Lake’s gatekeepers resolute when it comes to slip numbers

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Once again, dock issues in a squeezed Commercial Bay remain unresolved.

Members of the Lake Utilization Committee, which makes recommendations to the White Bear Lake Conservation District board, thought they had found a solution that makes everyone happy. But it was not to be.

A dispute over number of slips and dock length in the shallow corner of the bay occupied by Docks of White Bear will persist despite the committee’s efforts to find an unprecedented compromise between the marina now managed by Mike McGoldrick, Tally’s Dockside owners and the city, which owns water rights in front of Lions Park, directly to the south.

One pending issue regarding the authorized dock usage area (ADUA) at Lions Park does appear resolved. McGoldrick said they have come to an agreement with the city to encroach on its ADUA for the rest of the season.

“The ADUA line starts in 2024. Whether we’re in that space next year remains to be determined,” McGoldrick said.

Mahtomedi Director Mark Ganz, who chairs the LUC, said he was pleased the city made that decision. “Boats using VFW slips have to go in and out of Veterans Park ADUA, so I’m glad the city made parity on both sides of the marina.”

As a way of introduction, McGoldrick acknowledged difficulties working with the board in the past, telling them he is now a partner in Docks of White Bear (with his father Brian McGoldrick) and in the succession plan. “I hope you put some faith in me and give me opportunity to earn your trust,” he told them.

But there is another, bigger issue regarding the relationship.

Docks of White Bear has 250 boat slips, when 240 is allowed. The McGoldricks contend that they are operating according to their DNR permit, which has historically allowed more slips than the district at 260. Keep in mind the marina rents a boat slip for $3,600, at least for returning customers, which most of them are, so 10 fewer is a chunk of money.

The marina is operating “illegally” in the district’s view, because it does not have an approved permit, which was technically due last October. Efforts to get a permit approved at the June 20 meeting failed.

LUC members, including Ganz and Mahtomedi Director Chris Churchill, urged the board to approve the application, asking for 250 boats, one more season (2023).

Board members voted 6-4 to keep the number at 240.

A frustrated McGoldrick said he worked hard on a new dock diagram that would resolve longstanding issues on both sides of the marina and thought he finally had an amicable solution.

“The first priority was establishing room for Tally’s,” he said.

District Chair Bryan DeSmet asked McGoldrick why his application asked for 250 slips when the board requested an amended permit for 240 last November? McGoldrick replied that the DNR approved 260, so he was trying to meet in the middle. That, and the fact the district approved 250 in 2019.

“We currently have 250 slips with (boat) owners,” he pointed out. “I’d rather not refund these people. If we have to do it, we will, but these are just people who want to enjoy the lake.”

Asked if he can cut 10 slips, McGoldrick replied, “We have to kick people out, but it’s possible.”

An irate Churchill said the LUC’s progress on working with the marina operators is “out the window.”

“The people in this marina are neighbors, too,” Churchill stated. “This makes us look like we are some magical police ruining boat slips. We had progress. They will fight the ADUA lines. It’s all out the window.”

McGoldrick said his father was adamant that an ADUA compromise with his neighbor to the north, a contentious issue for years, was conditional upon approval of the application.

“I guarantee you, Docks of White Bear will no longer be OK with Tally’s,” he told the board.

The compromise involved a shared dock configuration between Tally’s and Docks of White Bear on Whitaker Street ADUA.

DeSmet iterated that the board advised Docks of White Bear last November that 240 slips was the limit. “They did nothing. Now it’s June and they come with a revised application. It seems like we’re bending over backwards to accommodate them.”

DeSmet said a letter will go out directing Docks of White Bear that an application showing 240 slips and 300-foot docks is something the board can approve.

Churchill then apologized to Tally’s co-owner Keith Dehnert, who attended the meeting, saying he was “sorry to waste your time.”

Where the conundrum leads remains to be seen.

Low water levels could add a variable in the future to maximum dock lengths, which now stand at 300 feet, according to ordinance. When the lake goes down, docks go out.

The district is asking the DNR to allow the board to define acceptable dock configurations in low water conditions. The DNR currently approves extensions in April if the level is below 922 feet so dock owners have access to navigable water.

