Vadnais Heights Press

Back To School

Behind the scenes

As local school districts gear up for the 2023-2024 school year, district staff members reflect on the preparation necessary to host students once again

Special Teams founder receives police commendation

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

White Bear’s own Jeff Loeks, founder of Special Teams Charities, will be recognized by the St. Paul Police Department with an Award for Valor commendation.

A Sept. 14 ceremony will recognize Loeks, who works security at Region’s Hospital, for heroic actions that went “above and beyond.”

In a letter to Loeks, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry commended the former Army Ranger and firefighter for helping a police officer who was working contractual overtime at the hospital. After a report of a person flashing a gun at people inside the hospital last March, the officer identified and approached the suspect. Almost immediately, the officer met resistance and a fight ensued. That’s when Loeks “unselfishly jumped onto the suspect without hesitation to help the officer and pinned him to the ground until backup arrived.”

Due to Loeks’ quick actions, officers were able to successfully control and safely retrieve the firearm from the suspect.

BY SEBASTIAN STUDIER PRESS INTERN

White Bear Lake

At White Bear Lake High School, Don Bosch will remain principal at South Campus, with students in grades 11 and 12, before he retires at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

Carrie Barth, who is a long-serving associate principal at South Campus, will serve a one-year appointment as North Campus principal with students in grades nine and 10 for 2023-24. Principal

Russ Reetz, who began in the district this summer, will serve

as the external-facing principal of the unified grades 9-12 at White Bear Lake Area High School.

At White Bear, school teams are working to update staff and student handbooks and prepare welcome-back communications to stakeholders.

At North Campus, the site of the future unified high school, the construction of the second phase continues with the renovation of the existing building and the addition of an 850-seat auditorium

and art spaces. Staff continues to plan the school day around the ongoing construction, which will be completed when the school opens as a unified high school serving grades 9-12 in the fall of 2024.

Some “behindthe-scenes” tasks underway at White Bear include scheduling school picture days, planning for distribution of Chromebooks, facilitating parking

SEE BACK TO SCHOOL, PAGE 3A

The chief recognized Loeks for his “quick and unselfish actions” that not only prevented a potential officer-involved shooting, but “courageously jeopardized your own safety for the safety of others.”

His heroic actions are deserving of the Chief’s Award for Valor, Henry said.

The humble Army veteran emailed the Press, noting the St. Paul department encouraged him to contact his local newspaper, telling him it was something to be proud of. “I hope it doesn’t seem ostentatious,” Loeks wrote in the email. “The only reason I c are is because I get to support my friends in law enforcement who are a big part of our charity.”

The township resident founded Special Teams Charities more than a decade ago to support workers in health care, law enforcement, fire EMS and the military. The charitable causes have been many, and are often featured on the pages of the Press. Most recently, the charity collected cash donations for wounded White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak and his family, filling requests to buy flowers and gift cards and providing meals for officers keeping vigil at the hospital or working long hours at the station.

Don Bosch White Bear Lake Principal

CONTRIBUTED

Jeff Loeks

A Fairy Village

Senior Health Fair to offer valuable resources under 1 roof

White Bear American Legion

Post 168

UPCOMING EVENTS & SPECIALS

Press Publications is hosting its annual senior health fair from 12-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the White Bear Senior Center, 2484 East County Road F in White Bear Lake.

The health fair will offer a variety of resources geared toward seniors and caretakers of seniors.

“If you’re a senior or a child of a senior parent and looking for resources, this is a great venue for you,” Press Publications General Manager Patty Steele said. Steele sees the health fair as an easy way to collect information about senior care.

“By having everything seniors need under one roof, seniors and their caregivers don’t have to spend time making long phone calls or trying to navigate a website,” Steele said. “With every vendor ready to answer questions, seniors can have a face-to-face interaction and get their personalized questions answered.”

The health fair lunch is provided by

Pizza Man, Donatelli’s, Jimmy Johns and Pine Tree Orchard.

The Press health fair stands out because it covers health in a broader sense than just one’s physical health. With vendors from real estate companies and financial planning services, seniors can take care of all aspects of their health.

While at the fair, anyone can get their flu shot provided by Walgreens. To get a booster, attendees must have their vaccination cards with them. Immunizations don’t require an appointment, and seniors can walk up to the booth and take care of their needed vaccinations.

Gary LaRue will emcee the event, singing some of his well-known songs and announcing vendors at the fair.

“It’s great to have Gary there,” Steele said. “Some people come here just to hear him sing.”

Noelle Olson

CONTRIBUTED

The Senior Health Fair is a day where seniors and their caretakers can have a nice lunch and get valuable information from a variety of resources.

CONTRIBUTED

A group of neighbors have put together a “Fairy Village” at Pond View Drive when a large tree came down after a big storm. Neighbors started secretly establishing the village with lights, figurines and trinkets. The village keeps growing and as it grows, it draws more attention.

Justin Hahn Mahtomedi Principal

Tom Breuning Centennial Principal

Rob Reetz Mounds View Principal

Sandlot baseball

Irecently spoke with a resident who reported seeing something unusual - a group of young kids playing a pick up game of baseball at Yost Park. He said there didn’t even seem to be any adults present. He wondered if they just watched the movie “Sandlot.”

In this age of organized sports, I don’t often see kids playing pickup games of any kind. My father-in-law talks about his childhood when all the neighborhood kids would ride their bikes to the ballfield and play from sun up to sundown all summer long. Any issues that came up between the kids were worked out amongst themselves. I think it is difficult for many parents to imagine this kind of unsupervised play happening today.

Publisher’s

View

Carter Johnson

This summer it has been encouraging to see middle school and high school-age kids out walking or running along the trails, riding bikes, skateboarding, and fishing. It would be great to see more kids put down their cell phones and video game controllers and take advantage of the outdoor ballfields, basketball courts, tennis courts and hockey rinks our community has to offer.

Fall sports

As Fall approaches we see teams out practicing for football, soccer, cross country, tennis and more. Locker rooms, weight rooms and pools have been getting a workout as athletes build endurance and bulk up for the season. Here at the Press we are thankful for the parents, coaches and others who have supported our readers by providing stats, photographs and write ups. You will find our fall sports previews in this week’s edition. We hope parents, grandparents and other fans remember the rules of conduct in the stands. It’s been my observation that young kids love watching older kids play, and they see role models on the bench as well as on the sidelines or in the stands. Bring out your family and friends and fill the stands with energy and good vibes for the fall sports season.

Private property

Our communities are loaded with unique trails and paths used by walkers, horseback riders, ATV riders, runners and cyclists. Remember when you’re out walking a dog or taking a hike that many trails are surrounded by private property. We continue to hear from friends and neighbors who live in these areas about how many trespassers come onto their property, with damage sometimes occurring. Most of it is innocent, where people stumble onto private property to observe wildlife without even realizing it. But it can be menacing for landowners. I hear stories all the time about people walking on private property to get a good photo of a deer, having their property torn up by an ATV or dirt bike, or even tripping while walking down a dock without permission.

I just heard a story of a Lake Avenue/Mark Sather Trail walker who went off the path to feed geese on private property. I love wildlife, but they can become a nuisance and you can disrupt their natural feeding patterns. The walker was trespassing and feeding wildlife is banned in most cities. It is not much different than putting a bag of cat food on someone’s doorstep, which most people wouldn’t dream of doing.

As you are out and about enjoying the fall colors, remember to be considerate of private property.

Back to school

Every year I suggest our readers get prepared for the start of the school year by watching out for kids at bus stops, those who are walking or riding bikes to school, and those who are out on the roads as firsttime drivers. These next few weeks be sure to give yourself a little extra time to get to work or wherever you need to go, as you may be held up by school buses and extra traffic. Fill up a to-go mug of coffee and consider it pure joy as you’re waiting behind a school bus to think about how kids are off to learn in our highly-ranked local schools.

