Manitou Days Chair Paul Carlson and Marketfest Director Dan Perry lead a kiddie parade through downtown White Bear Lake during the first Marketfest installment of the season, which also helped kick off the annual Manitou Days summer celebration featuring a variety of family friendly activities and events. Find more information at marketfestwbl.com and manitoudays.com and more photos at presspubs.com.
A hometown band that disbanded more than 50 years ago received some exciting news recently out of Music City.
A Nashville record company found some of The Grasshoppers’ old tapes and decided to put them on CDs and LPs and offer them for sale.
After four long years, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has finally issued a new, more stringent air emissions permit to Water Gremlin, a White Bear Township company with a long history of pollution violations.
The announcement came after what MPCA Deputy Commissioner Peter Tester described was a “thorough permitting process” that gave “thoughtful consideration to public comments.”
Founders of the grassroots watchdogs known as the Neighborhood Concerned Citizen’s Group (NCCG) were invited to attend a briefing at MPCA offices to hear the news firsthand. The deputy commissioner prefaced permit details with an “enormous thank you to members of the NCCG.”
Addressing the three women, Tester said, “Thank you for all your work the last six years in the community and for helping MCPA do its work. It has made the (permit) process better and stronger in protecting human health and the environment for residents in White Bear Township and White Bear Lake.
“This is an important day,” Tester continued. “It culminates over four years of hard work to ensure Water Gremlin abides by the law and by terms and conditions of its permits issued by MPCA.”
The new air quality permit, which went into effect June 15, includes more stringent emissions limits
they adopt a bug name like the Beatles.
Acheson played rhythm guitar. Other band members included Greg (Jiggs) Lees, lead singer; Ben Hamar, lead guitar; Tim Black, bass guitar and Phil Scollard, drums. They rehearsed in Black’s basement. All still live locally except Hamar, who lives in Florida.
CONTRIBUTED
“It’s difficult to say what inspired the music company to do this, and it’s even more difficult to forecast what their expectations are, but we’ll see,” said Tom Acheson, one of five members of the teenage band.
The Grasshoppers appeared at local teen “nightclubs,” high school and college dances, armories, ballrooms, arenas, churches, synagogues, fundraisers, county fairs and VFWs. The venues were scattered across Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. SEE GRASSHOPPERS, PAGE 2A
Formed in 1965, the group of White Bear Lake teens started as The Eskorts, changing their name to The Grasshoppers after a booking agent suggested
Acheson provided the background story: It was December 1967 and the band was in a recording studio playing a song called “Sugar and Spice” (originally recorded by The Searchers) for a 45-rpm single. The back, or B-side, was “Very Last Day,” originally done by Peter, Paul and Mary. The 45 played on Twin Cities
SEE WATER GREMLIN, PAGE 11A
radio stations; it was the only single The Grasshoppers released.
The newly compiled album, called “Let It Be That Way,” contains that lone 45 and 14 unheard tracks, including eight original songs written by guitarist Hamar. The songs were recorded in a different session later that same month in ’67. The CD also contains a bonus tune written by Hamar, a Dutch immigrant who moved to White Bear with his parents at age 14.
The cover photo is from a poster of the group orchestrated by their booking agent in 1968. They rented costumes for the promotional shoot and were told “not to smile,” recalled Acheson.
opened for The Young Rascals at the Minneapolis Armory in 1968. After the show, they threw their gear in a van and raced across town to appear at The Prison.
“I can’t wait to be asked about all those prisons,” Acheson teased. “It wasn’t like Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsum Prison Blues’!”
Acheson told Millar the record brought back a lot of memories. The LP prompted him to “dig out” his turntable from storage. He thinks the vinyl sounds better than the CD.
“The title track, ‘Let It Be That Way,’ with the horn section, was like all the others during that recording session,” Acheson wrote the producer. “No sheet music, just Ben Hamar describing what he wanted to hear. Listening to that tune today makes me really appreciate what was pulled off in that session. The horn players were in a local group called Metropolitan Soul, and all were White Bear grads.”
The Grasshoppers played their last gig March 10, 1969. Three of the five stayed with music, all on a part-time basis, Acheson said. He finally sold his guitar and amp in 1982, the same year he put his turntable, tuner and speakers in storage.
The Press did a story about The Grasshoppers reuniting at Washington Square in 2021. The liner notes mentioned the reunion and the fact a story about them appeared on the front page of the local paper.
“The town hadn’t forgotten The Grasshoppers,” noted the writer.
With the vinyl record are “liner notes” telling some of the group’s history and behind-the-scenes tidbits about members that Acheson shared. He included a thank you letter he sent to the record producer, Jay Millar, that included a clarification or two. It made him laugh, Acheson said, when he read the liner notes about The Grasshoppers playing at prisons. The writer mistook a Burnsville venue called The Prison as a real place of incarceration.
The teen club was a venue the band played often, including the day they
That reunion inspired Acheson to buy a guitar, he said, like the one he had in 1966 but older. “I now enjoy entertaining myself privately at home,” he wrote Millar, with a 1952 Gibson L-5C.
As for release of the album 54 years after the band parted ways, Acheson simply remarked, “life’s full of surprises.”
The CD and LP are available on Amazon and other outlets. White Bear Records plans to carry the CDs, but its distributor reported that vinyl was sold out.
Free summer meals are available for kids and teens age 17 and younger. There is no enrollment and no cost. The healthy meals are based on USDA nutrition guidelines. Additional information is available on the WBLAS district website, isd624.org. Plan for lane closures on Highway
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced overnight lane closures on Highway 36 this week. On Wednesday, June 21, through Friday, June 23, eastbound Highway 36 between Edgerton Street and White Bear Avenue will be reduced to a single lane nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., and eastbound Highway 36 between Century Avenue and I-694 will be reduced to a single lane from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Westbound Highway 36 will be reduced to a single lane between I-694 and Edgerton Street from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night beginning Monday, June 19, through Friday, June 23, and on Sunday, June 25. There will also be intermittent left lane closures in both
directions of Highway 36 between I-35E and Stillwater Boulevard from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly beginning Sunday, June 25. through Tuesday, June 27.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent and subject to change.
Learn about ham radio at Field Day
The St. Paul Radio Club (KØAGF) along with the Mining Amateur Radio Club (3M) (WØMR) will participate in a national event for amateur radio operators called Field Day at Benson Airport the weekend of June 24-25. Field Day is ham radio’s open house. Every fourth weekend in June, more than 40,000 ham radio amateurs throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to communities and the nation. The open house combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933.
Benson Airport is located at 5860
Celebrations of community are wonderful times for people to gather to see old friends and meet new ones. These celebrations just don’t happen unless there are volunteers willing to help. In my experience in volunteering I made some great friends. I learned more about the community and I also learned more about the history of the community and how it developed over the years.
Volunteers wear out and get tired.
New ones need to come on board all the time and find new ways to show off the community you live in or are part of. Summer in the Midwest has many wonderful opportunities to celebrate our heritage. Join in.
The Fourth of July is just around the corner. It’s our Independence Day to celebrate. John Adams, our second president, thought Independence Day ought to be “solemnized with pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”
From 1776 to the present day, July Fourth has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. It was at that time Continental Congress declared the 13 colonies regarding themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and was no longer part of the British Empire.
It may be a good idea to read the Declaration of Independence out loud this Fourth of July.
Ronald Regan reminded us that it’s the people, not the government, that makes America great. Do your part, be safe, pay tribute to our heritage.
This past winter the heavy and sometimes very wet snow weighed heavily on shrubs and trees. This spring there has been a lot of tree trimming going on and cleanup. At the same time there is a lot of wood being cut and chopped for fireplaces and outdoor fires. The cleanup helps a great deal with power lines, cable lines and telephone lines. Tree trimmers have had a very busy spring and it continues.
High school, college, vocational schools, and for that matter all types of educational programs, have graduations. It’s a good time to celebrate and plan ahead.
There are many job opportunities for this years’ graduates. There are approximately two jobs available for every potential applicant. But are they qualified? Do they have a work ethic? They have to begin somewhere.
Getting a job with a company or organization may not be everything you wish for at the beginning. It’s experience that counts. You may have goals and that is very appropriate, but realization of those goals doesn’t come overnight. You may have salary expectations that are not realized, but that doesn’t happen overnight either.
Be prepared and show that you have the right attitude, that you are willing to learn and climb the ladder.
You may have to sell yourself and show a potential employer all the ways you are valuable and willing to learn. Go the extra mile and accept the wage offered. As time goes on you will be paid what you are worth. Let them know you are flexible and will continue your education to meet the requirements.
To graduates, I congratulate you on your accomplishments to date. In life you are going to find you are learning every day. Let that continue. Being an intern or apprentice is very worthwhile to discover possibilities of what you might enjoy for a career. Continue to work hard at whatever you do. There will be rewards.
Hello! My name is Merrina O’Malley, and I am one of two interns at Press Publications this summer. As an inside joke, staff here at Press Publications sometimes refer to me as “Intern 2” thanks to my email address, sort of like Thing 1 and Thing 2.
I graduated from White Bear Lake Area High School in 2020 and am currently studying at Bethel University to get a major in English writing with a minor in Spanish. I discovered my passion for writing after my first high school English class with Ben Kirkham. He taught me how powerfully I could speak simply by putting words on paper, and pushed me to think and go outside of my comfort zone. Since my time in high school, I have developed an even deeper appreciation for all things literature and writing.
In the future, I would love to participate in publishing the stories of others as a content editor. I am a heavy believer in the power of literature, and being able to partake in its creation would give me much joy.
In my college classes, I uncovered a love for journalism thanks to my professor Scott Winter. I have taken a few classes that have introduced me to the magic of storytelling including one where I learned more about photojournalism and videography. I also went to the Northern Exposure event hosted by the University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication. There I heard stories about adventures on the job and miraculous moments caught on camera. This coming year, I will be freelance editing for the campus publication, “The Clarion,” and participating in the creation of the nationally accredited “Textura” magazine.
Growing up, I spent much of my time at both my Hugo and Columbus homes. My days were consumed by solving mysteries with Nancy Drew and adventuring across the prairie
with Laura Ingalls Wilder. On Saturday mornings, you could find me skating at the White Bear Lake Sports Center and eating the Loon Omelet at Key’s Café. Nowadays, I spend most of my time writing, perusing the thesaurus, and reading historical fiction. When I am not thinking about writing, you can find me out with my family, creating multimedia collage, or hiking in North Oaks.
Although I will only be working a couple days in the office, I look forward to getting to know the local community and meeting lots of new people during my time here. I take pride in my ability to tell a story and I am excited to hone my skills in a more professional setting.
From my first day of exploring the print process to sitting in on news meetings, I have already grown to be quite fond of the people here at Press Publications. I am happy to be working with such a supportive team, and am excited to work with them to create great stories. Cheers!
Merrina O’Malley is an intern at Press Publications.
• Limited to 350 words.
• Submissions must Include a full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
• Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.
• Letter writers are limited to six letters per year and
at least four weeks must lapse between publication. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters.
• Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.
• Repeat letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be
published.
• Submissions containing libelous or derogatory statements will not be published.
• Submissions containing facts not previously published in the Press must be accompanied by factual verification.
• All letters are subject to
editing.
• Deadline is 5 p. m. , Thursday of the week prior to publication.
