizations bring the arts and an important message to the community in the heart of White Bear, where we grew up.”

Several staff and students at Liberty will be a part of the production in the cast and orchestra.

Tickets are available at foolsdrama.com/ tickets. Liberty Classical Academy is located on the St. Pius X campus, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake.

Albert Turner Goins, Sr. White Bear Lake

COPS&COURTS

REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:

• T heft was reported in the 5000 block of Bald Eagle Avenue May 17.

• O fficers responded to a report of juveniles throwing rocks at passing vehicles at the intersection of Highway 61 and Seventh Street May 17.

• Graffiti was sprayed on a building in the 4600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue May 17.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 1900 block of Buerkle Road May 17.

• F raud was reported in the 3900 block of Crestwood Place May 17.

• A d ispute was reported May 18 in the 4900 block of Stewart Avenue.

• O fficers documented an identity theft report in the 2500 block of Orchard Lane April 18 where fraudulent concert tickets were being sold through the victim’s Facebook account.

O fficers responded to a civil problem in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue May 18 and were then flagged down in the 2300 block of Cedar Avenue to assist in looking for a missing child. The child was located shortly after.

• O fficers responded to a dispute in the 3500 block of Century Avenue May 18.

• A f ire hydrant was damaged to the tune of $50,000 in the 4000 block of Highway 61. The damage was caused in early April, and there are no suspects.

• T heft from a storage locker was reported May 19 in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road.

• A bicycle was stolen in the 3600 block of Howard Avenue May 19.

• Juvenile incidents were reported in the 2100 block of Fourth Street May 19.

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

A whopper of a bouncing check

A Crystal woman, 50, faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $100,000 for theft by swindle, after she tried to buy a car at a dealership on Highway 61 with a fake check.

On April 28, the suspect presented a check in the amount of $62,794.38 to purchase a red 2023 Subaru Ascent at Luther Acura on Highway 61. The check was a temporary check drawn on Huntington Bank with her name and address handwritten in the space usually professionally printed with the name of the account holder.

When Acura tried to cash the check, they learned funds were not available and tried to contact the woman several times. Eventually, the defendant

• O fficers responded to a domestic incident in the 5200 block of Northwest Avenue May 19.

• A noise disturbance was reported at the intersection of Division and Eighth Streets May 20.

• O fficers mediated a verbal domestic incident in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue S. May 20.

• A g roup was asked to leave the 3400 block of Century Avenue following a noise complaint May 20.

• A man was arrested for domestic assault, violation of an order for protection order, and a warrant for a previous OFP violation in the 1600 block of Ninth Street May 21.

• Juveniles caused $1,000 in damage by throwing rocks at a window in the 3800 block of Highland Avenue May 21.

• O fficers responded to a dispute in the 1500 block of Park Street May 21.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E May 21.

• O fficers responded to a report of nails that were placed in the roadway in the 1100 block of Birch Lake Blvd. S. May 22.

• A d ispute was reported in the 3900 block of Linden Street May 22.

• C riminal damage to property was reported in the 4800 block of Highway 61 May 22.

• A W hite Bear Lake man was arrested for 2 active warrants after officers responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 2400 block of Orchard Lane May 23.

• A n elderly resident in the 4000 block of Highland Avenue was the victim of a phone scam and lost $6,800 May 23.

promised to wire the funds for the purchase of the vehicle and texted Acura a photo of a check written to her for $60,000 to prove she had the funds available. Now, she needed only to have come up with a check written out to her for the remainder of the payment. When she made a strategic error and returned to the Acura dealership on May 19 to get the key fob replaced, Acura staff recognized her and called Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The defendant had a history of convictions for offenses involving bounced checks, including being convicted on three counts of purchasing a car with a worthless check in May of 2016.

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

Vadnais Heights

• Residents in the 400 block of County Road F reported property damage April 27, after a vehicle left the roadway and damaged their lawn. Vehicle parts were found at the residence, including the license plate. The complainant wanted the driver to come and pick up the vehicle debris. The vehicle owner was contacted and agreed to pick up the mess.

• Residents in the 1000 block of County Road D reported criminal damage to their Kia Soul overnight April 29-30, after unknown persons broke into the vehicle and tried to steal it by damaging the steering column. The thieves were unsuccessful, and CCTV video footage of the incident exists.

D eputies took a report of a neighbor dispute in the 500 block of Stockdale Drive May 1 and advised both parties to avoid each other.

• T he Spire Credit Union in the 900 block of County Road E on May 1 reported an unknown female for attempting to cash a check belonging to a Coon Rapids woman by using identification that didn’t belong to her. The suspect left the bank without the check or the identification. The bank fraud department linked the stolen identification to incidents that occurred in three other cities.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Birchwood

A suspicious light switch turning off and on above the complainant’s deck on Wildwood Avenue at 11:17 p.m. April 29, turned out to have been caused by the wind activating a motion sensor.

Dellwood

Two vehicles were reported for racing on Highway 96 at Apple Orchard Road at 4:51 p.m. May 1.

Grant

• D eputies on patrol in the 7000 block of Kimbro Avenue N. at 3:47 a.m. April 27 just barely observed a male riding a bike without any lights.

• D eputies on patrol during the late afternoon of April 27 conducted two traffic stops on motorists using their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The stops occurred at 5:07 p.m. on Highway 36 and at 6:22 p.m. in the 7000 block of Manning Avenue N.

• Residents in the 11000 block of Ironwood Avenue N. reported being blackmailed online April 29.

• A M innesota motorist was cited at midnight April 30 in the area of Manning Avenue N. and 80th Street N. for displaying registration tabs that had expired in December 2021. The driver stated the vehicle belonged to his father and that he was unaware of the registration status of the borrowed vehicle.

• A suspicious person seen on the property of a new home under construction in the 7000 block of Lone Oak Trail N. April 30 turned out to be the developer.

• A resident in the 10000 block of Jody Avenue N. reported having a verbal argument over a text concerning a female May 2. After the other male threatened to come and find him, the complainant texted his address back at his adversary, saying, “I’m right here!” Deputies

• A resident in the 400 block of Spring Hill Road May 1 reported falling victim to the law enforcement impersonation scam by providing her account and identity information. Fortunately, she froze her accounts prior to incurring any financial loss.

• A L ake Elmo woman reported criminal damage to property May 2, after her partner shattered the window of her vehicle while visiting a storage unit in the 1000 block of Birch Lake Blvd. S.

• Residents in the 3700 block of Brunet Court reported their outgoing mail containing checks stolen May 2 by an unknown male driving a black Chrysler 300.

• Residents in the 4200 block of Desoto Street reported ongoing harassment May 2 to document those events and to request information on obtaining an order for protection (OFP).

• Residents in the 900 block of Pondview Court reported unknown persons rummaging through their unlocked vehicle overnight May 4-5 and taking miscellaneous items.