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

AM radio is crucial for Americans

There are 4,000 AM radio stations across the country – and over 300 of those stations are right here in Minnesota. Listeners turn to AM radio for everything from high school scores to crop reports to news and weather. In fact, during a weather emergency like a wildfire or a tornado, AM radio can serve as a lifeline, sharing critical and sometimes life saving information.

Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations have spoken out about the safety risks of eliminating AM radio from cars. They explained that the National Public Warning System relies on AM radio to deliver emergency messages to the entire country at once. In times of emergency or severe climate conditions, the car is sometimes the only source of power and news for many. Phasing AM radio out of cars would mean this public safety system will no longer function as intended.

Legislator Lingo

Amy Klobuchar

Despite this, AM radio is on the chopping block. Auto executives have threatened to pull AM radio out of newer models of some of their vehicles. Maybe from their headquarters it doesn’t seem like people care about AM radio anymore, but I bet if they took a drive through rural Minnesota, they would take a different view. I was at Farmfest in Redwood County earlier this month, and the people I talked to agreed: AM radio is critical for rural communities.

AM radio is also critical for public safety. Seven former FEMA administrators from the

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Carter C. Johnson ...............................Publisher cjohnson@presspubs.com Gene Johnson .....................Publisher Emeritus

Across Minnesota we see just how vital this system is. Stations from KASM in Albany to KWAD in Wadena regularly broadcast tornado alerts, snow alerts, information about power outages, and more to their communities.

And when there was flooding in Crookston in 2021 and 2022, KROX radio was there to help - working in partnership with the city’s Emergency Operations Center to share the latest about the flooding, including information about road closures and the opening of a storm shelter where residents could turn for assistance.

This is what AM radio does day in and day out for its communities, and it is why I am fighting to pass the bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation would ensure that AM radio

continues to be available in vehicles at no extra charge for those who want it during their daily commutes or their longdistance drives. We have a broad, bipartisan group of senators backing this bill that includes everyone from Ted Cruz to Bernie Sanders and it is also endorsed by the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, and several members of the Federal Communications Commission. This is the kind of coalition that gets results, and the good news is that this bill already easily passed through the Senate Commerce Committee.

I am committed to working across the aisle to ensure that drivers can tune in to AM radio for the sports and entertainment they like as well as the traffic, weather, and safety updates they need. This benefits truckers, farmers, and commuters while offering stability to the thousands of AM radio stations we don’t want to live without. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice safety, news and a way of life simply because some car manufacturers want to make more profits. Let’s get this passed.

Amy Klobuchar is a United States Senator from Minnesota.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2023

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Coach will be missed

Like many in the White Bear Lake area, I was surprised and saddened to learn of Lyle Helke’s recent passing (Aug. 23 White Bear Press). Lyle was a consummate teacher, coach and mentor who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  He had a unique way of bringing out the best in all who were fortunate enough to have passed his way.  Both our girls ran cross country in the 1990s under Lyle and he had an important part in helping them become the women they are today.  Long after Lyle retired from the White Bear Lake school system,  we enjoyed our annual fall trip to Connie and Lyle’s place in Marine on St. Croix for Connie’s pottery sales.  Lyle and their boys were often there to help.  It seemed like Lyle remembered every kid he ever taught or coached and had something positive to say about each of them.  Lyle, we’ll miss you. You ran a good race.

Tom Clark Mahtomedi

Growing government

Earlier this spring the Vadnais Heights City Council voted to participate in “Green Step City” programs on a limited basis. Concerned citizens objected to this program as it would be a difficult and costly process for the city. Other cities reported that their “Green Step” programs were a nightmare of paperwork and became too costly to continue. The City Council said that they would get volunteers to complete one of the new trial programs so that we could get a plaque for the city. The volunteers never materialized in any numbers that could get the tasks done in time. Now I see it reported in the August 23 Vadnais Heights Press that the city is looking to hire a Natural Resource Specialist to help with our environmental and sustainable goals. For the life of me, I cannot think of anything that Vadnais Heights citizens are doing in their homes or in their everyday lives that a Natural Resource Specialist can help us with. When the City Council said that our participation in the Green Step program would not cost us anything, was that the truth? This new Natural Resource Specialist, as reported, will cost us $41,787 plus benefits which is only the beginning of our costs. The Council does not have the money for hiring this person in this year’s budget, so they are taking money from the Water Department’s fund balance. Those funds come from the citizen’s sewer and water billing. Our state is already full of environmental departments that are planning on taking away our gas cars, our gas stoves and maybe now even our electric ceiling fans. Do we need an extra layer of bureaucrats at our city level in perpetuity? Hiring additional staff to our city should be part of the annual budgeting process so that it is transparent to all citizens. We should know what we are paying our taxes for. More than 75% of all government and city budgets are a result of salaries and benefits. Hiring more staff should not be hidden by the council in our water bills.

Craig Johnson Vadnais Heights

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Washington County builds new environmental center

The construction of a second county environmental center is planned near Highway 61 and Headwaters Parkway in Forest Lake. The project is set to begin in September and has an anticipated opening date in late 2024.

The new center will provide more equitable disposal options for residents in the northern part of the county. Residents can dispose of household chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, electronics, used oil, batteries and other items that do not belong in the trash. There will be self-serving recycling of cardboard, scrap metal, mixed recycling and food scraps also to be offered at the new site.

Additionally, the Washington County Northern Yard Waste site, which is currently located in Hugo, will move next to the new environmental center in Forest Lake.

Learn more about voting, new laws at meeting

The League of Women Voters – White Bear Lake Area invites the public to its Sept. 14 meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

Two speakers will present about the 2023 legislative accomplishments and progress in implementation. Lilly Sasse, Campaign Director of “We Choose Us,” will discuss voter rights, voter access and election law changes. Sam Streukens, the civic engagement director of LMVMN, will present about recent legislative accomplishments in climate change, firearm safety, civic education and more. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.

More information on the event can be found at at lwv-wbla.org.

Proposed budget submitted to county board

SAINT PAUL — Ramsey County Manager Ryan

O’Connor proposed the 2024-25 biennial budget to the board of commissioners. The budget was developed with a residentcentric focus by incorporating key learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic and including extensive community feedback.

The county’s proposed budget for 2024 totals $813,395,192 which represents a 3.48% overall budget increase from 2023. The proposed budget would see a levy increase of 6.7%, driven by a shift away from federal and state onetime resources that were available during the emergency pandemic. The proposed budget for 2025 totals $841,793,172, with an 3.49% budget increase from 2024 and a maximum 4.75% levy increase that is proposed to be reduced once estimates for future marijuana sales tax revenue can be incorporated.

The 2024 proposed budget was mitigated by a $6 million increase in county program aid from the state of Minnesota. This increased state aid provided a 1.76% levy decrease from initial budget planning targets and helped keep the county’s long term levy growth at a more moderate level. Looking at the period of 20152025, the annual average levy growth to Ramsey County taxpayers was 3.3% and from 2021-2025 (COVID era), the annual average levy growth was 3.5%.

During the pandemic, the county intentionally kept its property tax growth low by leveraging one-time federal relief dollars, making more than $20 million in operational cuts, and managing minimal operating budget increases. All of this was done while transforming service delivery

to meet evolving community needs during a moment of historical significance. While not meant to be long-term budget solutions, the county made these strategic decisions during unprecedented economic times to offer additional support and relief to residents.

“We all know an enormous pressure was placed on communities and counties during the COVID-19 emergency response,” said Ryan O’Connor, Ramsey County manager. “The 2024-25 budget moves us beyond the pandemic. It reflects an inflection point for our community and the county as we take our learnings from the last several extremely challenging years and turn them into investments in people, partnerships and service delivery that will create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.”

The 2024-25 biennial budget invests in both those served by the county and those providing services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Ramsey County. This includes making key investments in attracting and retaining top talent to work at the county to provide stellar service to residents. This also means investing in residents and businesses to meet the needs of the community and engaging and building trusting relationships with community to support healthy and safe communities for all.