• To submit a letter, e-mail it to vadnaisheightsnews@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail or deliver it to Press Publications, 4779 Bloom Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.
The wildfire smoke we are experiencing this week and in the summer of 2021 is likely the first tangible result of our warming climate that many Minnesotans will see firsthand. We have had local fires impacting isolated areas before, but not mega smoke plumes that cover the entire state. Now we have seen this twice in the past three years. Scientists have been telling us for years that increasing carbon levels in our atmosphere will lead to an increase in the number of extreme weather events such as the heat and drought in Canada that led to these fires. This year’s state legislative session included a number of provisions to reduce carbon emissions and set up Minnesota as a model for Midwestern states to follow. I commend Heather Gustafson and Brion Curran for voting for these important measures and helping Minnesota lead the way in the transition to a clean energy economy.
Steven Jorissen Vadnais HeightsBesides Trump, who is to blame for this contentious political and societal dilemma? Donald John Trump has a lifetime of lying, grifting and cheating, and a litigious record of 1,400 litigations where he has been the defendant. His lifelong claim of not doing “anything wrong” and
repetitious screams of “witch-hunt” has fallen on millions of worn-out deaf ears. He’s facing legal indictments in New York, Florida and soon to be in Georgia and Washington, D.C. He’s on the Titanic and refuses to believe it.
During this entire soap opera, the Republican House and Senate are blaming a politicized Department of Justice and a runaway FBI, while claiming the Democrats are really to blame for Trump’s indictments. The reality and truth of this obstruction of justice and conspiracy in Trump’s Florida beach home is the evidence. Tape recordings and notes from Trump himself, his lawyers and employees at Mar-a-Lago, all show an awareness of wrongdoing by Trump and suggestions of covering up his crime.
The real culprits in this potential civil upheaval are the gutless and spineless Republican House of Representatives and the Republican Senate. These selfproclaimed evangelical men and women guzzled the “Trump KoolAid” as they voted “no” in two Trump impeachment trials. Their abject fear of this megalomaniac forced them to lose their moral code and constitutional duty. The thought of Trump turning on them cost them their very soul, for they’ll have to live with their decision till they go to their graves.
Hopefully, their conscience will take its toll on them, as Special Counsel Jack Smith will showcase the Jan. 6 insurrection findings and, in so
doing, will cause the loss of sleep for many, including these Republicans: Jordan, Biggs, Meadows, Guiliani, Gosar, Brooks, Lesko, Gaetz, Hice, Green, Gohmert, and Boebert, who should be facing multiple charges, including “seditious conspiracy.” Can we say, “LOCK THEM UP!”
In closing, it’s time to look the Devil in the eye, and say to Trump, “No one is above the law!”
Jim Brunzell Jr. Vadnais HeightsThe mainstream media published glowing reports about the partisan legislative session, but not all Minnesotans bought it. A poll of a representative sample of voters showed 58% thought this legislative session was fair, poor or extremely poor. Here are some reasons why.
Gov. Walz promised we would be refunded $4 billion out of the $10 billion surplus. Our legislators spent the $10 billion and then borrowed $1.5 billion more for pet projects (hockey rinks, curling clubs, ski chalets and, no joke, a loon center). On top of that they raised our taxes by $9 billion, while claiming the “greatest tax cut in history.”
Of this tax increase, $3.7 billion was assigned to a transportation bill most would assume supported roads and bridges. Instead, these billions are going to the failed Northstar line and crime-ridden Southwest light rail. Polling in the last election indicated
one hundred things that you love about White Bear in ten days, then we will consider staying here.”
“Yay!” said Acilia. “I will do ten things every day.”
On the first day, she said, “Number one, I love getting ice cream at Cup ‘N Cone. Number two, in winter, I love ice skating at Eagle Park. Number three, I like picking apples at Pine Tree Apple Orchard in the Fall. Number four, I like cleaning up Tamarack Nature Center for Earth Day in the Spring. Number five, in the summer on Fridays, we head downtown to the Farmer’s Market and swing on the zipline at West Park. Number six, I like going for bike rides to Polar Bear Park.
Number seven, I like that White Bear has little free libraries and is FREE for all people. Number eight, I get a good education at school (Go BEARS!). Number nine, I like that we have buses that take us to and from school. Number ten, I like that we have doctors.”
concerns about crime. Nevertheless, a public safety bill passed that had nothing to do with protecting the public. Rather, criminals were granted more leniency by serving less time. They also passed a bill allowing felons to vote. Coincidence?
They also stood by a false narrative to pass an elections bill. Rather than ensuring election integrity, they increased the likelihood for errors or fraud by (1) allowing illegals to get driver’s licenses; (2) automatically sending absentee ballots in perpetuity; and (3) allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to register to vote.
Gender identity was added as a class protected against discrimination and, at the same time, the definition of sexual orientation, which was protected 30 years ago, was changed. The statute used to read that sexual orientation did not include those who have an attraction to children (pedophiles), but that language was removed. Why?
Rather than promoting our beautiful forests and lakes, we have now become a tourist town for trans- and abortionrefuge, where young children receive permanently damaging hormone therapy and physical mutilation, without parental consent, and we kill babies at any time in the womb or out after a botched abortion. Christians, please pray for this state.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Rain or Shine! Downtown White Bear Lake www.marketfestwbl.com
White Bear Lake Area Schools once again teamed up with the 2023 Manitou Days summer festival to sponsor a writing contest for students in grades K-8. There were nearly 80 entries for this year’s writing theme, “A Century of Community.” This years marks 100 years since the formation of what has become the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, the opening of the newly built armory, a reinvestment of resources in the White Bear Lake fire department, and the shift from summer resort destination to year-round community. The seeds that were planted in the 1920s have been cultivated into the community we have today. The writing contest winners’ submissions will be published in the White Bear Press and Vadnais Heights Press over the next three weeks.
ISLA CATHERINE CARDOSO
1ST GRADE, OTTER LAKE ELEMENTARY
Once upon a time, there lived a girl named Acilia. She was eight years old. She lived with her mom, dad, and younger brother who was four years old named David. And a cat named Manitou. They all lived in a stone house on the corner of Windmill Drive in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. They were incredibly happy there, but when Acilia’s mom and dad tried to explain to Acilia that they wanted to move to Mexico, she begged to stay in White Bear.
“OK, OK, calm down,” said her mom.
“How about this?” said her dad. “Hey David,” he said, “please give me a number. Not a little one. A big one.”
“Ok dad,” said David. “Then, hmm...100.”
“OK, so, Acilia,” said her dad. “If you can tell me
Each day Acilia told her dad her ten favorites, Manitou, the cat, always did ten meows. And that is how it went until the 10th day. Acilia told her dad all one hundred things that she loved about White Bear. Her dad and mom decided to keep the family in White Bear. And they all lived Happily Ever After! The end.
SARAH FEIPEL3RD GRADE, MATOSKA ELEMENTARY
Welcoming Honest Interesting True
Eleemosynary
Breathtaking
Enjoyable
Amazing Real
Loving Awesome Kind
Exciting
Things change, people living here year round Home for the summer? Not anymore.
Exquisite beginning
New invention: automobiles
Anyone and everyone is friendly
Not hostile
Dakota land, originally
Not anymore,
Only a rich vacation town
Wonderful place, especially for families
Gazebo Stage
Maiden Dixie
7:00 Intermission - Richter Piano
3rd Street Stage
The Bad Companions
7:15 Intermission – Inspiration Performing Arts
Marketfest runs Thursdays, June 15-July 27, ‘23
Featuring live music, children’s games and activities, pony rides, a classic car show, and 180+ vendors, FREE admission
Sponsors: Kowalski’s Markets, White Bear Mitsubishi, Timberline Roofing, City of White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake Main Street
Theme Week: White Bear History Night sponsored by North Star Bank 777588
The White Bear Police Department reported the following selected incidents:
• Officers responded to a report of narcotics in the 3500 block of McKnight Road N. June 7.
• Officers responded to a domestic verbal incident in the 3500 block of Glen Oaks Avenue June 7.
• Attempted theft was reported in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue June 7. Theft was reported in the 3600 block of East County Line Road June 7.
• Juvenile incidents were reported in the 1900 block of Sixth Street June 7.
• A man was arrested on a warrant after he refused to leave a family member’s yard in the 1700 block of Highway 96 June 7.
• A woman who stole an unknown amount of product from a business in the 4300 block of Lake Avenue S. was trespassed and asked to leave the store after she returned with a bag full of items June 7.
• A noise disturbance was reported in the 5000 block of Division Avenue June 7.
• Graffiti was reported on the door and backside of a garage in the 3600 block of Bald Eagle Avenue June 8.
• Burglary of an unoccupied home was reported June 8 in the 3600 block of White Bear Avenue.
• Disorderly conduct by juveniles was reported at a store in the 4700 block of Highway 61 June 8.
• Theft was reported in the 2100 block of Orchard Lane June 8.
A cell phone was reported stolen in the 4800 block of White Bear Parkway June 9.
• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road June 9.
• A man in the 4000 block of Lakehill Circle reported being scammed out of money online June 9.
• Officers responded to a verbal argument in the 2100 block of Division Court June 9.
• Officers responded to a domestic assault in the 1900 block of Eugene Street June 9.
• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near Bellaire Avenue and County Road E June 9.
• A Woodbury woman was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop near I-694 and McKnight Road June 10.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township:
Vadnais Heights
• A Crystal woman, 50, was arrested for fraud May 19 after the $60,000 check she had written a few days earlier to buy a vehicle at the Luther White Bear Acura Subaru in the 3500 block of Highway 61 bounced. When the dealership contacted her after several attempts, she gave them the runaround. She was finally caught when she appeared at the dealership to get another key fob for the vehicle and was summarily detained.
• The Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E had four juveniles banned from the premises May 19, after they stole merchandise and fled the area on bicycles. The youths were located at another store, after which they rode eastbound on County Road E. Then they fled from a traffic stop until they paused in a parking lot in the 3500 block of Willow Lake Blvd. Finally, the juveniles were detained, identified, trespassed and turned over to their parents to be charged out of custody.
• A motor vehicle was reported stolen at 10:48 p.m. May 19 from the 400 block of Oak Creek Drive S., after the victim went inside the house at 10:30.
• A West Fargo, North Dakota, woman reported Apple airpods, a Dell computer, clothes and sunglasses stolen from her unlocked vehicle after unknown persons rummaged through it. The vehicle was parked in a hotel lot in the
• A vehicle was stolen in the 4600 block of Centerville Road June 10.
• Officers trespassed a man from a home in the 4800 block of Morehead Avenue June 10.
• Officers responded to a report of juveniles trespassing on a rooftop in the 1900 block of Sixth Street June 10.
• Vandalism was reported at Podvin Park June 10.
• Officers responded to noise complaints June 11 in the 1700 block of County Road E and the 3900 block of Lakewood Avenue.
• Officers are investigating a robbery near the intersection of Eighth Street and Bloom Avenue June 11, where the suspect threatened to shoot the victim if they did not hand over a backpack.
• Officers are investigating arson that occurred June 11 in the 1700 block of Ninth Street.
• A package was reported stolen in the 3800 block of Linden Avenue June 11.
• Softball equipment was stolen from a vehicle in the 4000 block of Highway 61 June 12.
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 3300 block of Bellaire Avenue June 12.