White Bear Township

• Residents in the 5900 block of Portland Avenue reported hit-and-run accident damage to their brick landscaping blocks overnight April 25-26.

• No arrests have yet been made following an incident during which juveniles fired an air soft gun at a pedestrian in the area Bald Eagle Avenue and Bald Eagle Blvd. at 7:56 p.m. April 27. The

advised the complainant to not send any more texts.

Mahtomedi

A motorist was pulled over April 27 in the 7000 block of Hilton Trail N. for using a cell phone while driving a motor vehicle.

• Wedgewood Drive residents reported fraudulent use of a credit card April 27.

• A suspicious vehicle observed by deputies on patrol at 2:47 a.m. April 28 in the area of Edgecumbe Drive and Arcwood Road turned out to be a mail vehicle they had not seen before out at that hour circulating through its mail route.

• A Warner Avenue resident reported youths shining a laser pointer into his house at 9:09 p.m. April 28. When the complainant confronted the kids, they ran and hid inside a neighboring residence. The suspects then escaped through a different door of that residence and ran off. When deputies spoke to a parent at the suspect address, she verified that her youngest son was not at home at that moment.

• D eputies on patrol observed a vehicle parked at Wedgewood Park at 11:29 p.m. April 28 and persuaded its occupant to leave the park. The driver told deputies he was not aware of the park hours.

• P roperty management at East Shore Place on Wildwood Road reported an ex-employee crashing at a tenant’s apartment May 1 and requested deputies “trespass” him off the property.

• St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on Stillwater Road reported five juveniles inside the building tampering with sound equipment May 1. The sound equipment was damaged, and one item was stolen, as captured on surveillance camera footage. Bullying was reported at a school on Stillwater Road May 1, as part of an ongoing issue. The bullying started inside the school and is taking place at the Wildwood Library after school hours.

complainant didn’t want to press charges, but wanted to convey the message that the behavior was wrong. The complainant was able to provide a license plate number of the offenders, and deputies contacted the registered owner to inform them of the events.

• A child, 7, was reportedly bitten by the neighbor’s dog in the 5500 block of Jenni Lane April 28. The case has been forwarded to the Animal Control Office for follow-up.

• I llegal dumping of garbage was reported May 4 in the 2400 block of South Shore Blvd. The person who dumped furniture and other items in the Bellaire Beach dumpster was contacted and complied with deputies’ request to return to the scene and remove the items.

• Residents in the 5300 block of Bald Eagle Blvd. on May 4 reported possible fraud with a cybercurrency account that had occurred last year.

A vehicle parked May 4 in the 1100 block of County Road J and occupied by four juveniles was towed after no one could produce any paperwork for the vehicle. The registration did not come back as being on file; no insurance papers for the vehicle were present; the registered owner was not present; and none of the occupants held a valid driver’s license. The juveniles were warned before being released from the scene.

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE

“CLUE” HIGH SCHOOL EDITION MURDER MYSTERY

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday May 31, Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday, June 3

Where: Century College, West Campus Theatre, 3401 E. Century Ave. N., White Bear Lake

Details: White Bear Lake Area High School presents comedy whodunit inspired by the classic Hasbro game. See ticket information online. Contact: bit.ly/wblboxoffice

BUCK

When: 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 3

Where: Little Goose Lake Details: White Bear is host to the third stop of the 2023 Buck Up Tour, a national waterski jumping competition. Free.

Contact: facebook.com/ buckupfreestyle

“19TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL”

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays, June 1-11

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts

Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: See 10 never-before-seen plays from around the world performed by Lakeshore Players actors. Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

White Bear Lake Area

NORTHSTAR WATERMEDIA SOCIETY ARTISTS MARKET

When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, June 2; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 3

Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Fine Arts Building

Details: Local artists at work, continuous demos, scavenger hunt for kids, and original artwork for sale. Free admission and parking.

Contact: northstarwatermedia. com/artists-market

BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4

Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Birchwood

Details: All are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnic and beverage and listen to Artrio. Contact: cityofbirchwood.com

BLACK WOMEN AND THE LEGACIES OF AFRICA

When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June

8 Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.

Details: Discussion with minister, author, actress and visual artist Beverly Tipton Hammond, part of the AHHA! Series. Free with registration. Contact: whitebeararts.org

June

June

June

Get to know Vadnais Heights Mayor Mike Krachmer

Vadnais Heights Mayor Mike Krachmer was elected to office in the November 2022 general election. He shares a few personal tidbits and thoughts so that the community can get to know him better.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Mostly in inner city St. Paul, with significant periods of time in a number of other cities and rural Minnesota.

Q: How long have you lived in the community?

A: We built our home here 20 years ago.

Q: What do you like best about living here?

A: My immediate neighbors built their homes at the time of the development of our cul-de-sac. They have become family for us. That mutual support and care are at the heart of our choice to stay. Vadnais Heights has all of the infrastructure that facilitates the quality of life, to which we have always aspired.

Q: What things would you like to preserve in your community?

A: We have good public amenities. I hope that we can develop plans and budgets that maintain those systems and keep pace with the needs of the community. Over time our strategic planning has not kept pace with the changing nature of our city. I want to preserve and improve the quality of our water, sewer, roads, parks, and trails. This is a great place to live, and I believe it can be so much better.

Q: What changes have you wanted to see in your community ever since you’ve lived here?

A: Our social fabric has been damaged significantly over recent decades. The pace of that damage has accelerated over the last few years by developments in the social, political, and environmental arenas. I want to

be part of changing the trends that are driving us toward tribalism and nimbyism. I want to support policies and practices that bring us together and get us into civil conversation about common challenges. I want to help focus our community on public safety, public health, and inclusive public conversations. Only by respecting all of the stakeholders and considering seemingly conflicting opinions, can we make policies that work for the greater good.

Q: Why did you decide to stand for election?

A: As a recent retiree, I wanted to shift my energies to local policy issues. I wanted to find a candidate that I could support for mayor as my way of serving the city, but not having found a candidate to support, I chose to run against the only candidate to have filed. My education and experience have taught me that policy is a critical element to social change, and my values require that I choose to be the change I want to see in the world.

Q: What do you think the voters who elected you were looking for in you?

A: I made no secret of my progressive approach to public service during the campaign. Based on the election results, there was a majority of voters who agreed broadly with my positions. I hope that residents of Vadnais Heights take me at my word that “every citizen matters”, and are willing to share their concerns. I am listening.

Q: What was your profession?

A: My work life has been diverse, mainly in marketing management roles. I retired from an operations director role at a small social service organization in south Minneapolis after eight years of service.

Q: What exactly are you responsible for in your role as mayor? Describe your duties.