This budget reflects the need to modernize systems to improve client access and service and deepen partnerships and collaborations with other agencies, organizations, and community. Continued investments are being made in power sharing and co-creation including work on bail reform, non-

public safety traffic stops and the Appropriate Responses Initiative to name a few. This budget also focuses on continuing to enhance service delivery and particularly finding the gaps and overlaps in how services are provided and increasing accessibility. Investments are focused on how the county rethinks its usage of space and technology and opportunities to collaborate with community.

Important dates and next steps in the budget process

County service teams will present more details from their respective budgets Sept. 5-19 to the county board. Budget presentations will highlight major changes to programs and services, financial information, racial equity analyses and the influence of community engagement on the proposed budget. Presentations will be held in the Ramsey County Courthouse and available by livestream online.

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will adopt a maximum tax levy on Sept. 26. The board is scheduled to vote on the final budget on Dec. 12. Throughout the budget process, residents, businesses and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback via the chief clerk’s office or at a public hearing.

• P ublic Hearing 1 — 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Saint Paul City Hall – Ramsey County Courthouse or online.

• P ublic Hearing 2 — To be scheduled late November/ early December. Location to be held in community and online.

Upcoming Games

August 29-September 3 vs. Columbus Clippers

September 19-24 vs. Toldedo Mud Hens

Ramsey County

COPS&COURTS

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reports the following selected incidents:

O fficers responded to a burglary Aug. 18 in the 3500 block of Hoffman Road.

• A t raffic stop near the intersection of 9th Street and Johnson Avenue Aug. 20 found an impaired female driver of White Bear Lake. She was arrested and booked at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center on gross misdemeanor 3rd degree DWI charges.

• O fficers responded to a theft from auto report Aug. 20 in the 4900 block of Highway 61. Several vehicles were broken into and items stolen. Approximate total loss of $330 and damages over $1,000.

A t heft of a catalytic converter was reported Aug. 21 in the block of Linden Avenue.

• O fficers responded to a hit and run Aug. 21 in the 1600 block of

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Goose Lake Road.

• A storage shed was broken into Aug. 21 in the 4100 block of Hoffman Road. $1,000 loss.

• O fficers assisted another agency with an assault call involving multiple adult males in the 1400 block of Highway 96 on Aug. 21. A BB gun was used during the assault and two non life-threatening injuries were reported. A White Bear Lake man was located and arrested for probable cause of 2nd degree assault (dangerous weapon).

• A n officer responded to a theft report Aug. 22 regarding a historic lost item from a business on Buerkle Road.

• O fficers responded to a report of a bat in a house in the block of 6th Street Aug. 22. The caller declined the officer’s offer to chase it out. Decided to await husband’s return to determine plan of action.

• A t heft of a catalytic converter was reported Aug. 21 in the block of Linden Avenue.

Man sentenced in officer shooting

In June, Holmgren pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree attempted murder and three counts of first-degree assault and use of deadly force against a peace officer in exchange for his sentence.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

Birchwood

• Cash was reported found July 24 on the roadway near Hall Avenue and Wildwood Avenue.

• M ail theft was reported July 26 on Birchwood Lane, resulting in check forgery.

• A sailboat was reported washed up on a Wildwood Avenue property July 28. After deputies provided the complainant the boat owner’s contact information, the complainant promised to contact the owner.

Dellwood

• Suspicious arguing persons parked in front of a Glen Edge Road residence at 10:03 p.m. July 20 turned out to be two juveniles just having a conversation. Deputies advised them to move along.

• A n Echo Street resident reported an intoxicated male arriving at the residence at 5:16 a.m. July 28 and knocking on the complainant’s door. Medics arrived on scene to provide care for the male, who appeared to be on some substance.

• A boat owner on Peninsula Road reported her boat stolen July 29. Records management search showed the boat had been found across the lake the day prior. Soon after deputies advised the complainant of the good news, she retrieved her boat. D eputies issued a citation July 29 near Dellwood Avenue and Peninsula to a motorist displaying expired registration.

Grant

• A suspicious person entering the complainant’s property in the 11000 block of Julianne Avenue N. July 23 turned out to be Amazon delivery personnel, after deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle said they were delivery people, and packages in the back confirmed their statement, as did a phone listing of all their drop-off addresses.

• A resident in the 7000 block of Leeward Avenue reported identity theft July 27. The complainant said she worked for her financial institution and had already taken the necessary steps to prevent more

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

Vadnais

Heights

A resident in the 200 block of Woodridge Drive reported being stiffed out of $20 July 25, after she sold an item via Facebook Marketplace and left the item on her front porch for pick up. Per mutual agreement, the buyer was to leave money in a cash box. However, two hours later, the item was gone and the cash box remained empty.

• A Waterloo, Iowa woman, 19, and a juvenile face charges for leaving the scene of an accident July 25 on Edgerton Street and Centerville Road. After their Honda Civic collided with a commercial vehicle and fled, their vehicle was located and was discovered to have been driven by two unlicensed drivers teaching each other how to drive. Their vehicle was towed due to lack of auto insurance.

• A Rochester man, 40, and Oakdale woman, 29, were arrested July 26 at the Kwik Trip in the 3000 block of Highway 61 for motor vehicle theft, after Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the scene of a female breaking into storage units on Highway 61 and Buerkle Road. Deputies located the vehicle at the gas station and performed blocking maneuvers to prevent the vehicle from fleeing. Inside the vehicle, deputies found suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, as well as a folder containing documents in the name of multiple individuals other than the suspects. The vehicle had been stolen out of Minneapolis after its owner discovered she had lost her keys right before she

went out of town and her vehicle was no longer where she had parked it.

• A St. Paul woman, 39, was arrested July 26 in the 1200 block of Willow Lake Blvd. for violating an Order For Protection (OFP) by making terroristic threats that involved her sending the victim a picture of a pistol and saying it had the victim’s name on it. She also send the victim a picture of her vehicle saying she would shoot it up. The suspect has been charged in Ramsey County Court.

• A resident in the 4100 block of Centerville Road reported being defrauded out of $13,000 on July 27, after her Apple desktop was locked and included a message for her to call “headquarters.” When the victim called, she was told her information had been hacked. Over a several hour process, the victim was persuaded to go to her bank and withdraw cash, which she was to deposit into a bitcoin ATM. She was then persuaded to go to a second bank and repeat the process.

• A Blaine woman reported being involved in a hit and run accident in a parking lot in the 800 block of County Road E on July 28. The complainant took a photo of the woman in her tan Jeep, who left the area without stopping. A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued after the vehicle turned out to belong to a deceased person.

• A resident in the 600 block of County Road D on July 28 reported a large fishbowl full of change missing from her apartment while she was in the hospital.

• A resident in the 1100 block of County Road D on July 29 reported a fake Facebook accounted created using a photo of her identification and

damage. The complainant had suffered no financial loss at the time of the report.

• D eputies at 4:06 a.m. July 29 assisted another agency in a vehicle pursuit that was eventually terminated by searching the area of Liberty Avenue and Manning Avenue N.

Mahtomedi

• Vehicles were reported keyed July 17 in the 1000 block of Mahtomedi Avenue.

• D eputies cited a motorist July 17 on Century Avenue and Wildwood Road for failure to display current registration.

• A n unidentified male was arrested at 9:25 p.m. July 17 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road for undisclosed violations.

• A vehicle was reported damaged July 17 on Shamrock Way, after fireworks were placed inside a watermelon, which then exploded near the vehicle.

• T he July 19 thunderstorm was reported at 8:13 p.m. on Robert Court for knocking a tree into the roadway. The public works department was notified.

• A motorist was cited July 22 on Long Lake Road for failure to carry a driver’s license, following a traffic stop for a covered up license plate. At 9:15 p.m. that evening, deputies conducted a traffic stop on a different motorist on Wildwood Road for expired registration.