To add perspective, noted in the Docks of White Bear permit were elevations taken in October: 300 feet from shore, water depth was 4 feet in its ADUA. At 100 feet from shore, water depth was 1 foot. At the time, lake elevation was reportedly 922.59 feet.

Post 1782 White Bear Lake

Obituaries

Steve Olson

Age 59, of White Bear Lake, passed away unexpectedly on June 17, 2023. He was preceded in death by his mom, Joanne; brother, Scott; and nephew, Bobby. Steve is survived by his dad, Bob; sister, Deb; nephew, Jesse (Jill); great nephew, Jonah; uncle, Johnny; good friend, Glenn; and many other family and friends.

Steve was an excellent and skilled carpenter and mechanic. He could fix just about anything. He loved to grill and cook and made amazing 3-2-1 Ribs. Every fall he enjoyed going deer hunting up north. He loved his dogs, Dallas and Lena. He was a kind, caring, and dependable person. He was a big guy with a big heart and he will be dearly missed.

Family will hold a celebration at a later time to be announced. Mueller Memorial-White Bear Lake, www.muellermemorial.com 651-429-4944

Georgia May Walesheck

August 8, 1944 – June 7, 2023.

Passed away after a long illness of Lewy Body Dementia. Preceded in death by mother, Fern; father, Bernerd; brothers, Bernerd and Greg.

Survived by husband, Marvyn; sons, Brent and Jason; sisters, Jackie, Roxanne, Deborah, and Jan; brother, Scott; and grandchildren, Yahna, Mallory, Lily and Sierra whom she loved dearly.

Georgia had a very unique work career starting at 3M Co. Then UOP Johnson, then ITT industrial credit, then ETA systems. She then worked for Senator Nick Coleman and Bob Goff Advertising Co, and then finally KSTP TV where she retired from. Georgia Represented KSTP in Executive Women International – St. Paul Division where she was elected President serving in that role until her retirement.

A Memorial Service was held in Georgia’s honor on Friday, June 23, at Bradshaw Funeral Home in White Bear Lake.

James J. Gephart

Age 88, of White Bear Lake passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 18th. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Marilyn, his parents, Daniel Sr and Evelyn, sister Muriel, brother Dan, and son Mark. He is survived by his sister Barbara, his sons Keith (Gwen) and Scott (Dawn), daughters, Alanna McCune and Dina Barnes, twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many family members and friends who loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22nd at St. Pius X Church in White Bear Lake, Visitation from 1030-1130, Service at 1130 am, and a luncheon to follow.

As his wife, Marilyn was a breast cancer survivor, in lieu of flowers the family would like memorials made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or to Interim Homecare and Hospice, who took such great care of him for the past few years.

Joseph Leo Adrian

Age 78 of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Boca Grande, Florida passed away from complications due to ataxia on June 23. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Herbert and Bernnes (née Peterson), brothers John, Herbert M. Jr., and Anthony.

Joe was known for his sharp wit, observant nature, quiet kindness, and gregarious laugh. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jane; his daughters, Allison, Molly, and Laura; grandchildren Sevi, Leo, Mac, Caroline and Bennett; sisters and brothers Mary Anne (MA), Mary Catherine (Bunny), Mary Terese (MT), Sheila Marie, Tim, and Greg, and a large and loving extended family, followed by an even larger community of friends, heroes, bums, and GOATS.

His celebration of life will occur July 2nd at Seven Vines Vineyard in Dellwood. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made in Joe’s honor to The Pillars Hospice Home of Oakdale, MN [beyondhospicemn.org] or the National Ataxia Foundation [ataxia.org].

Arrangements By MUELLER MEMORIAL of WHITE BEAR LAKE, www.MuellerMemorial.com

Odin “Jake” Tollerud

Of White Bear Lake, formerly of Austin, Minnesota Survived by his children, Tim (Wendy Boppert), Teresa Schrachta; grandchildren Hannah, Elizabeth “Bizza”, Alex and Ethan; sister Doris (Don) Sabanish; niece DeLynn (Chris) Olson; nephew Daryl (Lisa) Sabanish; and other relatives and many friends. Jake loved spending time with his family and grandchildren going to Pathfinder Village. Jake was an active member at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Norway and Norske Torske Klubben. He enjoyed playing cards at the White Bear Lake Senior Center. His favorite game was cribbage and would teach the game to anyone he met. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, June 23, 2023 at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake. The visitation was held Thursday, June 22, at HONSA FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2460 E County Road E, White Bear Lake, and one hour before Mass at Church. Interment Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172