• A disorderly group was reported in the 4900 block of Lake Avenue June 12.
• Officers mediated a dispute in the 2200 block of Thomas Lane June 13.
• Shoplifting was reported in the 2600 block of County Road E June 13.
• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 4900 block of Lake Avenue June 13.
• A juvenile posted a video on Snapchat holding a Glock handgun with a red-dot sight and an extended magazine June 13. No threats were made to a specific person. The juvenile would not say who the gun belonged to or where the gun was now, but denied having it inside her home.
• Assault was reported in the 4800 block of Highway 61 June 13.
• Officers mediated a disorderly conduct situation in the 4800 block of Centerville Road June 13.
• Officers mediated a dispute June 13 in the 2400 block of Elm Drive.
• Officers responding to a noise complaint in the 1700 block of County Road E June 13 found no violations, and the group agreed to go inside.
1100 block of County Road E overnight May 20-21.
• A North Branch man, 43, was arrested on multiple warrants May 21 in the area of Labore Road and County Road E after deputies spotted the male standing at that intersection. The subject was familiar to them, probably because he had more than 10 outstanding Ramsey County warrants out on him for his arrest.
• A St. Paul woman reported the driver’s side window of her vehicle smashed and her wallet and house keys stolen May 21 while she was out walking in Sucker Lake Park in the 4500 block of Rice Street.
• A Menomonie, Wisconsin, woman and Vadnais Heights man reported the front passenger window of their vehicle smashed May 21 while they were fishing at Sucker Lake Park in the area of Sucker Lake Road and County Road F. A purse was stolen from the front seat, and a debit card was canceled prior to reports of fraudulent transactions.
A resident in the 1700 block of Garden Lane reported losing $658 to online fraud May 19 after she tried to purchase Taylor Swift concert tickets.
• A juvenile is suspected of assault May 22 in the 5000 block of Bald Eagle Blvd. after deputies responded to a report in Suzanne Circle on an assault that may have occurred at White Bear Lake High School or on the school bus. Reports have been filed with school officials.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported the following selected incidents in Birchwood, Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:
Grant
• A resident in the 7000 block of 115th Street N. reported receiving a CenterPoint Energy scam call May 15 and giving out his Social Security number. The complainant had so far suffered no financial loss.
• A resident in the 8000 block of Lansing Avenue N. reported receiving a scam call May 16, which claimed that his son had been involved in an accident. The caller said he was an attorney named Frank Foster and that the complainant needed to send $7,000 as soon as possible. The complainant hung up and called his son immediately. The complainant’s son said he was fine and that his father must have received some sort of scam call.
• Residents in the 9000 block of Jeffrey Blvd. N. reported receiving threatening texts May 18.
Mahtomedi
• A father was reported for taking his son’s eyeglasses from Woodland Drive May 15, as part of an ongoing issue. Juveniles were reported for operating minibikes in the area of Gosiwin Avenue and Hickory Street on May 15.
• A Wildwood Road resident on May 16 reported his exgirlfriend for trespassing on his property and lying in his bed. When deputies arrived on scene, the alleged Goldilocks was gone. The complainant said he had gone to the lobby of the apartment building to report her, so she must have
left at that time.
• Deputies on routine night patrol at 11:30 p.m. May 19 on Long Lake Road observed a suspicious vehicle in the Southwest Park parking lot and discovered the individuals were trying to camp there for the night. The would-be campers were asked to leave immediately, as the park had been closed since 10 p.m.
• Noxious smoke from the burning of nonburnable items was reported on Wedgewood Drive May 20. Deputies spoke with the homeowner in charge of the burning and issued a written warning after advising him of the city ordinance about burning.
• A motorist was cited at 9:45 p.m. May 20 in the 3000 block of Century Avenue for failure to provide proof of insurance, operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and speeding.
• Vandalism was reported at 12:03 a.m. May 20 on Hardwood Lane, as part of an ongoing issue. Deputies tried to contact the suspect without success.
• Deputies on patrol evicted a vehicle and its occupants from the parking lot at Katherine Abbott Park on Lincolntown Avenue at 11:24 p.m. May 20, after they saw a suspicious vehicle in the lot after park hours. It is not known whether the vehicle was the same vehicle being shooed out of all the other Mahtomedi parks after hours during the past week.
Pine Springs
Deputies on routine patrol at 12:51 a.m. May 20 on northbound I-694 at the Highway 36 interchange observed a vehicle dark out its lights while on the Interstate and accelerate away from them at a high rate of speed.
Matthew R. Lampi, 52, an East Bethel resident and owner of Get to the Point Tattoo located in the Wildwood Shopping Center in White Bear Lake, was indicted
by a federal grand jury with charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods.
According to Gerard M. Karam, a United States
Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Lampi was allegedly part of a nationwide network of individuals who circulated human remains from both Harvard Medical School and a mortuary in Arkansas. Lampi was one of the conspirators that kept in contact with Jeremy Pauley, 41, a buyer and seller of human remains originating from a mortuary and crematorium in Little Rock, Arkansas. Lampi and Pauley bought and sold from each other over an extended period of time and exchanged over $100,000 in online payments.
Merrina O’MalleyAfter nearly one year, the Bear Tracks Connected and Automated Vehicle demonstration project in White Bear Lake — known as Bear Tracks — has come to an end.
“Operations of the shuttle concluded because the manufacturer was purchased by another company and restructured,” according to Mike Greenbaum, executive director of Newtrax, one of the project partners. “The restructuring resulted in a lack of technical support needed to operate the shuttle.”
While Bear Tracks operations concluded prior to its planned end date, the pilot accomplished many of the project goals, Greenbaum noted. Some of these include testing operational functionality in a real-world setting and broad spectrum of weather conditions to ensure the technology is functional for Minnesotans; ensuring emerging technologies meet everyone’s needs through inclusive planning; and exposing the workforce of tomorrow to future career opportunities.
“Bear Tracks partners would like to thank everyone who participated, whether it was attending an event, riding the shuttle or participating in research,” Greenbaum said.
More information about the project can be found at beartrackswbl.org. A final report documenting the learnings from the Bear Tracks pilot will be shared later this year.
The driverless, electric shuttle service, launched last August, provided a free transportation option for those living along a 1.5-mile route between the
YMCA and nonprofit Phoenix Alternatives Inc. (PAI). The goal of the 12-month pilot project, first in the Twin Cities, was to provide access for those facing transportation barriers, including those with mobility issues and transportation challenges.
White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with a personalized touch!
• Serving the White Bear Lake community for over 60 years, offering hometown hospitality with
8A VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS
OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
Twin Cities Outdoor Care
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:
1390 Reaney Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55106
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Leng Thao
1390 Reaney Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55106
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: June 12, 2023
Signed: Leng Thao
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21 and 28, 2023.
CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
JANE ELIZABETH DUNCAN
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Mueller, jane elizabeth
care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
jane elizabeth Mueller
care of, Rural Route 2 Camrose Alberta 000000 Canada
Mueller, Jane Elizabeth
care of, 548-5207 Fiftieth Street
Wildwood Alberta 000000 Canada
Jane Elizabeth Mueller
care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
Jane Elizabeth Mueller
care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 Canada
Duncan, Jane Elizabeth
care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
Duncan, Jane Elizabeth
care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 Canada
Jane Elizabeth Duncan
care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
jane elizabeth Duncan, Authorized Representative care of, Rural Route 2 Camrose Alberta 000000 Canada
jane elizabeth Duncan, Beneficiary care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
jane elizabeth Mueller care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 Canada
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: June 2, 2023
Signed: By: jane elizabeth Duncan, Authorized Representative, All Rights Reserved
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 14 and 21, 2023.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME
Pursuant to Chapter 333, Minnesota Statutes; the undersigned, who is or will be conducting or transacting a commercial business in the State of Minnesota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:
1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:
HAROLD MICHAEL MUELLER
2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 CANADA
3. The name and street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name, including any corporation that may be conducting this business.
Mike Mueller care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 CANADA
Harold Michael Mueller care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 CANADA
Harold Michael Mueller care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 CANADA
Mueller, Harold Michael care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 CANADA
Mueller, Harold Michael care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 CANADA
Mueller, Harold Michael care of, 548-5207 Fiftieth Street
Wildwood Alberta 000000 CANADA
H Michael Mueller care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 CANADA
H Michael Mueller care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 CANADA
harold michael Mueller, Authorized Representative care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 CANADA
harold michael Mueller, Beneficiary care of, 324-3559 Garland Avenue
Cobble Hill British Columbia 000000 CANADA
Mike Mueller care of, Rural Route 2
Camrose Alberta 000000 CANADA
I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.
Dated: May 31, 2023
Signed: H Michael Mueller
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 14 and 21, 2023.
OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE
CERTIFICATE OF EXISTANCE AND REGISTRATION
I, Steve Simon, Secretary of State of Minnesota, do certify that: The entity listed below has been filed under the chapter of Minnesota Statutes listed below with the office of the Secretary of State on the date listed below and that this entity or filing is registered at the time this certificate has been issued.
Name: Stardust
Date Filed: 04/18/2023
File Number: 1387334100025 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter: 333
Home Jurisdiction: Minnesota
This certificate has been issued on: 06/12/2023
Steve Simon, Secretary of State
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21 and 28, 2023.
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
CALL FOR BIDS
MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES – PRIMARY VENDOR
Notice is hereby given that bids will be received for Maintenance Supplies
– Primary Vendor by Northeast Metropolitan Intermediate School District 916 at the District Office located at 2540 County Rd F East, Door A, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 until 11:00 a.m. central time on July 6, 2023, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened. Complete Notice to Bidders can be found at: www.916schools.org , Departments & Services, Business Office, Call for Bids.
The Board of Education of Northeast Metropolitan Intermediate School District 916 reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in bidding.
Board of Education
Northeast Metropolitan Intermediate School District 916
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21 and 28, 2023.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PUBLIC NOTICE
SOLICITATION OPPORTUNITIES
Ramsey County releases solicitation opportunities on DemandStar as an alternative method of public notice pursuant to Section 331A.03 of the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information.
If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey County” webpage. Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.
Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details.
To view current solicitations, please go to: https://bit.ly/3W8XWan
SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW27243-KB
OPENING DATE: JULY 6, 2023
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS CONSTRUCTION BIDS FOR DRAINAGE REPAIR ON CARVER AVENUE IN MAPLEWOOD AND COUNTY ROAD H IN NEW BRIGHTON.
SOLICITATION: RFP-PRMG28558-KB
OPENING DATE: 7/6/2023
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY SEEKS A QUALIFIED CONSTRUCTION MANAGER/DESIGN TEAM CONSISTING OF A GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR AND A PARTNER ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FIRM FOR DESIGN, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO COMPLETE THE RENOVATION OF COUNTY’S METRO SQUARE FACILITY LOCATED AT 121 7TH PLACE EAST IN SAINT PAUL, MN. THE PURPOSE OF THE RENOVATION IS TO PROVIDE FOR ADDITIONAL OFFICE SPACE FOR RAMSEY COUNTY STAFF.
PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: 121 7TH PLACE EAST, FIRST FLOOR, SAINT PAUL, MN 55101. 6/22/2023. 8:30 AM CT.
SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW27768-KB
OPENING DATE: 7/20/2023
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY, THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM PEDESTRIAN CURB RAMP IMPROVEMENTS, RECTANGULAR RAPID-FLASHING BEACONS (RRFB) INSTALLATIONS AND CONCRETE CURB AND GUTTER INSTALLATION.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21, 2023.
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:02 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present was Ryan O’Connor, County Manager, and Jada Lewis, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
AGENDA of June 6, 2023 was presented for approval. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Ortega. Unanimously approved. MINUTES of May 23, 2023 were presented for approval. Motion by Moran, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Read by Commissioner Reinhardt.
PROCLAMATION
County Manager’s Office, Human Resources, Social Services – PRIDE Month Proclamation. Presented by Commissioner McGuire.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
Parks & Recreation – Appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Motion by Reinhardt, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2023-083)
Community & Economic Development Obligation of American Rescue Plan Act Funding Towards 2023 Affordable Housing Development. Motion by Reinhardt, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2023-084)
Housing Stability – Minnesota Department of Revenue Local Homeless Prevention Aid. Motion by Reinhardt, seconded by Ortega. Unanimously approved. (B2023-085)
POLICY ITEM
County Manager’s Office – Minnesota Council on Local Results and Innovation’s Performance Measurement Program. Motion by Ortega, seconded by McGuire. Unanimously approved. (B2023-086)
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – Presented by Commissioner MatasCastillo. Discussion can be found on archived video.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – Presented by Ryan O’Connor, County Manager. Discussion can be found on archived video.
OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – Discussion can be found on archived video.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATES – Discussion can be found on archived video.
ADJOURNMENT – Chair MatasCastillo declared the meeting adjourned at 10:08 a.m.
Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21, 2023.
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-450
AMENDED NOTICE OF REMOTE HEARING
ON PETITION FOR DESCENT OF PROPERTY
In re the Estate of:
John J. DeLuce, Decedent.
A Petition for Determination of Descent has been filed with this Court. The Petition represents that the Decedent died more than three years ago, leaving property in Minnesota and requests the probate of Decedent’s last Will, if any, and the descent of such property be determined and assigned by this Court to the persons entitled to the property.
Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper, and no objections are filed or raised, the Petition may be granted. If objections are filed, another hearing may be scheduled.
Any charitable beneficiary may request notice of the probate proceeding be given to the attorney general pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 501B.41, Subdivision 5.
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Petition will be heard using remote technology on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 9:45 a.m. by this Court using remote technology via zoom. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Notice shall be published in a legal newspaper in Ramsey County once per week for two consecutive weeks in a row and by mailing a copy of this Notice at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons and persons who have filed a demand for notice.
BY THE COURT:
Michael Upton, Court Administrator
Date: May 30, 2023
BY: Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator
Attorney for Petitioner: Meredith J. Boudrie (#0386573)
141 East Broadway, Suite 7
P.O. Box 305 Monticello, Minnesota 55362
Telephone: (763) 312-6300 ; mboudrie@centralminnesotalaw.com
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21 and 28, 2023.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION
COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-438
NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In re the Estate of Donald J. Gartner, a/k/a Donald Joseph Gartner, Decedent.
Notice is given that an Application for Informal Probate of Will and Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar, along with a Will dated August 24, 2006. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed LORI J. LEAN, whose address is 22681 Jewell St. NE, East Bethel, MN 55005, to serve as the personal representative of the decedent’s estate.
Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection.
Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters testamentary, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the decedent.
Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred.
Dated: June 9, 2023
Laura J. Stevens, Registrar Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator
This instrument was drafted by: MILLER & STEVENS, P.A. Patrick Doran (#397893) 92 Lake Street South Forest Lake, MN 55025
Telephone: 651-462-0206 patrick@millerstevens.com
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21 and 28, 2023.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, RAMSEY COUNTY
DISTRICT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT
CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE
COURT FILE NUMBER: 62-PR-23-439
In re the Estate of:
William A. Filipkowski, a/k/a William Alexander Filipkowski, Decedent.
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:
Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on June 9, 2023 for informal probate of the above- named Decedent’s Last Will dated February 21, 2022 (“Will”) has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the Amended Application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following:
Tracy Schmucker 5141 Credit River Drive, Savage, MN 55378 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.
Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the personal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.
Self-Represented Litigant:
Tracy Schmucker 5141 Credit River Drive, Savage, MN 55378
June 9, 2023
Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar
Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator
Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on June 21 and 28, 2023.
provision was stripped from the Tax bill during Conference Committee.
This session proved challenging for those of us who prioritize fiscal responsibility. We went in hoping to return the $17.5 billion surplus to taxpayers through large rebate checks, income tax cuts and the complete elimination of Social Security tax. However, the DFL’s narrowly-held trifecta not only spent the entire surplus but also raised taxes by an additional $10 billion.
Starting in July, the state budget will increase by 38%, all funded by your tax dollars.
While we did secure a partial Social Security tax exemption and $260 per-person rebate checks (subject to income limits), Minnesotans will face a wide array of new tax increases: hikes on sales tax and gas tax, a new delivery tax, a new payroll tax and significant fee increases. Most of the sales tax increase will go toward metro area transit and low-income housing. Businesses will also see tax increases, as our corporate income tax is now the highest in the nation.
The Democrat trifecta passed an agenda that differed significantly from their campaign promises. Most Democrat legislators hail from Minneapolis, St. Paul or inner-ring suburbs, and many openly identify as “Democratic Socialists.” This fringe agenda ultimately prevailed and will affect everyone in the state after July 1. Left-wing special interest groups’ wish-lists dominated the legislative process, and I believe Minnesotans will be shocked and angry when these policies are implemented.
As a republic, our 50 states serve as testing grounds for political ideas and governance. Minnesota’s policies now lean further left than California’s, and will serve as an experiment in “democratic socialism.” The outcome remains uncertain — perhaps piling on the same ill-advised policies will somehow right the ship, or perhaps it will only accelerate the population loss Minnesota has been experiencing. I’m betting on the latter. Supporters of this transformation believe these policies will attract like-minded individuals from across the country. Time will tell if they are productive taxpayers, since we are quickly running out of other people’s money. Elections have consequences — serious ones for Minnesotans.
The 2023 Minnesota legislative session can be summed up in one word: Expensive. With a nearly $18 billion surplus, the Legislature should have spent all session delivering family-focused tax relief. It is disappointing that taxes are instead set to increase by $10 billion.
I was disheartened by the unwillingness of the Majority party to work across the aisle. My bill to eliminate the sales tax on infant care items, like strollers and car seats, received unanimous support in both the House and Senate. Unfortunately, this
Our small Main Street businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. During COVID, these job creators struggled to keep their doors open amidst shutdowns. Ever since the COVID restrictions lifted, workforce shortages, supply chain issues and inflation have continued to impact their recovery. Instead of supporting our job creators, this session the Legislature passed a host of new mandates that will drive our Main Street businesses out of operation.
It’s time we put the needs of Minnesota families before the wish lists of state government. I am proud that despite all the new wasteful spending and burdensome mandates, I was able to deliver needed results for our community. I secured $13.5 million for clean water upgrades at the water treatment facility in Lino Lakes. My bills to crack down on fentanyl, provide mental health support for students and increase transparency in government spending also passed.
Republicans also secured $300 million in the final hours of session to save our nursing homes. Fifteen facilities in our state have closed since 2021, and many seniors are being forced to move hours away from their communities and loved ones. This critical funding will go towards saving our nursing homes and supporting the seniors they serve.
Minnesotans are more than willing to spend money to support those in need and ensure everyone has access to good roads and clean water. Unfortunately, this session is going to have severe consequences for family budgets. I will keep fighting for commonsense tax relief measures, and I hope my Democrat colleagues will join.
On May 22, my first session serving in the Minnesota House came to an end. It was an honor to serve in the Legislature this year, and I am so proud of the work we did. Alongside our governor and DFL senators, we ended the gridlock and delivered on our promises to Minnesotans.
Our budget delivers the largest tax cut in state history with credits, rebates and other provisions to maximize benefits for workers, families and seniors. It also includes property tax cuts; full Social Security state income exemption for those earning less than $100,000 annually joint or $78,000 single; and a new and simplified Child & Working Family Tax Credit. These critical solutions are made possible by the state’s historic surplus and new revenue from measures that target the wealthiest corporations and individuals in the state.
You may have heard about our bill providing school meals to all students, ensuring no one has to learn on an empty stomach earlier this year—but that was just the start of our work to improve learning and child development. Our budget supports students and staff and stabilizes funding. It increases the general education formula and links it to inflation, reduces the Special Education and English Learner crosssubsidies, and makes much-needed investments in supporting students so every child can graduate and succeed.
I was proud to serve on the Public Safety and Judiciary committees, bringing my experience as a former officer to the table. We increased funding
for law enforcement, invested in supporting victims and enacted common-sense gun violence prevention measures like red-flag laws and universal background checks. I am also glad to report several provisions I authored are now law, including increased mental health treatment options for our first responders, limiting the use of no-knock warrants, and other important changes that make our communities safer and the judicial system more equal.
By using our one-time budget surplus to invest in education, public safety and more, I am proud of our work making our state better for all Minnesotans.
When I arrived in St. Paul this January, Minnesota had a nearly $18 billion surplus. I was excited to get to work crafting policies that would return that surplus to you in the form of permanent, meaningful tax relief as well as looking at ways to make government more efficient with your tax dollars. It was disappointing that when we gaveled out of session, the majority had not only spent all the surplus, they also pushed through nearly $10 billion in tax increases in order to pay for their out-of-control spending spree.
When families are paying higher prices for gas, groceries and energy bills, they don’t want 40% more government. They want real relief for their family budgets. It is a disappointment not to deliver permanent, meaningful tax relief for all Minnesotans this session.
I am pleased to report that I secured funding for Highway 36 improvements. This will have a huge impact and make this important highway safer and more effective for our community. I was also pleased to support and author provisions supporting veterans and first responders, ensuring those that served are not forgotten.
We also passed an Environment/Energy bill that will ban PFAS products and support local water needs for Lake Elmo. Our community has been negatively impacted by PFAS for years. My bill allows the DNR to issue water use permits to Lake Elmo and not reduce water use permit limits for the city of White Bear Lake was also included. This ensures Lake Elmo has enough water and it is a huge victory for our community.
In the final days of session, Republicans secured $300 million in funding to support our nursing homes. Seniors should not be forced to leave their communities to get the care they need. Without Republican intervention, nursing homes would not have received this critical funding which will be a lifeline for many facilities in Minnesota.
It is my honor to be your voice in St. Paul this session. Even though we are now in the interim, please continue to reach out with your questions, ideas and concerns. Have a great summer!
Editor’s note:
We did not hear from the following candidates by press deadline: Sen. Karin Housley, Sen. Heather Gustafson, Sen. Judy Seeberger, Sen. Tou Xiong, and Rep. Leon Lillie.
and operating requirements that will better protect the public and hold the company, which manufactures lead battery terminals and fishing tackle, accountable, noted the MPCA spokesman, sitting in for the commissioner, who was out of the country.
“This has been a long time coming,” said MPCA Industrial Division Manager Doug Wetzstein, whose technical team helped write the permit. “I am glad to be here to see this happen. It’s a good permit. It’s protective of human health and the environment. It’s thorough and comprehensive. You don’t have to worry going forward.”
One of the permit’s stipulations is that Water Gremlin hold annual meetings with stakeholders, including NCCG and the township, to provide updates. The agency hopes meetings lead to better trust and transparency.