• A n unidentified motorist was arrested on a Washington County warrant at 2:46 a.m. July 23 on Century Avenue and Long Lake Road.

• F raud and identity theft were reported July 23 on Warner Way.

• A resident just having moved in to an address on Hanson Road at 8:10 p.m. July 25 reported being concerned about who actually owned the house he just bought after someone entered it to winterize the plumbing. Notes were left on faucets and toilet indicating the work had been done at the direction of the mortgage company. After deputies advised the complainant about the civil nature of the incident, he said he planned to call the mortgage company first thing the next morning.

used to solicit money from her friends.

• A Vadnais Heights woman reported credit cards taken from her unlocked vehicle parked at Sucker Lake July 29 and used at the Roseville Target. The thief left the victim’s wallet and $11 in cash behind.

• A Vadnais Heights woman reported her blue motorbike stolen from a parking area in the 800 block of County Road E July 29 while she was inside the store shopping. Her vehicle was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

• A n e-bike locked with a chain to a bench outside a hotel in the 1100 block of County Road E was reported stolen overnight July 29-30.

White Bear Township

A Stacy man, 58, was mailed a citation for misdemeanor theft July 28 from the Cub Foods in the 1000 block of Meadowlands Drive, after he was successfully identified from a previous incident where he had shoplifted from the store. He was mailed the citation because he was gone from the store when deputies arrived to deal with his most recent spree.

• A Hugo man reported criminal damage to his vehicle July 29, after he returned from walking his dog at Otter Lake Dog Park in the 5700 block of Otter Lake Road and found the driver side door handle and lock assembly damaged in an unsuccessful attempt to enter the vehicle

Loretta Harding

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIIF’S OFFICE

Daniel Loren Holmgren Jr.

RANDY PAULSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Crime scene tape was strung outside the Lakewood Hills apartment building following the shooting of Officer Ryan Sheak Jan. 25

Daniel Loren Holmgren Jr., of White Bear Lake, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for a standoff with law enforcement that left White Bear Lake Police Officer Ryan Sheak shot multiple times.

22ND

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Ten or 20-mile course options around White Bear Lake. Event benefits the White Bear Lake Lion’s Club programs. See details and registration information online. Contact: whitebearlions.org/bear-water-run

STARWATCH

When: 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1

Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N.

Details: Learn about constellations and watch the celestial show in the skies through a giant telescope. Registration required. Contact: co.washington.mn.us; search “StarWatch”

AUTHOR VISIT

When: 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1

Where: Lake Country Booksellers, 4766 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Details: Ken Kohler will sign copies of his children’s book ‘Benji and Iggie’, and White Bear native Katie Aune will sign ‘Finding Katya’.

Contact: 651-426-0918

CRUISIN’ ON THE CROIX HOT ROD & VINTAGE CAR SHOW

When: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 & 20

Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater

Details: Admire vintage and hot rod cars, food vendors, live music, free family-friendly festivities. Contact: cruisinonthecroix.com

FREE PRODUCE MARKET

When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Sept. 7

Where: Willow Lane Elementary, 3375 Willow Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: All are welcome to pick up free produce. Bring your own bag. Contact: 651-407-5310 or whitebearfoodshelf.org

GRAPE STOMP

When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10

Where: Saint Croix Vineyards,6428 Manning Ave., Stillwater

Details: Grape stomps, tours, live music, food trucks, mini massages. Free.

Contact: 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com

WASHINGTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS

FESTIVAL

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, south pavilion, 1515 Keats Ave. N. Details: Free family-friendly festival includes concert performances by Blue Hazard, The Pale Ales, Chicken Wire Empire, and Barley Jacks. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; food trucks on site.

Contact: co.washington.mn.us

TASTE OF WHITE BEAR LAKE

When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Rd

Details: Sample food and beverages from local establishments while supporting White Bear Rotary programs. Also music, silent auction, games, and more. Ticket information

online Contact: tasteofwhitebearlake.com

CORNFEST

When: 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Where: St. Jude of the Lake Church, 700 Mahtomedi Ave.

Details: Community event with kids activities, teen zone, live music by Coyote Wild, raffles, Cornhole Tournament, food and beverages. Contact: stjudeofthelake.org

MUSIC ON THE LAWN

When: 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10

Where: White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St.

Details: Steve Clarke and The

Working Stiffs perform songs from the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, jump blues and R&B. Open to the public.

Contact: 651-429-9026 or wblumc.org

RIVER VALLEY RIDERS OPEN HOUSE

When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10

Where: River Valley Riders, 2007 Neal Ave. S., Afton

Details: Learn about therapuetic horseback riding programs for children and adults with special needs. Tour of new facility, meet therapy horses, refreshments, games, face painting and door prizes.

Contact: 651-439-2558 or rivervalleyriders.org

ONGOING EVENTS

WHITE BEAR FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Friday, June 30 through Oct.

Where: Clark Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets

Details: More than 50 vendors and growers each week.

Contact: whitebearlake.org

MAHTOMEDI AREA FARMERS MARKET

When: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, through Sept. 30

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 109 Mahtomedi Ave.

Details: Local growers, artisans, community resources.

Contact: ci.mahtomedi.mn.us

Gloria’s 11th Annual White Bear Lake Shortest Marathon One Block Run

SEPTEMBER 16th,

2023 - 11:00 am Bald Eagle Ave - 3rd to 2nd St.

$35 (tax deductible) Gives you the privilege to impress your friends, to take it off your bucket list, and to aid a good cause.

T-shirts, White Castles, water and other treats will be included for registered participants in the marathon.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 4:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the Council Chambers, third floor of Saint Paul City Hall – Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

This public hearing will be conducted in order to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed 2024-25 budget. Complete detail about the proposed 2024-25 budget be found on Ramsey County’s web site at ramseycounty.us/budget.

Persons who intend to testify are encouraged to sign up online at ramseycounty.us/chiefclerk or to contact the Chief Clerk at 651-266-9200 prior to Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

If in-person testimony is not feasible, comments may alternatively be provided via the following methods:

• Virtually via Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/ZoomRamseyCoBOC2425Budget

• Email: chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us

• Phone: 651-266-9200

• Written letter to: Chief Clerk, 15 Kellogg Blvd West, 250 Courthouse, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 30, 2023.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2023

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Reinhardt, Xiong and Chair Martinson. Also present was Ryan O’Connor, County Manager, and Jada Lewis, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.

AGENDA of August 15, 2023 was presented for approval. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved.

MINUTES of August 8, 2023 were presented for approval. Motion by Ortega, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Read by Commissioner Frethem.

PRESENTATION OF AWARD

Human Resources – Presentation of Ramsey County Employee Achievement Award: Adult & Children’s Crisis Team – Human Services. Presented by Commissioner McGuire.

Human Resources – Presentation of Ramsey County Employee Achievement Award: Nikki Newman, Social Services. Presented by Commissioner Moran.

PUBLIC HEARING

Community & Economic Development – Public Hearing on the Amendment to the Revenue Bond Note for Wilder Square Apartments. Chair Martinson opened at 9:20 a.m. There were no speakers, public hearing closed at 9:22 a.m. No votes were taken.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Community & Economic Development – Certification of Property Assessed Clean Energy Charges for Energy Improvements. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-130)

Financial Assistance Services – Amendment to Single Source Agreement with Think Small for Administration of Child Care Assistance Program. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-131)

Public Works – Public Works Construction Quarterly Report for April 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2023-132)

Community & Economic Development – Amendment to the Revenue Bond Note for Wilder Square Apartments. Motion by Moran, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2023-133)

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 Martinson declared the meeting adjourned at 10:01 a.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 30, 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-PRK23262-KB

OPENING DATE: 9/21/23

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY THROUGH PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TO REPAIR AND INSTALL BITUMINOUS CART PATH EXTENSIONS ON KELLER GOLF COURSE (GC).

PRE-SOLICITATION RESPONSE CONFERENCE: KELLER GOLF COURSE CLUB HOUSE, 2168 MAPLEWOOD DR, MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109. 9/6/2023. 3:00 PM CST.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 30, 2023.

RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DUININCK GOLF

AD FOR BIDS - KELLER GOLF COURSE BUNKERS

Duininck Golf invites prospective bidders to submit bids to rebuild the bunkers at Keller Golf Course with a new bunker liner system. Keller Golf Course is located at 2168 Maplewood Dr, Maplewood, MN 55109.

This construction project will remove the existing bunker sand and internal drainage, edge the bunkers, install new internal drainage, install Capillary Concrete bunker liner and new bunker sand.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams on August 31st, 2023, at 11:00 am CST. Use the following link to join the meeting.

Meeting ID: 272 844 683 053 | Passcode: 4j7JxY

Or call in (audio only): 651-964-2752; Phone Conference ID: 872 960 009#

SEALED BIDS ONLY. Bids are required to be received in a sealed envelope. Bids shall be received at the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Office by September 8th, 2023 by 3:00pm. Bids received after this date and

time will be returned unopened. Bids that are not sealed, filled out properly, or are not on the appropriate scope documents are subject to rejection. No telephone, emailed or faxed bids will be accepted. Bids shall be addressed to: Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Ryan Ries, 2015 Van Dyke St., Maplewood, MN 55109 BID OPENING. A public bid opening will be held at the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation office, 2015 Van Dyke St., Maplewood, MN 55109, at 3:00 pm, Friday, September 8th, 2023. Bidders may attend virtually per the link below.

Meeting ID: 211 558 029 559 | Passcode: v6ZJRy

Or call in (audio only): 651-964-2752; Phone Conference ID: 802 724 670# Bidders may request the plans and specifications from Duininck Golf. Email Tyler at Tyler.Grove@duininck.com Electronic files will be available at no charge.

Bid Security in the amount of 5 percent of the amount of the Bid must be submitted and accompany each Bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.

This project requires Prevailing Wage in Ramsey County.

Construction is scheduled to begin October 2nd, 2023. Nine holes will be closed to begin the project. Once the work on the first nine holes is complete, the other nine holes will be closed so construction may begin on those holes. Substantial Completion is scheduled for November 10th, 2023.

Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23, August 30, and September 6, 2023.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT

PROBATE DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-683

NOTICE FOR REMOTE HEARING ON PETITION FOR SUMMARY ASSIGNMENT OR DISTRIBUTION, EXEMPT ESTATE

Estate of: Carl Michael Weber, Decedent

Notice is given that a petition has been filed requesting the the Estate assets be summarily assigned and distributed without probate administration. Information on how to participate in the remote hearing can be obtained by calling the Court at 651-266-8145.

Any objections to the Petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper, and no objections or claims are filed, the Court may issue a decree distributing or assigning the Estate’s assets. 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, Subsection 5.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Petition will be heard by this Court using remote technology via zoom on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 9:15 a.m

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Notice shall be published once per week for two consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper in Ramsey County and a copy of this Notice shall be mailed at least 14 days prior to the hearing date to all interested persons (Minn. Stat. 524.1-401) and persons who have filed a demand for notice pursuant to Minn. Stat. 524.3-204.

BY THE COURT:

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Benjamin Linker, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: July 27, 2023

Attorney for Petitioner:

Richard Baum

Safe Harbor Estate Law

3240 Rice Street

Saint Paul, MN 55126

Attorney License No: 237140

Telephone: (651) 615-9535; FAX: (651) 691-2001

Email: richard@safeharborestatelaw.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23 and 30, 2023.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-682

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE)

Estate of:

Donald Allen Homan, Decedent

Notice is given that an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar. No Will has been presented for probate. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed:

Edwin E. Homan 685 Graham Street SW, Hutchinson, MN 55350 to serve as the personal representative of the Decedent’s estate.

Any heir 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 of general administration, 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.

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: August 15, 2023

McGraw-Mahon, P.A.

Daniel P. Mahon, Attorney at Law

MN#0396279

PO Box 98, Hutchinson, MN 55350

Telephone: (320) 587-3900; Facsimile: (320) 587-9597

e-mail: info@mcgrawmahon.com

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23 and 30, 2023.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-23-700

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE)

Estate of Mary Helen Cook, Decedent

Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed John Cook, 2733 Gila Lane, Chandler, Arizona, 85224 as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 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 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 Minnesota Statutes section 524.3801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: August 17, 2023

Laura J. Stevens, Deputy Court Administrator

Date: August 17, 2023

Attorney for Petitioner: Richard Baum Safe Harbor Estate Law 3240 Rice Street Saint Paul, MN 55126

Attorney License No: 237140

Telephone: (651) 615-9535; FAX: (651) 691-2001

Email: richard@safeharborestatelaw.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23, and August 30, 2023.

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE PUBLIC NOTICE

THE RIGHT TO VERIFICATION OF THE DEBT AND IDENTITY OF THE ORIGINAL CREDITOR WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY LAW IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS ACTION.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that default has occurred in the conditions of the following described mortgage:

DATE OF MORTGAGE: January 13, 2020

ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE: $15,000.00

MORTGAGOR(S): Norby C. Blake

MORTGAGEE: Hiway Federal Credit Union

DATE AND PLACE OF REGISTRATION: Registered with the Registrar of Titles in and for the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, on January 27, 2020, as Document No. 2658084

ASSIGNMENTS OF MORTGAGE: Assigned to Alabama 2, LLC in Assignment of Mortgage dated May 23, 2023, recorded May 31, 2023, as Document No. 2754936 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY:

The West 10 feet of Lot 2, Block 5, Bisanz Bros. Meadow Brook; Lot 3, Block 5, Bisanz Bros. Meadow Brook except the West 15 feet; Lot 10, Block 9, Bunde’s Park Addition except the West 15 feet and except the North 100 feet thereof; That part of Lot 9, Block 9, Bunde’s Park Addition, lying West of a Southerly extension of the East line of the aforedescribed West 10 feet of Lot 2, Block 5, Bisanz Bros. Meadowbrook, except the North 100 feet of said Lot 9

REGISTERED PROPERTY

PROPERTY ADDRESS:

1680 Wilson Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55106

COUNTY IN WHICH PROPERTY IS LOCATED: Ramsey

AMOUNT DUE AND CLAIMED TO BE DUE AS OF DATE OF NOTICE, INCLUDING TAXES, IF ANY, PAID BY MORTGAGEE: $14,515.33

THAT there has been compliance with all pre-foreclosure requirements; that no action or proceeding has been instituted at law or otherwise to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof;

THAT pursuant to the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the above-described property will be sold by the Sheriff of Ramsey County as follows:

DATE AND TIME OF SALE: September 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

PLACE OF SALE: Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, City Hall Annex, 25 West 4th Street, Suite 150, St. Paul, Minnesota to pay the debt secured by said mortgage and taxes, if any, on said premises and the costs and disbursements, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law subject to redemption within six (6) months from the date of said sale by the mortgagor(s), their personal representatives or assigns.

The date on or before which the mortgagor must vacate the property if the mortgage is not reinstated under section 580.30 or the property redeemed under section 580.23: March 13, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

THE TIME ALLOWED BY LAW FOR REDEMPTION BY THE MORTGAGOR, THE MORTGAGOR’S PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OR ASSIGNS, MAY BE REDUCED TO FIVE WEEKS IF A JUDICIAL ORDER IS ENTERED UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 582.032, DETERMINING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE MORTGAGED PREMISES ARE IMPROVED WITH A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING OF LESS THAN FIVE UNITS, ARE NOT PROPERTY USED IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND ARE ABANDONED.

Dated: July 17, 2023

Alabama 2, LLC

Assignee of Mortgagee

HOELSCHER LAW FIRM, PLLC

By: /s/ Brian G. Hoelscher

Brian G. Hoelscher #0238752

Attorneys for Assignee of Mortgagee

13100 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 100 Minnetonka, MN 55305

(952) 224-9551

Email: brian@hoelscher-law.com

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR.