A: My primary responsibility is to make decisions, along with my fellow council members, that serve the best interests of the city. I take that responsibility seriously, and humbly. My practices that inform those decisions, are to be present for

all of the stakeholders and open to their perspectives. I am doing my best to be present for conversations that expose me to the needs of the whole community, groups with specific concerns and individual residents. My experience so far suggests that people who expect me to agree with their positions are more willing to share their input. I want to make clear that I am committed to engaging in conversations with any and every resident/stakeholder. If you or your group want me to better understand details that have escaped my attention, it is your responsibility as a citizen to inform me. I am not a perfect public servant. Engaged citizens are critical to representative government. I am serving as mayor for the whole city, whether you voted for me or not. Your voice matters and everyone has something to teach me.

Q: What new things have you learned so far in your position that you didn’t know before?

A: To quantify the education that is needed to do this job well is staggering. I continue to invest as much time as I can to understand the complex and intersecting issues that matter to the city’s operations. The interactions of government agencies are critical to addressing many issues that the city cannot address alone (housing and homelessness, environment and sustainability, public health and safety, to name a few). Care and maintenance of our critical infrastructure and services requires regularly studying those systems. Housing is of particular interest to me, so understanding the process of property development is critical to developing policy in this area. I believe that affordable housing is a fundamental element for sustainability for every stakeholder. Please ask me why!

Q: What are you really good at that people may not know about you?

A: I am confident that I am in the worst position to answer this question. I know a little about a lot of things, but mastery of any discipline has been secondary to pursuing broad and diverse interests.

Q: Personal life?

A: My wife and I have begun the 44th year of our journey together. We chose not to have children, but have managed to be surrounded by godchildren, nieces, nephews, and others from our other activities and affiliations. These relationships have provided significant levels of blessing to our lives.

Q: Your favorite hobbies?

A: My spouse and I like to garden and travel. I have become an avid hiker (I intend to initiate community walks beginning this summer, as a way to connect with residents throughout the city). I have been increasingly involved as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, both locally and internationally. I also play a little golf and watch soccer.

Q: When you go out into the community, what are your favorite places to go/ things to do?

A: I enjoy a good walk. Ideally, those walks include meaningful, or at least interesting conversations. If you travel Centerville Road often, you may have seen me. In my new role as mayor, I am being more intentional about visiting every corner of Centerville Road on my walks to feel closer to our residents.

Q: What would you like the public at large to know about yourself and/or your community?

A: I believe that community is more important than individual accomplishment. If we aspire to the goal of a more perfect union, it requires us to engage with each other and our institutions in productive, selfless ways. I recognize that we can’t expect people struggling from day to day to invest a lot in the public good. However, those of us with time and resources to spare, can make a difference that improves lives and futures beyond our immediate community. I challenge all of us to be good ancestors. “With great power comes great responsibility.” And your power is greater than you know.

CONTRIBUTED Mayor Mike Krachmer

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Partnership furthers Rotary Park restoration

Above: City of White Bear Lake Environmental Specialist/Water Resources Engineer Connie Taillon recently demonstrates planting technique for a group of Birch Lake Elementary School Students at a native prairie restoration area at Rotary Nature Preserve.

At right: Birch Lake Instructional Coach Elizabeth Lilja leads a group of students on a nature walk during the collaborative field day.

READ REUSE RECYCLE

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

651-407-1200 presspubs.com

Above: A new student planting at Rotary Park is watered. The restoration project is a collaboration between Rotary of WBL, The City of WBL, Birch Lake Improvement District, Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) and the Greater WBL Community Foundation with the addition of Birch Lake Elementary School.

At left: A small toad blends into the restoration area.

A mom who is there for moms — and dads

BY LORETTA HARDING CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At last, we can thank the COVID-19 pandemic for something.

During the pandemic lockdowns when people had nowhere to go, they stayed home and feathered their nests — baking bread, building decks, cleaning closets, or learning to play guitar or chess. Amanda Carrara of Mahtomedi started a parent-coaching business.

Her parent-coaching business started out online and now offers various learning formats, from virtual learning to in-person or a combination of both.

Carrara started the business while spending the three pandemic years in Costa Rica. “The country was extremely locked down due to the lack of infrastructure, such as hospitals and ventilators, that were so vital to them,” she said. Carrara’s family grew lonely very quickly.

To occupy her mind, Carrara found and enrolled in an online parentcoaching course to boost her resume. She already held a master’s degree in education and was a kindergarten teacher and literacy specialist.

Carrara and her husband moved to Hugo from Pennsylvania 20 years ago for his job with Boston Scientific. Early indications that heading up a parenting business was in her future started with her leadership of the group of moms who met up at the playground and set up play dates. The gathering evolved into book clubs and took on a spiritual component: God supported the group members and their families, Carrara said. The gathering of families then grew to having meals together and spending holidays together: “Truly living life together and supporting each other with the ups and downs of life,” she said.

After quickly turning around roles and becoming a parent coach while in Costa Rica, Carrara learned how comfortable people were with the virtual format. She coached parents from all over the world online. Her clients came from the U.S., Costa Rica

and even as far away as South Africa.

In her early days of coaching, Carrara discovered that parents wanted a Band-Aid solution to fix their kids. But she doesn’t provide a quick fix for kids. “I do offer a Rolodex of tools, because no one size fits all,” she said. “Children’s needs evolve, so that no one tool will do the job all the time.”

Rather than coach her clients on how to solve a particular problem, Carrara is goal-based and coaches parents to think in the long term, with the end in mind. Carrara asks parents to ask themselves, “When the kids leave the house, what kind of people do we want them to be?”

For example, kids will talk back. Shape that communication, Carrara said. Make your home a safe place to use their voices. Show them when it’s appropriate to speak up. “That is the training ground for recognizing that there are nuances in communication.”

You want your children to be kind? Show them kindness — model how it’s done. “Kids will learn from the example that we set much more than the lesson we try to teach them,” Carrara said.

Children need boundaries and need to know what’s expected, Carrara said. That is what the parent provides. “Kids thrive in predictable, consistent homes. They want to know what’s expected of them.” You don’t set about toughening up the kids for the real world, she added. “The world is tough enough already. The goal is to provide a safe place at home to work through issues and to be prepared for that tough world.”

Another important lesson parents learn is that we can’t control our children. “We can only control ourselves as parents,” she said. The changes we seek in our children must come from within us, the parent. “We can’t expect our children to have the skills and resources that we don’t have for ourselves yet. This is why parenting begins within ourselves first,” she said.

An important change parents can make within themselves is to become curious, Carrara said. “First, we

become curious about what we as the parents need; then we become curious about what our children need.”

Though they are little, children are full human beings and deserving of respect, Carrara said. Their behaviors, both difficult and welcome, are a form of communication. “We, as parents, act as detectives to interpret what the children are communicating. Curiosity and empathy are the best resources we have as we try to find out why kids are behaving in a certain way and what they could be needing.”

So, no formulas in Carrara’s class, but rather a philosophy based on Scripture and backed by science. “For my clients, I can listen and support,” she said. Her clients, in turn, take up that baton to listen and to support their children.