“The requirement for them to start to rebuild trust with you is important,” Wetzstein said. “This is the first time I’m aware that we’ve put that in a permit.
“The onus is on them to come back and start repairing things so a relationship is established in a positive way.”
NCCG member Leigh Thiel welcomed the opportunity to engage with Water Gremlin.
“It’s one of the things we’ve wanted since Day One,” she said. “They are a member of our community, but we feel we are at odds. We appreciate the chance to get to know them and understand their heart and for them to get to know us and understand how their decisions impact the community.”
Thiel also thanked the agency for signing the document in front of them. “It means the world to see that we have reached this point. We are glad to have participated in this process.”
An emotional Sheri Smith, also one of the original members, thanked MPCA for listening. “We are truly grateful for the thousands of hours you have put into this; hours that were unfortunately necessary because of actions of Water Gremlin,” she told the deputy commissioner.
NCCG member Kelly Tapkan called last week’s announcement “a landmark day” for White Bear. “What comes out of this situation will impact the state in
a positive way, as well,” she predicted, adding she hopes Water Gremlin will “embrace” the permit.
“Your input and advocacy have been critical,” Tester reiterated. “Your group taught this agency the importance of public engagement. It has made this a better permit and it has made conditions within the environment better and healthier within White Bear Township.”
Tester also announced that MPCA is denying Water Gremlin’s request for a contested case hearing. “They requested a hearing to evaluate and submit additional information. We don’t think that’s necessary,” he said.
The agency has held Water Gremlin accountable for “egregious violations” multiple times in the past, Tester reminded the group.
The long permit process required “tireless effort and vigilance” to complete on the part of MPCA; as part of that process, the agency adopted new protocols to improve how it evaluates and manages complicated permits in the future.
Numerous revisions made by Water Gremlin required follow-up verifications, new modeling scenarios and resulting rewrites. “We hope at the end of day the product is stronger and
MPCA added several new limits and operating requirements to Water Gremlin’s air permit, for which the company first applied for amendment in 2018, including:
The permit expires in five years instead of its current non-expiring status, which allows the agency to reevaluate the total facility on a regular basis.
• It includes more emission units, with specific emission and process limitations. As part of the permitting process, the MPCA evaluated more pollutants than are included in the existing permit. As a result, we established a greater number of emission limits and new operating requirements to limit pollution.
• The MPCA established emission limits and operating requirements based on site-specific analysis of air impacts (air modeling and air toxics assessment) and taking into account current ambient monitoring data.
In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, MPCA developed human health benchmarks for the solvent replacing TCE in compliance with the TCE ban mandate by the Legislature to ensure the replacement solvent will not cause adverse impacts.
• Water Gremlin must adhere to more stringent requirements to demonstrate compliance with the permit. Primary requirements include record-keeping, stack testing and reporting as well as backup methods to verify reliability of
the primary methods.
• New requirements call for continued ambient air monitoring of t-DCE, the solvent replacing TCE, around the facility. This monitoring will help ensure the effectiveness of the multiple permit conditions and protection of human health. Results must be reported regularly and will continue to be posted on MPCA’s website until Water Gremlin can demonstrate it is no longer necessary.
The agency will also continue to work with Ramsey County compliance inspectors as part of a joint powers agreement to monitor Water Gremlin and look for air, water and land issues.
County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, attending the MPCA permit announcement, promised to “do our job and hold their (Water Gremlin’s) feet to the fire.”
In its announcement posted online at www.pca.state.mn.us/local-sites-andprojects/white-bear-township-watergremlin, MPCA indicated it has not seen any levels of air pollution around the Water Gremlin site that would require immediate action since the company stopped using TCE.
MPCA said it will continue to review the monitoring data to determine if levels of volatile organic compounds at the Water Gremlin facility are significantly different than those seen at other air monitors in the Twin Cities.
CONTRIBUTED
that people feel we have done and are doing our job,” Tester said.
Among the findings of fact supporting the permit requirements, MPCA noted its discovery in 2018 that Water Gremlin had emitted more than 100 tons of a carcinogen called TCE, an amount exceeding the federal threshold. Agency modeling showed the toxic emissions exposed neighborhoods surrounding the facility to levels well above the healthbased value for TCE established by the Department of Health.
For its violations, Water Gremlin was hit with a $7 million penalty March 1, 2019, for the illegal release of the chemical, one of the largest civil penalties in MPCA enforcement history. The company replaced the solvent with t-DCE in 2019, again amending its permit
application. That product too, created a health concern that year when MPCA determined Water Gremlin did not have control over the active release of t-DCE.
TCE was eventually banned statewide in 2020, the first state to do so, thanks to efforts of both NCCG and area legislators.
“The company seems to be moving in the right direction with changes to their technology,” Wetzstein noted. “That is a positive outcome of this. Yes, it has taken awhile, but a lot of things have occurred over time. It is a permit that allows them to continue making those improvements using technology away from volatile organic compounds.”
Bradley Hartsell, President of Water Gremlin, issued the following statement: “Water Gremlin is reviewing the final permit terms and conditions that were recently issued and will operate its facility in alignment with permit requirements. We are committed to providing a safe facility for our employees and the community. We continue to practice best-in-class safe manufacturing operations and we are investing in environmentally sustainable manufacturing technologies that will continue to enhance our environmental stewardship programs and reduce our use of solvents and emissions.”
Resident Page Stevens, who is living with leukemia/non-Hodgkins lymphoma and attended the MPCA briefing with husband Denny, credited NCCG with “changing our White Bear community.
“I’m here with a grateful heart,” she said. “These dedicated women worked so hard on our behalf. The hours put into this are incredible.” Stevens then read a quote (attributed to the late anthropologist Margaret Mead) she felt was appropriate for the occasion: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
VADNAIS HEIGHTS ICE CREAM
SOCIAL
When: Wednesday, June 21
Where: Berwood Park
Details: Join neighbors for free ice cream, live music by Minty Hippo, and visit with representatives from community organizations.
Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com
Details: All are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnic and beverage and listen to a different performance each week. Amy and Adams on June 25.
Contact: cityofbirchwood.com
BREAKFAST WITH THE MAYOR
When: 7-8 a.m. Monday, June 26
Where: Perkins, 1045 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights
Details: Join Vadnais Heights Mayor Mike Krachmer for breakfast and conversation the 4th Monday of each month. RSVP.
LAKE
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 21 & 28
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th Street
Details: Guided walking tour of downtown White Bear Lake highlighting the history of the buildings, businesses, and organizations that make this community unique. Registration required.
Contact: whitebearhistory.org
FREE PRODUCE MARKET
When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, June 22
Where: White Bear Lake Senior Center, 2484 County Rd. F. East
Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag. Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org
‘HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL’
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23; 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18
Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Student actors with Children’s Performing Arts perform the story of a teenage misfit and a high school clique. Tickets information online. Contact: childrensperformingartsmn. org
WHITE RACISM AND PERSONAL IDENTITY
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Discussion with Kennedy Simpson, part of the AHHA! Series. Free with registration. Contact: whitebeararts.org
VFW 1782 AUXILIARY RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE
When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday, June 23
Where: VFW 1782 parking lot, 4496 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake
Details: Donors must schedule online appointment at redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Donors receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of choice.
Contact: sharon6582@aol.com
FRIDAY WITH FIREFIGHTERS
When: 10 a.m.-noon Friday, June 23
Where: South White Bear Fire Station, 2240 County Road E
Details: Stop by for fun and safety
events appropriate for chldren, parents and grandparent. Contact: whitebearlake.org/ publicsafety
KIDS BIKE RODEO
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: White Bear Lake Public Works
Facility, 3950 Hoffman Road
Details: Kids and parents can come to get bikes tuned up, helmets fitted, rider safety information, demos, prizes, and ride through the course. Registration required. Contact whitebearlake.org/ publicsafety/webform/kids-bikerodeo
WHITE BEAR LAKE CLASSIC & VINTAGE
BOAT SHOW
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: Lakefront of the White Bear Lake Shopping Center, 4391 Lake Avenue S.
Details: Display of classic and vintage boats-inboards, outboards, row boats and sailboats. Live fishing and “ask and expert” fisherman, vendors, nautical market, food, and vendors. Contact: facebook.com/ WhiteBearPress
ARTISAN AND VENDOR FAIR
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 24
Where: West Park, 2350 11th Street
Details: 75+ crafters, makers, boutiques, and vendors.
Contact: sunriseeventsandcraftshows. com
MANITOU TRIATHLON
When: 8:30 a.m. Sunday, June 25
Where: White Bear Lake County Park, 5050 Lake Ave.
Details: 4 race options include swim, bike and run of various lengths. Community barbecue follows race. Details and registration information online.
Contact: mmraces.com/manitou-tri
KEEGANS 5K FOR CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS AWARENESS
When: 9 a.m. Sunday, June 25
Where: West Park, 2350 11th Street
Details: Noncompetitive 5K run/walk along the lake organized by local family.
Contact: sites.google.com/site/ keegans5kforcranioawareness
BIRCHWOOD MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25
Where: Tighe-Schmitz Park, Birchwood
Todd and Sheila Vollhaber are happy to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Katie Vollhaber, to Ben Webster of Minneapolis. Please send your greetings to Kvollhaber@gmail.com.
Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com/ mayor
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY 168 RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday, June 26
Where: American Legion 168, 2210 3rd St. White Bear Lake
Details: Donors must schedule online appointment at redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Donors receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of choice.
Contact: sharon6582@aol.com
COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
When: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 27
Where: Cerenity Senior Care. 4615 2nd Ave., White Bear Lake
Details: Ice cream and musical entertainment by “The Squires.”
Contact: 651-429-9654
DIRT: A MATTER OF REVERENCE COMMUNITY RECEPTION
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27
Where: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave.
Details: Reception and artist talk with Sandra Menefee Taylor about her exhibit, which runs through Aug. 5. Contact: whitebeararts.org
LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES
When: noon Wednesday, June 28
Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights
Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided. Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/seniors
VADNAIS HEIGHTS MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 28
Where: Bridgewood Park
Details: Bring a chair or blanket and meet up with neighbors for a free outdoor concert. Big Toe and the Jam performs.
Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com
CARD MAKING
When: 2:30-4:30p.m. And 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29
Where: White Bear Lake Community Health Club, 1430 Highway 96 E.
Details: Free card-making event. Two sessions. Sign up online.
Contact: form.jotform. com/231586946483167
MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET
When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 24 through Sept. 30
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Mahtomedi Ave.
Details: Local growers, artisans, community resources.
Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us
MARKETFEST
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, through July 27
Where: Downtown White Bear Lake
Details: Community summer festival with 160+ food and vendor booths, live music, car show, kids activities, specials at local merchants. Theme week is History Night.
Contact: marketfestwbl.com
MIDWEST SKI OTTERS SHOWS
When: 6 p.m. Sundays, through August
Where: Little Goose Lake
Details: White Bear-based team of 120 amateur skiers performs weekly throughout the summer.
Contact: skiotter.com
BEARS BUILDING COMMUNITY EXHIBIT
When: Through Aug. 1
Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth Street
Details: Interactive exhibit highlighting the 1920’s as a turning point when White Bear transitioned from a summer destination to a yearround community.