FORECLOSURE DATA

Minn. Stat. Sec. 580.025

(1) the physical street address, city, and zip code of the mortgaged premises is 1680 Wilson Avenue, St. Paul, 55106;

(2) the name of the transaction agent, residential mortgage servicer, and the lender or broker, as defined in section 58.02, if the person holding the mortgage is a transaction agent as defined in section 58.02, subdivision 30 are as follows: – not applicable; or the name of the residential mortgage servicer and the lender or broker, as defined in section 58.02, if the person holding the mortgage is not a transaction agent as defined in section 58.02, subdivision 30 are as follows: residential mortgage servicer – Alabama 2, LLC, lender or broker – Alabama 2, LLC;

(3) the tax parcel identification number of the mortgaged premises is: 342922410112;

(4) if stated on the mortgage, the transaction agent’s mortgage identification number is: - not applicable;

(5) if stated on the mortgage, the name of the residential mortgage originator as defined in section 58.02 is: Hiway Federal Credit Union.

Published six times in the Vadnais Heights Press on July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, and August 30, 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:

Brokers Advantage Mortgage

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

1920 MAIN ST STE 200 IRVINE, CA 92614

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.

Vista Point Mortgage, LLC

1920 MAIN ST STE 200 IRVINE, CA 92614

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: August 15, 2023

Signed: William Ashmore

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23 and 30, 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:

EQA Mortgage

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be:

1920 MAIN ST STE 200

IRVINE, CA 92614

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.

Vista Point Mortgage, LLC

1920 MAIN ST STE 200

IRVINE, CA 92614

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: August 15, 2023

Signed: William Ashmore

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23 and 30, 2023.

NOTICE

TO ALL PERSONS HAVING AN INTEREST IN LANDS

DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE:

You are notified that the parcels of land described in this notice and located in the County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota, are subject to forfeiture to the State of Minnesota because of nonpayment of delinquent property taxes, special assessments, penalties, interest and costs levied on those parcels. The time for redemption from forfeiture expires if redemption is not made by the later of (1) 60 days after service of this notice on all persons having interest in the lands of record at the office of the County Recorder or Registrar of Titles, or (2) by the second Monday in May. The redemption must be made in my office.

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: TNT Wing Shack

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 759 County Rd D E Vadnais Heights, MN 55117

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. John Rogers Hunter, Sr. 2363 10th Ave E, Apt 205 North Saint Pau,l MN 55109

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: February 16, 2023

Signed: John Hunter Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on August 23 and 30, 2023.

Failure to redeem the lands prior to the expiration of redemption will result in the loss of the land and forfeiture to the State of Minnesota. Inquiries as to the proceedings may be made to the Deputy County Auditor/ Treasurer for the County of Ramsey, whose address is set forth below. Witness my hand and official seal this 28th day of August 2023.

CLASSES AT THE WB SENIOR CENTER REGISTRATION REQUIRED

55+ Defensive Driving Classes

4-Hr Refresher ($35): 9/7, 9am-1pm SrCenter; 9/19, 5:30-930pm

Online; 9/26 9am-1pm  Sr Center

8-Hr Class($45): 9/27&28, 1:30-5:30pm Online; 10/11 & 12, 1:305:30pm Online

Bingo: Fri, 9/22, 1-3pm/ $5

Nordic Pole Walking: Mon, 9/25, 5:30-6:45pm, $30 call for details

Healthy Feet Happy Feet: Thu, 9/28, 10-11am, $5

History Class: Secret Service with Kathy Simmer: Fri, Sept 29, 10am12pm, $18

Flea Market: Sat, 9/30, 9am-2pm, Food truck on site, Want to sell?

18’x18’ for $20

WB Senior Center Open House: Fri, Oct 6, 10am-12pm, Free

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

For more information or to receive “The Voice” newsletter, call us at 651-653-3121.

LYNGBLOMSTEN COMMUNITY SERVICES

Creative Space: Sharing Our Stories

Mondays, October 9–November 13, 10 AM–Noon. St. John in the This creative opportunity is for people who are experiencing early to mid-stage memory loss and are living at home with a family caregiver. Join us for two hours of creative fun as we share stories and make music together with award-winning teaching artist Diane Jarvi. She’ll lead you through a variety of activities that will have you smiling and laughing. Family caregivers are encouraged to use this Participants are asked to pay a suggested amount based on income, but no one will be denied participation due to inability to pay. To register, contact Lisa Brown at (651) 632-5320 or caregiving@

lyngblomsten.org. Register by October 2.

Living Well with Chronic Conditions

Virtual Class, Wednesdays, October 4–November 15, 1–3:30 PM Participants in this class make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help one another solve issues that may arise as they carry out their plans.

Voluntary contributions accepted. To register, contact Lyngblomsten Community Services at (651) 632-5330 or communityservices@ lyngblomsten.org.

Lyngblomsten Community Services is supported, in part, by gifts made to the Lyngblomsten Foundation and is funded under an award with Trellis as part of the Older Americans Act.

MAHTOMEDI COMMUNITY EDUCATION

ADULT ACTIVITIES AT THE MAHTOMEDI DISTRICT EDUCATION CENTER (DEC) 1520 Mahtomedi Ave.

All activities are held at the DEC unless otherwise noted.

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

TUESDAYS: Cribbage 1-3:00 PM

WEDNESDAYS:  Bridge, 1-4:00 PM

THURSDAYS:  500 Cards, 12:30-3 PM

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

Mahtomedi Evening Star Quilters - FREE

Sew Day: Tuesday, September 19, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Meeting: Tuesday, September 26; 5:30-8:00 PM

Bingo: FREE! Monday, Sept. 25, 1:30-3:00 PM. Please bring items to donate to the prize table!

The following requires registration: mahtomedi.ce.eleyo.com

Painting with Deb - FREE

Wednesdays, September 6-27, 10:00-11:30 AM

History with Kathy Simmer: The Tall, Tough Texan: Lyndon Johnson- $18

Wednesday, September 6, 10:00 AM-Noon

Strength & Balance - $110

Phone: 651-232-1818

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 19; 2:00-2:45 PM

Every step of the way.

• Speech Pathology

Call

Learn to Play Mah Jongg - $49

Tuesday, September 12 & Thursday, September 14, 9:00 AM-Noon

Day Trip to Lindstrom- $25

Thursday, September 14, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

We help you get back to living.

Using Snapchat Safely - $25

Thursday, September 14, Noon-1:00 PM, online via Zoom

Zumba - $65

Friday mornings, Sept. 15-Oct. 27, 9:00-9:45 AM

Write Your Own Will - $60

Tuesday, September 19, 6:30-9:00 PM

A Parent’s Guide to TikTok - $25

Tuesday, September 19, Noon-1:00 PM, online via Zoom

Every step of the way.

Social Security: Timing is Everything - $10

Tuesday, September. 19, Noon - 2:00 PM, online via Zoom

Easy Partner Dancing - $65

Tuesday evenings, Sept. 19-Oct. 10, 6:30-8:00 PM in White Bear Lake, or

Wednesday evenings Sept. 20-Oct. 11, 7:00-8:30 PM in Woodbury

Why is Marijuana Harmful for Youth? Legal Does Not Equal Safe. -

FREE Wednesday, September 20, 6:30-7:30 PM, District Education Center

How to Use Uber for Transportation Independence - $25

Thursday, September 21, Noon-1:00 PM

East Indian Instant Pot: Butter Chicken, Coconut Curried Lentils & Homemade Naan - $35

Saturday, September 23, 4:00-6:00 PM, online via Zoom

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

Mandala Art on Canvas- $40

Monday, September 25, 6:00-8:00 PM, Mahtomedi Middle School

• Aquatic Therapy

Shake It Off Line Dance - $20

• Occupational Therapy

Wednesday, September 27, 6:00-7:00 PM, White Bear Lake High School

Latin Dance Workshop - $40/couple

• Physical Therapy

Wednesday, September 27, 7:00-8:00 PM, White Bear Lake High School

Alzheimer’s Association: Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning - FREE

• Speech Pathology

Wednesday, September 27, 7:00-8:00 PM

Call today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1818

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

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

1900 Webber Street White Bear Lake, MN 55110

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Have you seen this bike?