Now a certified parent coach, Carrara has designed a 12-week online parenting course called Revival Parenting that incorporates the 12 most common topics of concern for parents. These topics deal with emotions, past parenting patterns, ages and stages, tantrums, self-care, communication, rules, discipline, routines, forgiveness, sibling dynamics and the importance of play. Her clients range from a mom pregnant with her first child to an empty nester. Her students are also

military parents, diverse parents, foster and adoptive parents.

Parents have four ways to take the Revival Parenting course. Option 1 is self-paced with access to videos and a virtual work book, where clients work through the material on their own. Option 2 includes private sessions, called side-by-side parenting. Moms and dads parenting together are encouraged to choose this option.

“It is a powerful thing when both parents share a common vision, values and mission for their home, along with common language and tools to support themselves and their children,” Carrara said.

Option 3 is a virtual group that has been taught with just moms, so far. “That is special, though, because the walls come down, everyone hears of everyone else’s struggles and gives grace,” Carrara said. Option 4 is an inperson class comprised of both moms and dads that meets for 90 minutes every Tuesday night for 12 weeks. Free child care is provided.

As a parent, Carrara has set boundaries for herself first. She avoids being caught up in the hustle culture. “I work one night a week all year,” she said. Tuesday nights are for the in-person classes during winter. In the summer, Thursday nights are for meeting with private clients. “Running ourselves into the ground will not support our families,” she cautioned.

Carrara, along with her husband and three children, are building a home in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica to live in part time. “We have friends and family in Minnesota, so there will always be a piece of us here,” she said. “But each winter becomes harder, not easier.”

As for her business, “I have the flexibility of working from home the majority of time,” she said.

We can thank COVID-19 for that as well.

For more information about Carrara’s parenting course, visit her website at www.amandacarrara.com/ revival-parenting/.

CONTIBUTED

Amanda Carrara

A meet-and-greet for St. Stephen Lutheran Church’s interim pastor, Reverend Sharon F. Kelly, MDiv. PhD, will be held at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, June 9, following the 9:30 a.m. service.

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Baltimore and graduated from the oldest Lutheran seminary in the country in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She has served congregations in Kansas City,

Missouri and Carlisle, Pennsylvania, as well as eight interim ministry calls in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland and Pennsylvania and as a chaplain in specialty care. She begins at St. Stephen July 2.

“Prayerfully, I am looking forward to interim pastoral ministry in accompanying the beloved St. Stephen Lutheran congregation during this transition for calling the settled pastor,” said Kelly.

CHURCH BRIEF

CONTIBUTED

Pastor Sharon F. Kelly

St. Stephen welcomes interim pastor

Re ward Offere d for the young ma n who returned cell phone, Sat 5-13. Contact Press Pubs 651-4071221 with details to claim reward

WBL, Christ the King 1660 Birch Lake Ave 6/01: 8-8pm & 6/2 8-12pm (Bag sale)

Do you like helping solve problems? Can you make quick decisions? Have you considered a position he lping move freight/ load s for our business community? Call Ma rk at Re dline Logistics 651-481-0060

Staff Writer

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.

Do you have any Nautical themed items to sell? Join the Nautical Market at the WBL Boat Show on June 24th 2023. Call 651-407-1200 to reserve a table

Register your classic or vintage boat in the 16th Annual White Bear Lake Boat Show fo r a chance to win a trophy or other prizes Registration is free. The show is on land

Ju ne 24 at the White Bear Lake sh opping center Register at pr esspubs.com or call 651-407-1200

Explore the lakes and rivers with a kayak. Two older tandem fiberglass kayaks with padd les fo r sale Must be handy please no first timers They are fun, stable an d pretty fast with fo lding seat Sit in or sit up like a canoe. $1 75 each or $300 for the pair 612599-172n ine

ForSale/Best Offer 1940's Wood Shell Lake Ca no

Toro Power Broom Used for clearing sidewalks, ice rink & driveway. Toro professional series $3,750 61 2-599-172 nine

Vintage John Deere 20 Pedal Tractor (Model 65). W agon not included. Call 651-235-5904.

cing available. Call Safe Step 833/966-3882

SAVING JUST GOT EASIER with EarthLink Internet Get up to $30 off your monthly bill and unlimited data with the Affordable C onnectivity Program Appl y without credit checks Call 844/43 1-6862 now

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

Imag ine cruising the St Croix River this spring in a 25.5' Bayliner Cruiser. The Saratoga will make memories! Grill steaks or impossible burgers, the sky is the limit!

Boat has Refrigerator Sink, Grill, 2 batter ies, Marine radio, hardtop, full canvas,new power, 26 0hp, 5.7 MerCruiser $6500. Located at Wolf's Marina in Stillwater Must se ll due to ski accident

612-599-1729

Fireplace Cord $150 Ca mp Fire Cord $200 Full Cord $450 Ca ll 651-214-0718

WANTED: ALL 1970S MOTORCYCLES Running or not Titled or not Will pick up. Cash in exchange. Sell now before prices fall. Call Dan at 612/720-2142

OBITUARIES

Mary Katherine Grue Trumper

Age 87 of White Bear Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 20, 2023. She is survived by her loving husband Lewis of almost 65 years, and four children: John (Jean), Mary Ann (Scott) Miles, Mark (Leah), Colleen, fifteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and siblings: Betty, Lois, Tom and Jim. Mary grew up in New Ulm, Minnesota. She always had a positive outlook, was an outgoing person and made friends everywhere she went. Mary lived an active life always in the company of family and friends. She loved to fish and play cards with her husband and spend time at the cabin by the lake. Mary has a large circle of friends from St. Joseph’s Academy. She was also active in her church, St. Mary of the Lake, fundraising for Relay for Life, and in her community visiting people in need. She passed away at home surrounded by family and prayers. Mary’s funeral was held at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., on Friday, May 26 at 11 a.m. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Mary was an active fundraiser for Relay For Life. In lieu of flowers, Mary requested memorial donations go to White Bear Lake Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society - attn: Mary Trumper Memorial. Mary’s family has set up a team “Strides Against Cancer” to fundraise for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. If you wish to donate, checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and mailed to the family. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

Blair (Bumps) Woolsey, DDS

Age 92, formerly of White Bear Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Friday, May 19, 2023. He was a 1947 graduate of South St. Paul High School. He graduated from Macalester College in 1951 and from the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1959. He served in the USMC for 27 years, retiring as Colonel in 1979.

Blair married Joanne Dahlin in May 1955. Together they raised their three daughters. He was a respected dentist in the WBL area and retired in 2009. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on Lake Superior. He was part of the Plaisted Polar Expedition in 1967 and was an active member of his church and community. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends creating countless memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joanne; daughters, Pam (Duane) Bateman, Kirstin (Jeff) Schmidt, and Beth (Billy) Brisch; 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place at a future date. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th Street SE, Kasson, Minnesota 55944 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be his memory.