Contact: whitebearhistory.org
At the conclusion of the school year, the White Bear Lake School Board tackled a number of items to prepare for the 2023-24 school year during its meeting June 12.
The board took action on the audio/ visual package bid for fine arts and theater.
“We use the best value procurement for this process, as we’ve used for other projects in the past and our experience with AV is that it really matters, the quality of the installers. We decided that best value would be the best approach here,” said Tim Wald, assistant superintendent for finance and operations.
He said that a best value bid is different than low bid procurement because it measures the value that a contractor brings to the project. Not only is the price of the project bid considered, but also the contractor’s talent and experience.
Wald said the recommendation is to go with Video Services Incorporated with a total project bid of $986,220, which is $164,000 below budget. The board approved the bid.
Board member Dr. Marge Newmaster asked whether the original theater is having improvements made to it, considering a new theater is in the works.
Wald said that it’s in good shape and that it will continue to be used but noted that it has about half the capacity that the new theater will have.
“It’s large enough to fit an entire class
in so we could have a class meeting or class presentation in it,” Wald said.
The board also received the radon testing results from Wald and Dan Roeser, director of building operations. While radon testing is not required in Minnesota, it is encouraged and the district opted to have it done this past spring. Prior to that it had not been tested since 2018.
Roeser said they used Atlas, the district’s health safety consultant, to administer the testing, place the devices and send them to a lab for analysis.
“I’m happy to say, like in 2018, all of our test results were well below any action levels set forth by the state,” Roeser said.
He noted that the only school building that wasn’t tested was North Campus, due to the ongoing construction there.
In his superintendent report, Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak congratulated the school’s recent graduates. He also recognized this year’s retirees who represent a combined 596 years of service.
He shared that beginning this fall, one breakfast and one lunch per day will be free of charge for all students. Families were recently emailed information regarding remaining meal account funds, which will roll over and be available for a la carte purchases.
Board members asked questions about how the free meals will affect the budget, but at this time it is still unknown because it’s unknown how
many students will take advantage of it.
Kazmierczak also noted there will be opportunities to see district representatives at Marketfest this summer. He encouraged people to stop by the district’s booth on Third Street. for pencils, bear paw tattoos and conversation.
Finally, Kazmierczak introduced Julian Stanke, who will officially join the district July 1 as an elementary principal at Birch Lake. Stanke comes to the district from South St. Paul Schools where he served as assistant principal at South St. Paul Middle School.
In other news:
• Students in all state band, boys and girls golf, boys and girls track and field, softball, adapted softball and girls ultimate frisbee were recognized.
• The board took action on the nutrition services milk products contract for the 2023-24 school year. St. Paul Beverage Solutions had the option to extend it an additional year, but opted not to due to rising costs. The district took bids for a milk provider approving St. Paul Beverage Provider, which was the low bidder at $245,829.
• The board approved the 2023-24 workers compensation agreement with a 5.5 percent increase.
Brooke Wohlrabe
The following students graduated from a college or university in Spring 2023:
• Brescia University: Noah McClain of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, computer science, magna cum laude.
• Cedarville University: Noelle Norman of White Bear Lake, undergraduate degree, worship.
• College of St. Scholastica: Lauren Jurek of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Arts, marketing; Makenna Kroska of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, nursing; Sonja Thorson of White Bear Lake, CERT, teaching.
• Iowa State University: Michael Miller of Mahtomedi, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, magna cum laude; Lindsey Reyes of Mahtomedi, Bachelor of Fine Arts, integrated studio arts, honors program and summa cum laude; Lauren Lawless of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Architecture-professional degree, cum laude; Ally Meslow of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, marketing, with honors; Jack Rapheal of White Bear Lake, Bachelor of Science, mechanical engineering, cum laude.
22 Prompts to Make Your Story Come
Alive
• Saturday, June 24, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• White Bear Center for the Arts
• Using questions, single words, phrases, and images, this all-genre writing workshop will keep your pen moving at a rapid pace.
Intergenerational
Fridays
quick and responsive, changing as the light and clouds shift. It requires a fierce concentration and, perhaps above all, simply a love of being outdoors.
• Fridays, June 16-August 18, 10 a.m.-noon.
• White Bear Center for the Arts
• Join WBCA this summer on Fridays for handson projects, storytelling, movement, and many more gallery-themed activities. This is perfect for grandparents and grandchildren.
Summer Friday
• Friday, June 23, noon3:30 p.m.
• White Bear Center for the Arts
• Stop by WBCA’s outdoor campus for summer fun! There will be lawn games, art projects, and live music.
kayak have passed us by and the bittersweet smell of fall hits the air.
I spoke with plein air painter Joshua Cunningham as he was heading out the door to paint. He was gathering paintbrushes and contingency rain gear as we chatted about the very thing he was about to embark on.
“The most beautiful part of plein air painting is actually its accessibility for everybody,” Joshua said. “All you need is the willingness to go outside with as little as a piece of paper and a pen, or a paintbrush and a canvas and some paint, and connect through that medium to the world
I was talking with him to learn more about his thoughts on White Bear Center for the Arts’ Into Nature: Plein Air Competition happening this August. Joshua will be this year’s judge,
lens of the artist. “As a judge the most exciting part is being the first person who gets to pore over all this artwork that didn’t exist five or six days
When you visit White Bear Center for the Arts’ Ford Family Gallery next, you might be surprised to see what’s on the floor. The gallery will soon be covered in a thin layer of dirt. Dirt: A Matter of Reverence is an installation exhibit by artist Sandra Menefee Taylor that will be on display from June 26 to August
5. Sandra Menefee Taylor’s work
is propelled by the deep interest she has for matters of land, body, and spirit. She chooses materials that bring their own meaning, and looks for voices that connect, like poet-farmer Wendell Berry, who says, “Soil is the one thing we all have in common.”
“I had the good fortune to be born in farm country,” Sandra said, “able to observe closely the
processes of life: birth, growth, and death. This good fortune also cemented into my makeup the use of the hand, the ‘maker,’ applying the skills and labors needed to sustain my living self and spirit.” You can learn more about the exhibit, and hear from Sandra, in the Community Reception happening on Tuesday, June 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Visit
or two of vulnerable thinking, or openheartedness, you kind of realize it’s everything.”
Ellie Fuelling, WBCA Communications ManagerNOT ENOUGH GOLD IN YOUR VAULT? COME WORK WITH US!
777472
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Above: A group of dancers sing along to one of the soulful vintage songs that the Free and Easy band played during the Manitou Days Beach Dance that followed the annual parade.
At right: Ken Furchtenicht and Justin, Broderick, Jozie, Avary and Kelly Wetzel pose with “Fred the Bear,” which was among the award winning entries in the White Bear Center for the Arts sponsored Creatures and Sandcastles contest.
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: Honorary Manitou Days Chairs Si and Vicki Ford can be seen behind Sasha, an animated bear sculpture created by artist Kim Ford, during the Manitou Days Grande Parade.
At left: Volunteer of the year and Vietnam war veteran Darryl LeMire and his wife Sandy ride along the parade route in a 1951 M38 classic military Jeep driven by Joe Remley. Find more photos online at presspubs.com.
a Classic or Vintage Boat? (Outboard, Inboard, or Non-Motor)
Join us at the WBL Boat Show on June 24th, 2023. Call 651-407-1200 to reserve a spot
are not local numbers.
PRESS
Explore the lakes and rivers with a kayak.
Two older tandem fiberglass ka yaks with padd les fo r sale Must be handy please no first timers They are fun, stable an d pretty fast with fo ld ing seat Sit in or sit up like a canoe. $1 75 each or $300 for the pair 612599-172n ine
Toro Power Broom
Used for clearing sidewalks, ice rink & driveway. Toro profession al series $3,750 61 2-599-172 nine
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 discriminat ion.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 livin g with parents or legal cu stod ians; pregnant women and peop le securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not kn owingly accept any ad vertising for real esta te which is in violation of the law.
Our readers ar e hereby informed that all dw ellings advertised in this newsp ap er are available on an equal oppor tunity basis To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free: 1-800-669-9 777. The toll-free number for hearing impaired is 1-800-927-92
Contact Lindsay 651-429-5356 rxmedchest@gmail.com
$7,500
CITY OF HUGO – PUBLIC WORKS JOB OPPORTUNITY
Utilities Lead Worker
651-653-9845
4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110
Serves as the lead worker responsible for organizing and leading a crew of workers in utility (storm/ sanitary/water) maintenance activities including prioritizing daily work tasks and long range goals of the City’s utility infrastructure. Leads crews in the troubleshooting and performing of the more complex maintenance repairs to the City’s utility infrastructure. This position also performs general Public Works duties as needed. Operates a variety of heavy equipment to maintain City infrastructure and other general maintenance and repair work. Serves on the City’s “on-call” rotation, and responds to emergency situations for all aspects of public works. Preferred qualifications: High school degree or equivalent. Training in related fields and at least three years of experience with a municipal public works department. Demonstrated leadership skills and proficiency in the utilities maintenance field. Demonstrated mechanical aptitude. Class A commercial driver’s license with Tank Vehicle (N) endorsement or the ability to obtain one within 6 months. Must possess at least a Class C water operator’s license and Class S-C Collection system license and must obtain both Class B water and Class S-B sewer licenses within 12 months. Ability to attend employer-required training and obtain additional water and wastewater licenses and education as directed. Applications will be accepted until July 18, 2023 or until the position is filled. A complete job description and application can be found at ci.hugo. mn.us/jobs_volunteer or by contacting the Hugo Public Works Department at 651-762-6301.
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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. NOW
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Nexen is a leading manufacturer of industrial clutches and brakes, precision linear and rotary motion control devices and control systems.
This individual will provide management of production to a three-shift operation at the plant level, through exceptional leadership in accordance with general corporate values, goals, objectives, and strategic planning. Ensures COGS, productivity, efficiency, delivery, and continual improvement goals are achieved, and inspire a level of enthusiasm and commitment in daily production management at the Webster facility. Continuously improve organizational effectiveness. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial management, or a related field, and 8-10 years of management experience in a manufacturing environment. A master’s degree is beneficial. Must have sound knowledge of manufacturing operations & production procedures, innovative tools & techniques, and the latest equipment. Must have excellent communication, problem solving and decision making skills. Must also have effective computer skills, excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and demands. Demonstrated success with change management and continual improvement activities are essential.
We offer an excellent salary and benefits package. If you are interested in joining a dynamic and forward looking company, and have a positive and enthusiastic approach to work, send a resume to:
Proposed amendments to the White Bear Lake City Charter Commission include correcting references to municipal elections, removing gender-specific references and amending the term length of city attorney appointments.
Mayor Dan Louismet said he and City Manager Lindy Crawford brought the term length to staff’s attention because of negotiations with the city attorneys.
“It became quite clear that entering into a multiyear contract was financially advantageous to the city to have a longer-term contract than one year, and that really was the genesis for it,” Louismet said. “It also provides more efficiency with city staff to be able to deal with a contract like
that less frequently than every single year.”
Marc Aune, vice president of the White Bear Lake City Charter Commission, said, “We agreed, by a vote of nine to two, that the council should have the power to appoint an attorney for multiple years, but not to exceed five years.”
The second proposed amendment is the use of some gender-specific terms such as “foreman.”
“Deleting these terms alone would not create a material change in the meaning of their respective sections,” Aune said. “And it seemed like the appropriate time to remove them.”