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

A raffle prize valued at $1,000 was stolen during the night Aug. 19, putting a sour note on the otherwise successful Tour de Bar benefit.

An electric bike donated for the 35th annual benefit was being stored in an outside shed on Cabin 61 property, 4150 Hoffman Road, until it could be auctioned. Both the shed and bike were locked and secured at the time of the theft, but employees discovered locks were cut Sunday morning and the bicycle was gone.

Benefit organizer Michael Shearen said the police were called and a report was filed.

The bike was a raffle prize won by a Georgia man visiting relatives in White Bear Lake. When he learned he had won the bike, he told Shearen to sell it and give the money to the beneficiary, a 7-month-old girl

diagnosed with congenital pulmonary airway malformation. The Tour committee was planning a silent auction when the bike was stolen.

Shearen noted there was live music at the restaurant that Saturday night and the shed was converted into an outdoor bar. He speculated that someone saw the bike and returned after closing time to steal it. A sign, “win this bike,” was still attached.

Shearen hopes people will step up to help recover at least some of the bike’s value for the family. Anyone wishing to make a donation in replacement of the stolen bike can send a check payable to Tour de Bar Bicycle Benefit, c/o Mike and Linda Shearen, 2181 Southwood Drive, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.

Anyone with information on the stolen bicycle should contact Officer Jon Sanders at WBLPD, 651-429-8511.

The stolen e-bike is a white SWFT Fleet model, serial no. ending in 0216. The bike was to be auctioned with proceeds going to the Tour de Bar beneficiary.

OBITUARIES

Dorene E. (Goette) Fischer

Age 90, of White Bear Lake. Dorene was born March 10, 1933 in St. Paul and passed peacefully on Aug. 21, 2023. Survived by daughter Diane (Tony) Sjolander; grandchildren Sam and Emily; brother Ronald (Dianne) Goette; sister-in-law Donna Goette and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband Donald; son Michael; brother Donald Goette and sister Elaine Nickolaus. Dorene was sweet, loving, thoughtful and kind to everyone she met. Her Christian faith was strong, and her family was her world. Dorene loved gardening, raising monarch butterflies and watching birds. She was proud of her work at 3M in the early years of computers. Known as Nook to her lifelong friends, she resided in the White Bear area for her entire life. Funeral Services were held 11 AM Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023 at WHITE BEAR LAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1851 Birch Street, WBL. Visitation was held one hour before the service. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Mahtomedi. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172.

JoAnn Marie Williams

Grandma Johnny - (94) passed peacefully into heaven on Aug. 7, 2023. JoAnn was born to Lewis R. and Myra C. (Peterson) Bouma on June 24, 1929. She was raised in St Paul, Minnesota and moved to Wyoming 4 years ago to be near family. JoAnn attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota (class of 1952). She married Robert B. Williams in 1952. She worked as a school nurse for 25 years, in the White Bear school system. She was very active in Parkview United Church of Christ (UCC) in White

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Mayor elected to board of Better Business Bureau

Dan Louismet, mayor of White Bear Lake and general counsel at Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, was elected to his first term on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota.

“I look forward to collaborating with like-minded business leaders to advance BBB’s mission of promoting a fair and ethical marketplace across all industries,” Louismet said in a statement.

Bear Lake. JoAnn lived a life of service to others, raising 4 daughters and caring for multiple other relatives. Through many ‘Johnny’s Gang’ trips, she created a close family and many great memories.

JoAnn is survived by her Sister Ruth Kolveried (Ed), her four daughters; Susan Howard (John), Sandi Dennis (Larry), Sally Suchor (Paul) and Diane Williams. Also, many grandchildren and their spouses, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be Sept. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, Minnesota. There will be a Celebration of Life Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at Parkview United Church of Christ.

Sophie Grace Richardson

Age 19, of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. Our brave, beautiful girl took her last peaceful breath with her family on August 16, 2023 after an 8-year battle with brain cancer. Sophie was diagnosed with an anaplastic ependymoma brain tumor in August 2015. She fought hard every single day for eight years. Sophie was fierce, strong, and brave in her cancer battle. She never gave up, she never slowed down, she never wavered in her belief for a cure. She battled through recurring tumors with 9+ brain surgeries, several courses of radiation, and endless chemotherapies. She traveled the country from Seattle to Chicago to Pittsburgh for experimental trials. She never gave up, she never lost hope. She

County commissioner named to national organization’s membership, air quality groups

Washington County Commissioner Stan Karwoski, District 2, has been named vice chair of the Membership Committee and the chair of the Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee Air Quality Subcommittee for the National Association of Counties.  NACo serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, advocating for county priorities in federal policymaking,

was a brave, relentless fighter right to the very end. In addition to being the bravest warrior, she had an incredible sense of humor. Sophie’s one-liners and quick wit was unmatched. Sophie was a fun, sweet girl with the perfect amount of a feistiness and sass.

Sophie is survived by her parents, John Richardson and Bridget Gulner, younger brother, Sam; Grandmas Dolly Richardson and Joyce Gulner; Many, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, and most importantly her dog, Stella Grace, and her 2 cats, Finn & Munch. Sophie attended Saint John the Evangelist in Little Canada from preschool through 8th grade. This is where she met her group of forever friends. Sophie was an excellent volleyball player. She played for St. John’s, Roseville’s JO club league, and Cretin Derham Hall. She graduated from Cretin Derham High School in 2022.

Special thanks to Sophie’s relentless and compassionate medical team at Children’s Hospital of Minnesota, especially her oncologist, Dr. Anne Bendel, and neurosurgeon, Dr. Maysem Kebreai, and the Hospice Team. Please consider a donation/ memorial to Children’s Hospital of Minnesota.

In her final act of selflessness, Sophie donated her brain to Children’s Hospital of Chicago for ependymoma brain tumor research. They will do a case study of her tumors in hopes of finding effective treatments for ependymoma brain tumors. Even after the failed trials, Sophie was content in knowing she participated in research to help other cancer patients.

Rest in pain-free, cancer-free peace, Sophie Grace. We know you are in heaven putting hats on cats and dressing up dogs. We love you. Mom…Dad…Sam

Per Sophie’s wishes, she was cremated

Gerald Fredricksen

Age 97. Proceeded in death by loving wife Patricia. Survived by children John (Lori), Paul, Mark (Chris), James (Mary), Anne, Mary (Chris), Angie (Tony). Services were held on August 26th; interment Fort Snelling. Please donate to a veteran organization of your choice. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

nurturing leadership skills and expanding knowledge networks, and enriching the public’s understanding of county government.

Longtime nonprofit director announces retirement Solid Ground, a White Bear Lake-based organization that helps prevent and end homelessness for families, has announces the retirement of Executive Director Trisha Kauffman.

“Working for Solid Ground has been such an important part of my life for the past 26 years,” says Trisha. “It’s given me the opportunity to pursue my passion

POLITICAL BRIEFS

Candidates file for office

The candidate filing period has closed, and voters now know who will run for local offices this November. In Mahtomedi, Mayor Richard Brainerd will run for reelection unopposed, along with City Council Members Jeff Charlesworth and Jane Schneeweis.

In White Bear Lake, Council Member Bill Walsh (Ward 1) and Steve Engstran (Ward 5) will run for reelection. John Ficcadenti and Andrea West will run for City Council (Ward 3).

There are no local elections in Birchwood Village, Dellwood, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, White Bear Township or the Mahtomedi and White Bear Lake School Districts.