1949 - 2023. Diane pass away on February 11, 2023. Diane was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Lorraine Schoeller and her brother Tom and sister Mary. Dianne is interred at Saint Mary cemetery in White Bear Lake.

Patricia (Pat) Dahm

Age 79, passed away on May 19, 2023. Pat taught in the White Bear Lake Area School District for 34 years.

Pat is survived by her husband of 54 years, Les; son Christian; Beloved grandchildren Kylie, Olive, Oscar and Otto, and many cousins. Preceded in death by son Cameron; Parents Marlin & Bernice Marquardt.

A private interment at Fort Snelling Cemetery

TBD. Memorial preferred to Parkview UCC, 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Diane Schoeller

andArts Culture2023

EMERGING ARTIST SARAH LESCH

still remember the day I got an email confirming I had been accepted, and I remember freaking out while I sat at the lunch table at school,” Sarah Lesch says. The email was sent to her five years ago, at the end of her eighth-grade year— an invitation to join Forest Lake High School’s Sinfonia Orchestra, their top-level ensemble normally reserved for grades 10 through 12, as a violinist.

That moment is when Lesch realized she really loved music. “I felt such a strong sense of accomplishment…I realized that I could accomplish so much more and in doing so, I could show everyone else my passion for music.”

Now a Forest Lake senior on the cusp of graduation, Sarah is the Sinfonia Orchestra’s concertmaster and plays as a member of the school’s elite Chamber Strings group. With a score of noteworthy achievements in her ledger, one might think Ms. Lesch was born holding a bowstring. She started, however, in sixth grade, and the violin wasn’t even her first pick!

“Initially, I wanted to play the saxophone, but I instantly fell in love with the violin after trying it out,” Sarah recalls.

“I was amazed because, even though maybe I didn't sound too great, I could already play a couple notes.”

Seven years of practice at anything is impressive, but a musical instrument takes particular dedication. Lesch, though, approaches her craft with a different attitude. “Playing music gives me an outlet that allows me to relieve any and all emotions that would otherwise be bottled up. It's something I can always turn to when feeling something extreme, no matter if it's good or bad.”

Of course, musical excellence isn’t the only thing orchestra has taught Lesch. “Becoming Concertmaster of Sinfonia Orchestra has also given me excellent leadership experience.” Sarah adds, “I have had to learn how to coordinate and communicate with an entire group all at once…helping all the members of my section practice and perfect the pieces we were preparing.” Preparation will be a constant in Sarah’s life looking ahead. She plans to attend Century College this fall to earn an associate arts degree and hopes to join their chamber orchestra. She’ll also be playing in the pit orchestra for Hanifl’s Beauty and the Beast later this summer. Rest assured—though her schedule may be busy, Lesch will keep a measured pace. That’s because the most important lesson Sarah has learned from playing violin is self-kindness. “You aren't always going to be perfect the first time you try something,” Lesch imparts, “In fact, that's perfectly normal. It has taught me to have patience and forgive myself for messing up occasionally. If I can walk away knowing I truly put forth my best effort, that is absolutely something to still be proud of.”

FOUR(TEEN) SHOWS COMING TO WHITE BEAR LAKE IN JUNE

Clue

White Bear Lake Area High School’s spring production, Clue is a riff off of both the cult-classic 1985 movie and the whodunit board game. Join familiar favorites Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, and more as they attend a murderous dinner party where the main course is red herring and the topic of conversation is how many bullets can be fired from a six-shooter.

Director Braylon Lane is especially excited for the community to see his students perform, saying their “dedication to making theatre happen in our current situation is spectacular.”

19th

Annual 10-Minute

Play Festival

Lakeshore Players Theatre continues their platinum 70th season with their perennial fan-favorite 10-minute plays. How many plays are staged during the program? Why, 10, of course! These shorts were selected from playwrights around the world and ALL of them are premiering here. Vote for your favorite 2023 play at the end!

Peter and the Starcatcher

The Children’s Performing Arts early-teens advanced performers are about to show how Peter Pan actually came to be. An island

JUNE EVENTS

Explore upcoming Avenue of the Arts events with CPA, LPT and WBCA CLUE

Location: Century College’s West Campus Theatre, 3401 E County Line N

Date: Shows start nightly at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, and go through Saturday, June 3. A matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday is also showing. General admission for Clue is $10, though seniors over 60 get in free. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/wblboxoffice

THE 19TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL

Date: June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m. June 4, 11 at 2 p.m.

Ten short, never-before-seen plays are presented. Watch each show, and then cast your ballot for your favorite 10-Minute Play of 2023!

BLACK ARTISTRY EXPLAINS AMERICAN HISTORY

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: 4 Thursdays, June 8-June 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

Join distinguished historian James Stewart and artists from the group AHHA! (Artistry. Honesty. Healing. Action!) as they interpret American history through images of the Black experience.

SANDCASTLES & CREATURES CONTEST

Location: Memorial Beach, White Bear Lake

Date: Saturday, June 17, 10 a.m.-Noon

yet to be called Neverland, a pirate yet to be called Captain Hook, and a trunk of magic sand yet to be called Pixie Dust—Peter and the Starcatcher will light up your inner child and make you believe kids really can fly.

Heathers

An adaptation of the “so very” dark comedy film, Heathers is the Children’s Performing Arts premiere late-teens summer show.

Veronica Sawyer suffers abuse from the reigning clique, the Heathers, in order to achieve social clout. Transfer student and resident bad boy J.D., however, appeals to Veronica’s darker nature, making her feel powerful and accepted. So when Queen Bee Heather Chandler takes our heroine for granted yet again, Veronica and J.D. decide to smash Westerburg High’s social order with a metaphorical croquet mallet. With venomous dialogue and a killer plot, audiences will be keeled over laughing, asking the characters, “What’s your damage?”

When asked about how the production

was coming together, Sharon Hanifl-Lee beamed with pride: “This is a bold, risky show—something difficult for our upperaged students to tackle. They rose to and surpassed that high bar, creating a show that I think will floor audience members. Like, ‘Our local theater can do this? The talent is out of this world!’”

Avenue of the Arts’ Showcase at Marketfest

Lakeshore Players, Children’s Performing Arts, and White Bear Center for the Arts team up on 4th Street for a night of visual and performance pieces both celebrating current exhibits and previewing upcoming attractions.

This display is “a collective umbrella,” says Lakeshore Players Managing Director Megan Pence. “We’re all together over on Long Avenue, so we want to show the community what the Arts District is all about.”

HOW DO I GET MY CHILD INVOLVED IN THEATER?

Nothing motivates a kid to try out a new activity quite like seeing their sibling do it. Jessica Thompson was initially a little nervous to be on stage, but when she saw her twin sister, Justine perform, “any nerves she had were gone,” says their dad, Rick Thompson. “If Justine can do it, so can I.”