According to Aune, the third amendment involves references to
District announces administrative changes
White Bear Lake Area Schools recently announced administrative changes that will be in effect for the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Cynthia Mueller, who began in the district in 2017 as principal at Otter Lake Elementary, will serve as a full-time principal on special assignment as a member of the districtwide teaching and learning team for the 2023-24 school year. In this role, she will provide instructional leadership through collaboration with principals and instructional coaches to support student literacy outcomes and the implementation of the district’s strategic plan.
Current WBLAHS - North Campus principal
specific state statutes.
“We realized that an amendment to a state statute could ultimately confuse the reading of our charter and a general reference to the statutes could be made without changing the context,” Aune said. “Therefore, we wanted to remove these references to specific state statutes.”
Crawford noted that the second reading of the charter amendments is scheduled on Tuesday, June 27, at the City Council meeting.
“It does require a unanimous five to zero vote to approve any charter amendments,” Crawford said. “So we are looking for all of your attendance at that meeting.”
Noelle OlsonAng Nelson will become principal at Otter Lake Elementary. Current WBLAHS-South Campus Associate Principal Carrie Barth will fill Nelson’s position as North Campus principal on a one-year assignment for the 2023-24 school year, and her current position will be rehired. When the unified high school houses all grade 9-12 students in the fall of 2024, Russell Reetz will serve as principal. Dion Harriman will continue in his assistant principal position, supporting construction projects during the 2023-24 school year. Joe Held will continue serving as an associate principal.
7/26/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; classic car; Waylon Rembert, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage
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7/26/23 Wed, 1:00pm.1810 Gervais Ct, Maplewood, MN; Storage Unit Auction; various tools; antique equip; Kenneth Fleiscecker, owner; Auctions by: Able Storage
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Co-chairs of January’s mega hockey event presented a $100,000 check to the White Bear Lake Area Hockey Association last week. The only requirement is that the money be used to enhance the area’s outdoor rinks.
“We wanted to use the money for something tangible,” said Corey Roberts, the downtown business owner who led the push to bring Hockey Day Minnesota (HDM) to White Bear. “We can see where the money went and experience the improvements.”
Speaking of experience, the three HDM co-chairs: Roberts, Nick Guzzo and Jon Anderson, said they were thrilled with how the event turned out. They figure 15,000 to 16,000 people experienced the multiday hockey extravaganza at Polar Lakes Park.
“We want to thank our partners and sponsors who stepped up to make it a success,” Roberts said, adding they couldn’t have pulled it off without the 400-some volunteers.
The township, too, was “awesome” to work with,
Auto dealer relocates to Hoffman’s Corner
Long’s Auto Place recently opened at Hoffman’s Corner, County Road E and Highway 61 in White Bear Lake.
Long’s Auto reconditions and
added Anderson. “It was a big ‘ask,’ and they supported us. The space allowed us room to do what we wanted to do.”
The only remaining item on their to-do list is return the park’s athletic fields to pre-Hockey Day condition, an effort that is underway.
The committee was happy with the six-figure amount being donated to the hockey association, especially when costs for the event were 20 to 25% higher than expected, Roberts said.
Organizers wanted the experience to be “top notch,” they added, and “more than a game,” to borrow MHD’s motto, so they didn’t skimp on music and special add-ons like snow sculptures and ice bar.
If they had to change anything, the co-chairs said they would have ordered a larger hospitality tent. It was quite the party.
A 14-minute wrap-up of HDM 2023 can be viewed on YouTube. See www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kEFfBCsAMR0&t=369s
Debra Neutkens
sells preowned vehicles. The company has been in business since 1981, and was formerly located on Rice Street in St. Paul.
Owners Jim Long and Justin Long say they are known for their customer service and a nopressure approach, and are also one of the highest-rated dealers in the Twin Cities.
For more information, visit their location at 3555 Hoffman Road or call 651-488-8400.
Change of leadership at local manufacturer
Hugo-based Wilson Tool International, the largest independent manufacturer of tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes and punch and die components for the stamping and tableting industries, announces the retirement of its current chief executive officer.
Current CEO Brian Robinson
will retire this fall after 30 years of service, including 16 years as CEO. Paul Johnson is transitioning into the role of CEO. He brings 36 years of experience in the industry as a machinist, manager, vice president of operations and president of corporate development.
Twin Cities Pain Clinic will open its fifth metro area location in Maplewood on July 11. The new clinic will be located at 1725 Legacy Parkway E., northwest of the Maplewood Mall.
The Twin Cities Pain Clinic helps people find relief from a wide variety of chronic pain conditions.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, go to twincitiespainclinic.com or call 952-841-2345.
Age 77, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota passed away peacefully on June 2, 2023 surrounded by love and his family.
Norm will be remembered for the way he handled his tough journey with Parkinson’s Disease in true “Norm Fashion”: with dignity and grace. He will be remembered for his one liners, his inclusive nature and how he always rooted for the underdog. Norm will be remembered for his selfless acts, his genuine concern for others and his absolute dedication to family.
Norm was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 12, 1945. He grew up in St. Peter, Minnesota, later moved to Rochester, Minnesota and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1963. After graduation, Norm attended Gustavus Adolphus College then served in the National Guard. Norm spent 40 years in the banking business, starting in 1966 at First Bank Bloomington Lake in Minneapolis, Minnesota (where he met the love of his life), and his path eventually led him to retire in 2006 while at Franklin Bank in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Norm loved nothing more than spending time with family and friends outdoors; hunting, fishing, boating, camping on the St. Croix River, and searching for shells and sea glass on the Florida coastline, but his heart belonged “Up North” at the cabin on Johnson Lake. “No-Wake” HHs on the pontoon, annual pig roasts, pulling kids on skis behind the Boston Whaler, or blazing bonfires in the middle of January were all on Norm’s “time well spent” checklist.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents Wendell and Connie Swenson, his brother David Swenson and Brother-In-Law Robert Blix. Norm will be lovingly remembered by his dedicated wife of 55 years Jane, his children Carrie (Chris) Montgomery, Amy (Kris) Magnusson, his grandchildren: Ben, Gus, Emiline, Elsa and Oskar, his sister-in-law Jeanne Swenson, brother Stephen (Mary) Swenson, Zaila Michaelson, his nieces and nephews, his cousins and many, many wonderful friends.
Norm’s family would like to thank HealthPartners Hospice Team and Bright Star Home Care for all their support and dedication. A celebration of life is planned on Monday, July 17 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. Visitation at 11 a.m., service at noon. In lieu of flowers, Norm’s family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Minnesota or the donor’s choice in Norm’s name.
Age 75, of Birchwood. Service were held Tuesday June 20, at 11 a.m. at ST. ANDREW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi. With visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to St. Andrew’s Church or Merrick, Inc. Private family burial. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.
Age 80, of Vadnais Heights.
Loving wife, mother and grandmother went home to be with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by her husband & children, on June 13, 2023, after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer March 2019. She grew up in Lakeland and the east side of St Paul and has lived in 5 different Minnesota cities, as well as Romania. Diane married Lloyd Hansen June 19, 1964, whom she met at East Park Baptist Church when she was 15. Survived by her husband Lloyd of 58 years; her 3 children, LyNae Marshall (Erick), Lloyd Jr. Hansen (Kristin) and Staci Wittner (Steve): grandsons Noah, Jared, Austin, Eli Hansen and Luke Wittner. Diane loved to: talk with others about Jesus; spend time with her beloved grandsons, family & many friends; write countless cards and letters of encouragement to everyone and help others. Diane leaves a lasting legacy of sacrificial love and giving. She was well loved by friends and family for her support, empathy, faithfulness and wise counsel. Her deep desire was to honor Jesus Christ in all she did.
Celebration of Life Service: Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m. Service and 10 a.m. Visitation, with a luncheon immediately following, all at North Haven Church, 2240 15th Ave E, North St Paul (No internment). Memorials to American Cancer Society or World Vision.
(nee: Ayde), age 67 of White Bear Lake.
Loving Wife, Mom, Nana, Daughter & Sister, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 11, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Preceded in death by father, Leonard Lester Ayde, siblings, Robert Ayde, Clara Ayde Lucking, Joseph Ayde. Survived by loving husband of 42 years, Charlie; daughter, Jessica (Bill) Rowe; grandchildren, Brandon, Abby, Augie, Max; mother, Mary LaValle Ayde; siblings, Kathleen (Gary) Gullikson, Leonard Ayde, Jeffrey Ayde, Thomas Ayde, Marilyn (Howard) Nelson, Steven Ayde, Richard Ayde, Annette (Dan) Winberg; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
A celebration of Susan’s life 4-8 p.m. with a service at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 22 at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Private interment at St. Genevieve Catholic Cemetery, Centerville. Roberts Family Funeral Home 651-464-4422 RobertsFamilyFH.com
Sylvia Benson, a teacher at the White Bear Center for the Arts, has art featured in an exhibit at the Oakdale Discovery Center.
The longtime Mahtomedi resident has been an artist for over 50 years, and has taught numerous classes in the community.
Benson currently specializes in the interplay of encaustics (an art form created by melting beeswax at 220 degrees) and Venetian plaster, but has been doing watercolor since the ’70s.
Her most recent exhibition features an array of works that play with texture and elements of the natural world. “It has a lot
of nature,” said Benson, “a lot of birch trees and flowers.”
When asked about her inspiration, she credits her students. “The students that I have,” she said, “they can be very inspirational.” She also recalled her travels to France, and time spent painting in Monet’s famous garden at Giverny, where she first encountered encaustic art.
As a teacher and artist, Benson believes that art makes the world a more beautiful place to be. “The arts are really the highest (form) of communication that society can obtain.” she said.
Benson’s exhibit will be featured at the Oakdale Discovery Center until the end of June.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $16.32-$29.50 per month and business services are $34.61-$48.61 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.
CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible lowincome individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.
CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.
If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www.centurylink.com/aboutus/community/ community-development/lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.
After upsetting Stillwater for the Section 4 championship the Mahtomedi lacrosse team lost to Prior Lake and Moorhead in the state tournament and finished 12-6.
“We had a fun year,” coach Michael Narow said. “It was tough to lose
two at state, but we finally slayed the dragon, beating Stillwater, after losing them in the section finals the last two years. That was our best game of the year.”
The Zephyrs defeated the top-seeded Stillwater Ponies 11-7, led by Tommy Peer in goal stopping 12 of 19 shots.
Eric Buttke notched four goals while Jackson Johnson, Isaac Wendorff and
Grandma’s Marathon, a 40 kilometer race from Two Harbors to Duluth, had 6,685 finishers. The top local runner was Michael Peterman, 44, of Mahtomedi, in a time of 2:52:02, for 478th overall, 388th among men, and 20th of 439 in men’s age 40-44. The other finishers with White Bear Lake or Mahtomedi addresses include:
WHITE BEAR LAKE
Men — Ryan Adams, 40 (3:11:01); Steve Anderson, 39 (3:50:32); Jon Duxbury, 30 (4:57:49); Matias Erickson, 23 (3:40:53); Spencer Kramer, 27 (4:01:57); Brian Lahr, 42 (3:22:42); Tyler McMahon, 31 (4:17:41); Allen Menk, 19 (3:28:35); Robert Nelson, 63 (4:32:31); Zach Roberts, 22 (3:35:56); Mitchell Winters, 27 (4:09:03); Todd Wybierala Jr. 27 (3:02.49); Anthony Yares, 35 (4:55:40); Frankie Zobitz, 26 (5:08:43)
Women Leighlin Ahlstrom, 25 (3:16:15); Sara Baumgard, 28 (3:45:05); Berit Borstad, 24 (4:37:27); Kathryn Piha, 41 (4:03:33); Madelyn Zobitz, 26 (5:08:42)
MAHTOMEDI
Men — Michael Peterman, 44 (2:52:02); Ryan Olson, 27 (4:20:35); Earl Skrip, 50 (6:14:32) Women Eleanor Mieloch, 23 (6:55:27); Alexis Miller, 27 (4:09:02)
Nolan Dimitri had two each and Eric Granec one.