Betty Ellen (Smith) Morey

Age 98, formerly of White Bear Lake, was born March 19, 1924 in Michigan City, Indiana to Fern Wesley Smith and Gladys Baker Smith. She met her husband, Arvid Elwood Morey (Al), at Centenary Methodist Church and they were married September 15, 1946 at the Christian Church in Michigan City, IN. Betty went back to school in the 80’s adding a Certificate in Peer Counseling to her AA Degree in Business Administration. Betty enjoyed the challenge and reward of being a program manager with New Cap Community Action, Wisconsin Nutrition Project, and the Wisconsin Coalition of Aging. She loved her work and always went an extra step in making sure those she supervised and attended to were fed, clothed and felt cared for. In retirement, Betty was thrilled to have more time to be with her beloved children and their offspring. Her children are: Barbara Morey, Nancy Bauer (Randy), Jean Morey (Rand Daley), Susan Homolka (Jeff), David Winkler Morey (Anne) and John Morey Northwood (Mary Mengel). Betty is also survived by her dear sister Delores Anderson (married Robert) and sisters-in-law Ruth Morey (married brother-in-law Dane) and Carolyn Smith (married brother Don). Her interests included genealogy, current events, good books, neighbors and friends, traveling, walking, and camping with her family. She stayed alert and engaged, writing a book about her life story. during the last couple of years of her life. Those who knew her best would describe her most outstanding characteristics as being her children’s advocate, a champion for equal rights and social justice, a loving mother/ grandmother/great grandmother and above all, as one who had the most delightful laughter and smile. Betty passed away peacefully at her home on November 26, 2022 surrounded by love and music. Celebration of Life is Saturday July 8 at the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church. Visitation is at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m. and lunch to follow.

What’s ‘too hot’ for animals left outside in the summer?

When Animal Humane Society (AHS) agents get calls from the public about animal cruelty, it’s mostly related to the weather. Every year, its agents are flooded with calls about dogs and cats outdoors during the hot summer months.

When it comes to hot weather animal reports, it’s important to gather specific information about the animal to help our humane agents conduct the most thorough investigation.

Here’s what you should consider:

W hat breed is the animal, and how old is it? Shortnosed dogs like bulldogs, pugs and Pekingese have an increased risk for breathing issues and heat stroke when it’s hot, due to their facial structure.

• W hat does the animal look like? Are the hips and rib bones very prominent or visible? Does it have any sores or missing fur?

How is the animal acting? Is it active? Is it lethargic or panting or drooling excessively?

Lethargy and excessive panting or drooling may be a sign of dehydration or heat stroke.

• D oes the animal have a water bowl within reach in the shade, and is there water in the bowl?

• Outside animals that are subject to hot weather conditions that affect their health or welfare must have access to appropriate shelter. Shelters must:

• B e moisture-proof and windproof. The floor must be moisture-proof if it is placed directly on the ground. A floor that is not moistureproof is only allowed if the shelter is raised at least 2 inches from the ground. The shelter must be durable, with no holes in the roof or sides. A tarp is not sufficient.

• B e of suitable size to accommodate the animal.

• P rovide shade from direct sunlight between May 1 and October 31.

M innesota does not have tethering laws, so an animal may be tied out. However, animals that are tied out must be free from entanglement or injury from the collar or tie out cord/chain.

Lastly, animals should never be left in unoccupied vehicles when adverse weather conditions could affect their health or welfare. For example, a dog cannot be left unattended in a vehicle in direct sunlight or extreme heat.

If you find an animal in conditions that appear questionable, please contact your animal control division or AHS humane agents for assistance by visiting www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/ reporting-animal-cruelty-minnesota.

Animal Humane Society

Your

Our over-the-lake fireworks display and band concert has become a patriotic traditioin and family event that would not happen without the generous support of you and other civic-minded members of our community. The Fireworks Committee asks you for a tax-deductible contribution. Please make your check payable to “White Bear Lake Fireworks Fund” and send it to White Bear City Hall/Fireworks Committee, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110