When Rick’s daughters took their final bow at Lincoln Elementary, however, he began wondering where his girls could continue acting. Enter Children’s Performing Arts [CPA]. “We saw them put on Music Man, so we got interested and got involved.”

Rick laughs recalling Justine and Jessica’s first roles in a CPA production as street urchins in

Little Shop of Horrors.

That’s one area where Rick wishes he’d been more aware of the resources available. “Some of CPA’s shows, like Beauty and the Beast [premiering later this summer], need kids of all ages, but many of the shows are for specific age groups. Even K-2 has mini-legacy shows, like a junior Mary Poppins that’s only 20 minutes. In that case, it’s just about getting their feet wet.”

This summer is an excellent time for kids to get involved because CPA has camps geared towards various skills. “The age ranges vary for those,” Rick explains. “CPA’s really good about knowing which ages will get the most out of which skill.”

When a child does get in a show,

Rick stressed that it’s not the clichéd, cutthroat experience one sees portrayed in movies and on TV. “CPA really believes that every part is important. That has been constant throughout every show my girls have been in. They show each child how their participation is making a difference. I cannot stress that enough.”

Once kids are a bit older and want to work, Rick says that Lakeshore is more than willing to show them what to do. For instance, both Jessica and Justine helped backstage with Lakeshore’s spring production of La Cage aux Folles. Jessica and Justine, now 15, have learned numerous lessons from being involved in theater.

“Confidence is an easy one to say,” Rick laughs, “but I think that confidence also comes from a sense of accomplishment. Like, ‘I did that.’ Of course, the girls have also made amazing friends, but WITH those friends, they made something that they can be proud of.”

So is theater for everyone? “No,” Rick cautions. “But I encourage parents to let their kids try it out. And I don’t think that every kid even has to be good. And that’s the point. Let them experiment and have fun.” After all, that’s why kids want to be in activities in the first place. That, or their sibling is doing it.

Everyone is invited to Memorial Beach on June 17 to build a sand sculpture, and vie for one of the prizes! This contest, hosted by White Bear Center for the Arts, is free and fun for the whole family to participate in or watch.

HEATHERS

Location: The Hanifl Arts Center hosts on the Main Stage at 4941 Long Avenue

Date: Evening showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23 while matinee showtimes are at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25.

“DIRT: A MATTER OF REVERENCE” COMMUNITY RECEPTION

Location: White Bear Center for the Arts

Date: Tuesday, June 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sandra Menefee Taylor’s work is propelled by the deep interest she has for matters of land, body, and spirit. See her work on display in the Ford Family Gallery in her exhibit “Dirt: A Matter of Reverence,” and celebrate the show at the Community Reception.

JUNIE B. JONES, JR.

Date: June 30 at 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m.

The Summer Youth Players present this fun musical adventure! Join Junie B. and her friends on their first day of first grade where many changes are in store.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

Location: Black Box Stage within the Hanifl Arts Center at 4941 Long Avenue

Date: June 15-18

SARAH LESCH

Bears name new boys basketball coach Longtime assistant named Bears hockey coach

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake’s new boys basketball coach is Aaron Turner, who has coached the Bears basketball, football and baseball programs for six years while serving in the school administration.

“Aaron brings an abundance of coaching experience with him but more importantly, his coaching philosophy aligns with the White Bear Lake Area Schools community,” said Brian Peloquin, activities director. “Aaron is a passionate coach, community-centered and relationshipbased.”

Turner was sophomore team coach under head coach Gregory Burke the last two seasons. Burke resigned after two seasons, in large part due to the daily travel from Wayzata, where he is dean of students. Burke’s seniordominated team placed fifth in the state this past season.

“The players moving up will have big shoes to fill. It’s a huge jump,” said Turner, whose 2023-24 team will be all rookies. “The good thing is, I’ve coached these guys. They know what my expectations are. We won a lot of games, too.”

Turner is also the Bears assistant baseball coach and ninth-grade football coach. At the school,

meanwhile, he has “worn a lot of hats” including student supervisor, distance learning, and currently Academic Achievement Specialist.

“Aaron believes that his purpose is to foster a positive transformation of his players by helping them grow as individuals and to create a culture of welcoming, belonging and leading,” Peloquin said.

Turner, whose son Anthony will be one of the Bears’ seniors next year, was a three-sport high school athlete at Kenosha, WI, and played basketball and baseball at Hibbing Community College, where he also met his wife.

Turner pledged that his basketball program will be one which “families can unquestionably trust has the best interest of their child in mind” and will be dedicated to “building meaningful relationships.”

ping center lot) if they wanted.”

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake’s new boys hockey coach is Chris Anderson, a 15-year assistant in the program and a former Bear captain himself.

“Coach Anderson’s strong leadership qualities have been on display throughout his entire hockey career,” said Brian Peloquin, athletic director. Peloquin cited Anderson as an “inspirational” figure on and off the ice, while also well-versed in “the rich White Bear Lake hockey tradition.”

Anderson stated that his passion for coaching and dedication to Bear hockey “has been unwavering for decades.” As head coach, he said, “I will continue to work hard to develop players to be leaders and to build a program that wins.”

With the Bears, Anderson was captain of a state tournament team in 2003. At St. Cloud State, he continued his hockey career and served on the student athletic advisory committee.

“My time as a player at White Bear Lake was the foundation to dedicate myself to hard work, discipline and drive to reach my playing potential,” Anderson said. “These traits have helped me in my career professionally as a coach at White Bear Lake,

with my family, and as a mentor to other athletes.”

Anderson works for a youth sports technology company, SportsEngine, as Senior Director of the Sales and Account Management team.

As an assistant under Tim Sager, Anderson helped the Bears reach state twice (2011, 2019) and win six conference titles. He was named state assistant coach of the year in 2011, and was named section assistant of the year three times. On the Bears staff he was “mainly in charge of the defense and penalty kill” and other tasks, he said. Sager stepped down after a conference championship season this winter. He coached 21 seasons, with 395 wins, four state trips and nine conference titles.

DeSmet reported that the two parties have not come to an agreement. “That leaves it up to the board to make a decision,” he said at the May monthly meeting.

Speaking to the board, City Manager Lindy Crawford noted that the neighboring marina is encroaching on the park’s ADUA. “We’re not looking to put more docks there, but it is a public park and should be used for public purpose,” she said. “It seems like Lions Park has been forgotten in the ADUA discussions.”

The park has a fishing dock and kayak/canoe rentals, but no boat slips.

DeSmet said it’s not clear what the ADUA change means to Docks of White Bear slip numbers.

The Department of Natural Resources is also supportive of reducing Docks of White Bear’s permit to 240 slips, he added.

Township board member Diane Longville asked McGoldrick whether he can fit 240 boats within his ADUA. “I don’t know,” he replied.