In state tournament action, Prior Lake tripped the Zephyrs 10-6, led by Jack Tocko with three goals and Max Anderson two, while their goalie Luke Bloomer foiled nine of 15 Zephyr shots.
For the Zephyrs, Dimitri and Isaac Wendorff had two goals each, and Landon Kruse and Jack Roehrich one
each. Peer made eight saves. Moorhead edged Mahtomedi 6-4 in the consolation round at White Bear Lake. Peer foiled 16 of 22 shots, but the Spuds limited the Zephyrs to one goal each by Owen Tacheny, Dimitri, Wendorff, and Kruse.
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Mahtomedi earned a shot at its third baseball championship in six years with two well-pitched state tournament wins, but the Zephyrs were thwarted by New Prague 5-3 in the Class 3A title game at CHS Field in St. Paul.
The Zephyrs (19-7) toppled Byron 3-0 behind Ethan Felling, and Grand Rapids 3-2 behind Seth Nelson, to reach the finals. New Prague (24-3) snagged its first state title. The Trojans lived up to its billing as the No. 1 team in the regular season and top seed in the tournament.
“I don’t think any of us were satisfied at all,” said Felling about the second-place finish. “New Prague is a very good team. They can really hit the ball, but we were in that game all the way. It was a really fun season, a great ride, but we weren’t satisfied. We’ll have to get back to work for next season.”
Coach Rob Garry praised his team for an excellent section and state run.
“Just proud of how our guys handled themselves throughout the tournament. They are a great group of young men, with some elite senior leaders,” Garry said. “Our program is better because of the work and commitment of this group. We also have a strong group of underclassmen coming back.”
Against Byron (18-8), Felling allowed just three singles, one walk, and two hit-by-pitches while striking out 10 batters, five of them in the last two innings. “It was an honor to be chosen to
pitch the first game,” said the sophomore lefty who usually plays center field. Clocked as fast as 93 mph this season, Felling got batters out with fastballs, changeups and curves. Byron’s Quentin Holmes also pitched well (five hits, two walks, five strikeouts).
Singles by Josh Donna and Max Strecker, good bunts by Carter Schmitz and Charlie Barre (the latter a suicide squeeze) and a throwing error gave Mahtomedi 2-0 lead in the fourth. In the fifth, Seth Nelson blasted a long double to left that knocked in Jacob Johnson, who had singled.
Against Grand Rapids (17-12), Nelson spaced out six hits and two walks, and struck out six. The senior right-hander out dueled Dominic Broberg,
who also yielded just six hits and two walks. Mahtomedi scored twice in the first with RBI’s by Nelson on a sacrifice fly and Donna on a double. Johnson’s RBI single made it 3-0 in the second. Broberg blanked the Zephyrs the rest of the way. The Thunderhawks closed the gap in the fifth with two runs, the first the Zephyrs erred on a bunt, and the second on a sac fly.
Those wins landed the Zephyrs in CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, where huge color photos of each batter appear on the scoreboard, among other perks. “The environment there, the way they prepped the field, all the things they do for you, they make you feel like major leaguers for a day,” said Felling.
The Trojans were sparked by Nolan Eischens, who knocked in three runs with a double and single, then notched the last four outs to get the save. He relieved Nick Giesen, who threw 5 2/3 innings (eight hits, three runs, five strikeouts) for the win.
The Trojans had six hits, six walks and five stolen bases against four Mahtomedi pitchers: Donna, the starter (who took the loss), Strecker, Tommy Muetzel and Miles Morris. An error on a possible double play ball in the fifth proved crucial as the next two batters knocked in three runs. A fielding highlight was second baseman Charlie Barre turning an inning-ending double play on a bouncer with bases loaded.
Schmitz singled home the Zephyrs first run. After they fell behind 5-1, Johnson, who was 5-for-9 in the tournament, crashed a long two-run double in the sixth with two outs, closing the gap
BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR
Mahtomedi captured fourth place, one stroke out of third place, in the state Class 3A golf tournament last week, with a lineup including just one senior.
The Zephyrs were led by sophomore Jacob Wilson, tied for 11th place with 73-73-146, two over par, and sophomore Thomas Meader, 20th with 75-74-149, five over par.
“I was very proud of my team’s effort,” said coach Jeff Poeschl, who made his second state appearance of 2023, also being coach of the state champion hockey team. “We were able to shave seven strokes off of our team score from day one to day two, leaving us just one stroke out of third.”
Edina was team champion by 19 strokes. Team scoring at
Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids was Edina 584, Maple Grove 603, Eastview 610, Mahtomedi 611, Rochester Mayo 616, Alexandria 618, Minnetonka 630 and Anoka 642. Jake Birdwell, Spring Lake Park junior, was individual champion with 66-70-136. The Zephyrs turned in a 309 on Tuesday and 302 on Wednesday. Sophomore Riley McGrane shot 80-80-160, sophomore Tony Kurn 81-82163, senior Ethan Splett 90-75165 and junior Micah Schmidt 84-90-174.
Poeschl praised Wilson and Meader for being “very solid both days” and was impressed with “how my young team handled the pressure, the ups and downs of the tournament.”
But he also singled out the lone senior, Splett, for his remarkable 15-shot improvement in the final 18.
“His round went sideways on day one, shooting 90. He came back with great resolve on day two and fired a 75. What a great way for a senior captain to finish his high school career.”
Wilson said he was not putting at his best, and missed a few shots, but overall, he regarded two 73s at Bunker Hills as “pretty solid.” One highlight was his recovery from the trees on a short par five, No. 4, on Wednesday. “I had to punch out sideways into the fairway,” he said. “From there I was 240 yards out, hitting three, and hit a hybrid shot to four feet to make a wild birdie.”
The whole experience was stimulating, he said. “Just being able to play in the final group both days in the team play, and having big crowds watching, was great. Being
Tommy Peer, Mahtomedi lacrosse senior goalkeeper, was the key player in the Zephyrs’ 12-6 season and its drive to the Section 4 championship, his coach said. “Tommy was our MVP. He made some fantastic saves,” said Michael Narow, adding that the goalie kept the Zephyrs in every game, including two at state that they lost. Peer stopped 67 percent of shots on goal (177 of 264) in the season, a very high percentage in lacrosse. He has signed with a Division II team, Alabama-Huntsville.
“Your
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able to play under a bit of pressure was also fun.”
Meader had a great start Tuesday with birdies on the first two holes, which he reflected, “helped our team out, knowing someone was possibly going low, and that made everyone else more comfortable.”
Another highlight was sinking a birdie put on No. 12 Wednesday. He said his 149 was “just OK, not my best,” and he hopes to improve on that in 2024.
About next year, Meader said, “We for sure have a shot at winning it next year. All of our guys except one are returning and it leaves us in a good spot to just get better and better.”
Wilson agreed “I think that next year we can definitely make a run at the state title … If all six guys on our team bring their best stuff.”
Mahtomedi’s young girls golf team placed eighth in the Class 3A state tournament at Bunker Hills. Team scoring was Maple Grove 625, Wayzata 635, Minnetonka 648, Detroit Lakes 653, Lakeville South 675, Elk River 679, East Ridge 699 and Mahtomedi 701. The Zephyrs shot 354 Tuesday and 347 Wednesday. Freshman Lexie McGrane led the Zephyrs, shooting 78-84-162 for 29th place among 88 entrants. Eighth-grader Reagan Juhl shot 87-84-171, senior Maggie McCarty 94-90-184, eighth-grader Mya Wilson 96-89-185, freshman Lily Carlson 9591-186 and junior Sadie Stembridge 100-94-194. The Zephyrs won a threeteam Section 4AAA tournament to qualify. Coach Matt Huss said it was a great experience for the Zephyrs to have all six players in the state
tourney. It was a fun season, he said, adding that the girls are “even better people than golfers.”
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Mahtomedi LacrosseTommy Peer JASON WACHTER | SMUG MUG Mahtomedi’s Charlie Barre threw to first base for a double play after forcing out New Prague’s Aiden Jackson in the championship game.
A 5-foot-4, 108-pound, 13 year old White Bear Lake golfer made a strong showing as the youngest player in the state Class 3A tournament.
Easton Fiddle, the lone seventh-grader in the field, shot 74 on Tuesday and 78 on Wednesday for a 152 total, eight over par, good for 28th place among 88 state qualifiers.
To qualify for state, Fiddle, a left-hander who also plays hockey, shot the same 152 score (77-75) at Bunker Hills for eighth place in Section 4AA.
“Easton is the youngest golfer since I have coached to make it to state,” said longtime Bears coach Craig
Nasvik. “Quite an accomplishment for any golfer, but to be only 13 and just a seventh grader. Wow!”
“Nothing ever bothers him.” Nasvik assessed. “He has such a mature reaction to the highs and lows that come with this game of golf.” Fiddle has an understanding of course management beyond his years, the coach added; he seldom gets in trouble, and when he does, is good at picking his best options.
On No. 7 West on Tuesday, Fiddle’s second shot was 165 yards from the left side, into the wind. He landed five from the cup with a seven iron, then sank a birdie putt. That was one of the highlights in two days of steady golf.
Fiddle drives 260 to 270 yards, which should improve markedly as he grows. He averaged 76 strokes this year, with a low of 73 that won the JV conference opener.
Nasvik knows the family well. Easton’s brother, Mason, eight years older, made multiple state tournament trips in a varsity career starting in eighth grade.
“Easton played in our middle school program as a sixth grader, and I knew from his accomplishments there that he was ready if he wanted to try out for the team this year,” Nasvik said.
Prior to becoming a varsity golfer, Fiddle won a few age-group tournaments. He placed first in the 2018 mini tour for age 7-9, and placed first in the 2021 Junior PGA Prep Tour for age 10-12
In the Suburban East Conference this season, Fiddle ranked 18th, nabbing the last all-conference slot behind three teammates: senior Ryan Jamieson (ninth), sophomore Jack Stanius (10th), and senior Camden O’Malley (15th). However, Fiddle was the lone Bear to qualify for state.
“He peaked at the right time, and is playing his best golf now,” said Nasvik after the section meet.
White Bear Lake senior Kristina Pratt and junior Ivory Drusch were in the middle of the pack at the state Class 3A tournament. Pratt, in her second state tournament, shot 79-90-169 for 46th place, and Drusch shot 85-86-171 for 49th place, among 88 golfers. ”Both Ivory and Kristina did a great job getting to state, and had pretty good results while there,” coach Craig Nasvik said. “There is a totally different pressure competing at the state tournament.” It was Pratt’s second state trip.