McGoldrick said an attorney was hired because the bay’s ADUA surveys are difficult to understand. “The line we feel is right is the one we’ve used historically. Hopefully, someday we’ll address that bay,” he told the board. “The muck is so bad, it’s dangerous. We want to work with the city. No one does more for the bay than the Tract family. They could tow 200 cars (from the shop-

Mahtomedi board member Mark Ganz admonished McGoldrick, saying, “you should feel lucky you’ve been allowed to operate where they didn’t want you to operate for 40 years.”

Ganz also pointed out that a private property owner to the south has a dock totally within the city’s ADUA. “Who is that guy?” he asked. DeSmet noted that the board reacts to complaints and, at this point, the city has not filed one against that property owner.

Crawford went to the podium to say the private dock is in a swamp area the city can’t use.

Mahtomedi board member

Chris Churchill said he didn’t think that was fair. “We do not allow structures in another ADUA. We need to follow the rules for everyone.”

Again, DeSmet described the board as a “reactive” body. “This (Lions Park) has been brought to our attention. It’s incumbent to look at this because an issue has been raised. Maybe the board needs to look at the other dock, but that is not the issue tonight. We don’t go meddling.”

DeSmet added that, technically, Docks of White Bear is operating without a permit. “We asked for an updated diagram in November and didn’t receive anything back.

“It seems Tract Properties is illegally operating a marina,” he said.

District ordinance allows for a daily fine of $700 for such

illegalities. District Counsel Alan Kantrud said they could be charged with a misdemeanor, which allows a $1,000 per day fine by statute.

The board agreed it was time to define the ADUA in that area of the bay. DeSmet made a motion to accept the boundary proposed by the city, which was seconded but failed due to a tie vote. Both White Bear Lake board members abstained.

Dellwood board member Meredith Walburg suggested a compromise: that the ADUA be a midpoint between the city’s proposed line and the line used by Docks of White Bear. That motion passed.

The board then gave the two parties 10 days to present an alternative.

The board also agreed to spend up to $2,000 to have a survey company confirm that all docks are within their appointed ADUAs in the bay. The same company will also identify, by drilling a stainless pin into the rock, the ordinary high-water mark for each ADUA to ensure maximum dock length remains within 300 feet.

Also noted: The VFW plans to expand its docks. The district will send a letter informing the post that it will first require an environmental assessment worksheet. “If this goes through, there’s not much room in the bay for more slips,” noted Kantrud. “This might be the last gasp in terms of expansion.”

Upcoming Games

CONTRIBUTED Chris Anderson was captain of the 2003 state tourney team.

Mahtomedi netters edge Mustangs, earn state trip

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

The Mahtomedi tennis team captured the Section 4AA championship with a 4-3 conquest of Mounds View, sweeping the singles matches on a sunny, 80-degree afternoon.

The Zephyrs will take a 17-5 record into the state tournament starting June 6 at the University of Minnesota. They reached the finals beating Irondale 6-1 and Centennial 4-3.

“I am really proud of our team for achieving

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

one of their main goals,” said coach Aaron Freer.

“Mounds View is always a tough battle, where the intense rivalry can create a high pressure situation for all players involved.”

Mounds View usually wins this section but Mahtomedi has beaten them two of the last three finals. It was an upset in 2021, but this year the Zephyrs were top-seeded. Mahtomedi is still a young team with one senior starter. Mounds View is also young, including eighth-grade twins in singles.

Mounds View finished

13-8. Each team is a conference champion, each with several highlyranked non-conference foes on the schedule.

Mahtomedi’s singles winners were Sam Rathmanner over Soren Swenson 6-0, 6-0 at No.

1, Brandon Pham over Bryen Hule 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2, Jack Allaben over Anders Swenson 7-5, 6-2 at No. 3, and Dylan Pham, the teams lone senior, over Andrew Hermes 6-2, 6-1 at No. 4. Allaben’s win was the clincher.

In doubles, Mounds View’s winners were Parker Bryntesen/ Nolan Jones over Aidan

ADAPTIVE SOFTBALL

Wald/Zach Burge 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1, Sidharth Sharma/Michael Wang over Luke Roettger/ Tommy Bengtson 6-1, 6-2 at No. 2; and Christian Forbes/Max Daigle over Reese Nelson/Max Hendrickson 6-0, 6-3 at No. 3.

See details about the section singles and doubles competition at presspubs.com.

BOYS TRACK

White Bear Lake won two events and placed fifth among 10 teams in the Suburban East Conference meet at Forest Lake. Stillwater was champion. Bear senior Tolu Oyekunle won the 110 high hurdles in 15.39 and placed fifth in the 300 intermediates (41.58). The Bears won the 4x800 relay in 8:16.71 with Ryley Murphy, Isaac Kolstad, Nate Tobec and Luke Williams. Bennett Gilson placed third in the long jump (personal best 21-10 1/4), third in high jump (6-2) and seventh in the triple jump (42-10 1/4). Caleb Anderson took second in the 200 dash (22.6) with Keith Johnson fifth (22.88). Luke Williams ran third in the 3200 (9:36.29). Also placing were Toni Animassaun, fourth, 300 hurdles (41.55); Ian Cran, seventh, pole vault (11-6) and Tyrese Behnken, eighth, 110 hurdles (16.68). The Bears were fifth in the 4x200 and sixth in the 4x100.

The Bears adaptive softball team is heading to the state tournament after placing first in the playoffs. Their first game is June 2 at Chanhassen High School.

SOFTBALL

White Bear Lake opened defense of its Section 4AAAA championship with shutout victories last week over Roseville Area 4-0 and North St. Paul 1-0 in 12 innings. The No. 6 ranked Bears won an epic pitchers duel over No. 5 NSP as Chloe Barber threw a one-hitter with 18 strikeouts, backed by error-free defense for the other 18 outs. NSP sophomore Madelyn Anthony gave up just six hits and one walk, striking out nine. The Bears finally got to her in the 12th when Emma Larson led off with her third hit, was bunted to second and scored with none out on a double by Barber. “Both pitchers displayed great skill and resilience,” Bear coach Jill Leverty said. “It was a true test of endurance and determination. It was fun to watch.” Against Roseville, Barber and Larson combined for the shutout and both had a single, double and RBI. The Bears (18-4) faced top-seeded Stillwater (192) – see results at presspubs.com. The tourney will conclude Wednesday at McKnight Fields.

GIRLS TRACK

White Bear Lake placed fifth among 10 teams, with one champion and two second-places, in the Suburban East Conference meet at Forest Lake. Roseville Area was champion. Bears senior Katelyn Porter placed first in the 800 in a personal best 2:14.64, winning by almost six seconds. Placing second were Keira Windish in discus (110-2 1/2) and Josephine Mlejnek in high jump (5-0). Lys-Aurele d’Almeida placed third in the 100 dash (12.67). Also placing were: Temitope Adebisi, fourth, high jump (4-8); Karen Enow, fourth, shot put (34-8 1/4); Alyssa Hamlin, fifth, 200 (26.64); Nola Hipkins, fifth 100 hurdles (17.16) and sixth, 300 hurdles (49.38);

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Chloe Barber

White Bear Lake Softball

Chloe Barber, White Bear Lake senior pitcher, has thrown 44 consecutive scoreless innings, including a 12-inning, 1-0, one-hit shutout of North St. Paul (17-2) in the section tournament, in which she knocked in the lone run with a double. The Bears’ ace for three seasons, signed by Wichita State, Barber has a 16-4 record with 255 strikeouts in 133 innings, while hitting .354 with eight home runs and 28 runsbatted-in, leading the Bears (18-4) to the section semi-finals.

4661 Highway 61 | White Bear Lake northstarbank.com | 651-429-4531

Kamaria Newton, sixth, 100 (13.05); and Samantha Perez, sixth, discus (100-1/2), and eighth, shot put (32-3 3/4). The Bears top relay finish was third in the 4x100 with Sophia Haley, Newton, Autumn Maki and d’Almeida (49.67).

BOYS GOLF

Four White Bear Lake players were among the 18 named to the all-Suburban East team. The Bears finished third of 10 teams after seven conference matches. Bear senior Ryan Jamieson and sophomore Jack Stanius tied for ninth place, each averaging 74.5 strokes, while senior Camden O’Malley was 15th with 75.5 and seventh-grader Easton Fiddle 18th with 76.75. The Section 4AA boys tournament will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids, and the girls tournament will be held Thursday and Friday at Goodrich in St. Paul.

BOYS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake closed the regular season with a 7-4 loss to Wayzata (9-4) and a 19-8 win over Providence Academy (4-9) . Against Wayzata, Devin Mueller had two goals and Preston West and Evan Vickstrom one each. Against Providence, Mueller netted five goals, Mario Bailey and Vickstrom three each, Bryce Johnson and Finn Karni two each, and West, Aiden Kregness and Ben Lockwood one each. Karni notched eight ground balls and Johnson and Tyler Svir six each. The Bears take an 8-5 record into Section 4 starting Wednesday.

GIRLS LACROSSE

White Bear Lake won its last two regular-season games, over St. Croix Prep 16-14 and Mahtomedi 177. Against SCP, Georgia Kodytek tallied four goals while Beverly Peterson, Jaeda Jensen and Julie Hendrickson had three each, Olivia Simpkins two, and Grace Castro one. The Bears take a 10-3 record into Section 4 starting Wednesday.

“Your Financial Partner”

Chloe Barber

BRUCE STRAND Sam Rathmanner led Mahtomedi’s singles sweep, winning 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1.

RON ENGH

Tolu Oyekunle (right) churned toward first place in the conference high hurdles. Tyrese Behnken (left) placed eighth.

The Mahtomedi boys golf team is conference champions! Players include (l-r) Riley McGrane, Micah Schmidt, Tony Kurn, Jacob Wilson, Ethan Splett and Thomas Meader. Next up is Class AAA sections at Bunker Hills.

ZEPHYRS SPORTS BRIEFS

GIRLS GOLF

Mahtomedi placed second in the Metro East tournament at Highland National with 360, behind Two Rivers with 327. That wrapped up second place for the season, also behind Two Rivers. Lexie McGrane shot 86 for sixth place, Reagan Juhl 87 for eighth and Mya Wilson 91 for 10th. Maggie McCarty and Sadie Stembridge added 97’s. Earning all-MEC honors were McGrane, a freshman, and eighthgraders Juhl and Wilson. Molly Moffitt, sophomore, got honorable

BOTH NESTING PAIRS ARE TAKING THEIR JOBS SERIOUSLY AND KEEPING THEIR CLUTCHES WARM AND SAFE. UNFORTUNATELY, ONE OF THE EGGS ON THE NEST IN THE COVE MAY NO LONGER BE VIABLE. THERE MAY ONLY BE ONE CHICK IN THIS HATCH. THE NEXT TWO WEEKS PROMISE TO BE EXCITING.

www.presspubs.com

mention. Next for the Zephyrs is the sectional at Goodrich in St. Paul on June 1-2.

BASEBALL

Mahtomedi lost to Hudson (WI) 8-6 in the regular season finale. The Zephyrs take a 14-6 mark into the Section 4AAA to be held at Northwestern University in Roseville.  Defending champions and top-seeded, they have a first-round bye and face North St. Paul or Como Park on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. The

No. 2 seed is St. Anthony Village. BOYS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi won their last two regular-season games, over Minnetonka 7-6 and Shakopee 8-4. The Zephyrs are 10-4 entering Section 4 playoffs starting Wednesday.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Mahtomedi lost its regularseason finale to White Bear Lake 17-7. Evi Cegielski had three goals, McKenna Cunnington two, and Reese

Saenger and Anne Tanner one each. The Zephyrs are 8-5 entering Section 4 playoffs starting Wednesday.

SOFTBALL

Mahtomedi picked up one section win before its season ended in the section tournament. Mahtomedi lost to Totino-Grace 5-2, beat  St. Paul Johnson 10-0, and lost to Hill-Murray 6-2. The Zephyrs finished 4-17.

SEE MORE SPORTS BRIEFS ONLINE AT PRESSPUBS.COM

EGG INSPECTION

Loon Chronicles VIII: Egg Inspection

Both nesting pairs remain on task and committed to keeping their egg clutches warm and safe from predators. On one of our outings, we spotted Mama Loon off the nest in the cove. It appeared that one of the eggs may no longer be viable. It was white, rather than golden in color, and cracked on one side. Mama Loon, who had been socializing with her mate and a few drop-in Loons, eventually, returned to the nest. After circling the nest, she climbed on top and carefully turned both eggs. After making several adjustments, Mama Loon gently situated herself on top of both eggs and began her watch. She appeared calm, relaxed, and able to ignore

the tremendous racket going on with all the Yellow-headed blackbirds darting about and calling each other in the bulrushes. We anticipate that there will only be one chick in this hatch. The other Loon pair is very social. On a few of our outings, we spotted the nest unattended, while the pair cavorted with a regular drop-in Loon. At one point, papa Loon had had enough and started wailing, splashing, and got up on both feet to do the Penguin dance. Mama Loon watched as the drop-in Loon started rowing and calling. Papa Loon was clearly agitated and wanted the drop-in Loon to move on, which it eventually did. Mama Loon returned to the nest and

quietly assumed her watch, tending two golden eggs. A Great Blue Heron landed near the nest. Fortunately, it appeared more interested in fishing than raiding the Loon nest. We have spotted several softshell turtles, perched on top of abandoned Goose nests. No Muskrat sightings to date. Eagle activity has been minimal. All in all, the Loons appear to be holding their own against their known predators. Wishing you and the Loons a safe Memorial Weekend!