Lewis Shields from San Diego was visiting his grandparents, Pat & Sue of Vadnais Heights. While visiting, he caught several “huge” bass on White Bear Lake on his first fishing trip. When it was over, he exclaimed, “This was the most fun day of my life ever!”

Initial request for comments

The Office of the Secretary of State is requesting comments on possible rules governing election administration, voter registration, petitions, absentee ballots, presidential nomination primary, voting system testing, optical scan voting systems, recounts, election

for ensuring that children and families have a safe place to call home. I certainly never thought that I would be at Solid Ground for such a long time, but when you ‘re fortunate enough to ’find your people,’ you stay.”

Solid Ground’s Board of Directors has launched a search for a new director. Kauffman will continue in the role until her successor is named.

judge training program, ballot preparation and redistricting.

Submit any suggestions you or your organization may have before 4:30 p.m. Oct. 20. While not part of the official rulemaking record, suggestions will be considered by the office as the office decides what to include in any proposed amendments to the rules.

Written comments, questions and requests for more information on the possible rulemaking should be emailed to nicole.freeman@state. mn.us or mailed to: Government Relations Director Nicole Freeman, Office of the Secretary of State, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55155.

Comments, questions and requests for more information may also be called in at 651-201-1334. Please indicate you are commenting on Rulemaking R-04824.

Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State

CONTRIBUTED Dan Louismet

CONTRIBUTED Stan Karwoski

CONTRIBUTED Trisha Kauffman

White Bear Area Food Shelf to get 2nd home

BY NOELLE OLSON EDITOR

For 46 years, the White Bear Area Food Shelf has served the community of White Bear Lake and the communities within The White Bear Area School dicstrict. It will now open at a second location.

Executive Director Perry Petersen said the former public works building that houses the food shelf, located at 1884 Whitaker St., doesn’t provide enough room for the food shelf to meet the growing needs of the community. The leased space is used for offices, warehousing, and preparation and distribution of food through a curbside pickup program.

“We have doubled the number of people that we’ve served in a year,” Petersen said. “In the last couple of months, we’ve seen a 21% increase in visits to the food shelf. This is due to inflation and to pre-pandemic levels of SNAP benefits, which is a traditional food stamp program for people.”

According to Rick Juba, assistant city manager, the second location will be at 2446 County Road F East. The city owns the property, which

currently houses the White Bear Dance Center, Suburban Community Channels and a Comcast Fiber hub. There are currently two vacant spaces that were formerly occupied by White Bear Drapery, Garden of Hope Montessori School and the White Bear Lake Area School District. The food shelf plans to lease the two vacant spaces for food distribution to serve area neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity.

“We’re ready to step up to the challenge,” Petersen said. “One of the innovative steps that we’re taking is a community market at this location. The community market will look and feel like a neighborhood market with low barriers, expanded culturally connected foods, and offices to host nonprofits that partner with us to specialize in wraparound services such as rental assistance, utility systems, access to programs for young families and seniors … just to name a few.”

Juba noted the food shelf will be responsible for all operating costs. Part of the remodeling will require a significant upgrade to the HVAC system. While this

upgrade is being triggered by the food shelf’s needs, the current system is nearing the end of its useful life and the new system will be owned by the city. Juba said the food shelf will pay for the HVAC upgrade up front, but the associated costs are being credited against the monthly lease amount over the threeyear term of the lease.

“The proposed lease is a three-year agreement, and it’s for about 3,040 square feet,” Juba said. “The proposed rate has been reduced from the market rate for that building to reflect improvements that the food shelf is making that the city would have otherwise had to make involving the rooftop units.”

The lease will be effective Sept. 1 and end Aug. 31, 2026. The new facility will have 45 parking spots compared to 13 at the Whitaker location. It will also have expanded hours.

“This market will really focus on fresh items,” Petersen said. “Forty percent of our food that we distribute is food that we rescue from local grocery stores. So a lot of what we do as a redistribution within our community is just making sure that food doesn’t

White Bear Lake Area

go to waste. The food shelf doesn’t serve nameless people. It makes a real difference in the lives of our neighbors and our community.”

Mayor Dan Louismet said he is thankful for the work the food shelf does for the community.

“I wish we weren’t sitting here saying that there’s a need for expansion,” Louismet said. “I’m grateful that you

have the resources and the community has the appetite to make the donations to allow this and make this possible. I had an opportunity to tour the food shelf, and it’s a fantastically well-run organization filled with very dedicated volunteers and staff.”

For more information, visit whitebearfoodshelf.org.

Service times are subject to change during the coronavirus crisis. Contact your local church or check church web sites for service time and online service information.

KELLEN JOHNSON | PRESS PUBLICATIONS

The White Bear Area Food Shelf will open a second market at 2446 County Road F East, near the Normandy Park Education Center, in the space vacated by Garden of Hope Montessori, White Bear Drapery, and the White Bear Lake Area Schools. The property is owned by the City of White Bear Lake and also houses the White Bear Dance Center and Suburban Community Channels.

Taste of White Bear aims to please the palate

The White Bear Lake Rotary Club will host the Taste of White Bear Lake event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Jacobson’s Pine Tree Apple Orchard.

The Taste of White Bear Lake celebrates White Bear’s food and beverage vendors while raising money for Rotary projects.

“We have 120 members, and this is our way of raising the money that supports these programs,” said Rotarian Kevin Donovan. “We have a number of different avenues of service and a number of different things that we do in the community.”

Donovan noted the goal this year is to have 30 different local restaurants, specialty shops, breweries and distilleries. So far, 20 vendors have signed up.

Back this year is the traditional cork pull fundraiser and live music by country singer Ben Nelson.

“The Taste is a casual event in September and brings the community together,” Donavan said. “People can also walk through the orchard to celebrate the outdoors.”

With Us

“This year, the Taste of White Bear returns to just a one-day event,” Donavan said. “We are not doing our passport that was done in the past.”

Last year, the September event generated approximately $50,000 for Rotary.

Purchase tickets online at tasteofwhitebearlake. com/ or ask someone from Rotary if you can purchase tickets from them.

Noelle Olson

(From left) Jim Muellner, Marilyn Muellner and Craig Drake enjoy the Taste of White Bear at Pine Tree Apple Orchard.

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Handmade books filled with messages

Above: A handmade book Erica Spitzer Rasmussen created in the shape of a ceramic teapot contains quotes from her late stepfather Warren MacKenzie, who was internationally acclaimed for the simple, wheel-thrown, functional pottery he produced.

At right: Rasmussen used fibers from overalls Warren MacKenzie wore in his studio to make paper for the tribute series of pottery shaped books.

Above: Warren Mackenzie at work in the studio he maintained in Grant until his death in 2018 at the age of 94. Along with his tenure as a professor at the University of Minnesota, he was also involved locally as a founding member of the arts council which later evolved into what is now the White Bear Center for the Arts.

At left: The books feature quotes that illustrate the underlying philosophy of continued learning and discovery that inspired MacKenzie to keep working at the craft he loved for most of his life. The books are currently on display at Grand Hand gallery in St. Paul. Find more information about the artist at ericaspitzerrasmussen.com.

condition garage kept, spent winters in Florida. Serviced by Maplewood Toyota all records available.

$14,995 six one two

599-1729

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

READ REUSE RECYCLE

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

651-407-1200 presspubs.com

AN NANDALE SCHOOLS ARE HIRING!

• Special ed par ap rofessionals ma ke a difference in a student's life! 6.5-hour days during the school year, excellent pay, three open positions

• PT Custodian, excellent pay and more, 4-9 pm M-F, year-round. • Superb subs and he lpers teachers, par as, custod ians and more, excellent pay, pick your availability. See all our openings at www.isd8 76 .org, human resources page.

Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant

Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-4:00pm

Press Publications publishes 6 community newspapers, magazines and coupon books, serving White Bear Lake and surrounding communities. Our publications brings news of school events, government, business, politics, and social events to local residents.

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

Ability to interact well with a broad base of internal and external clients, both in person, telephone and written communication. Reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations.Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi task effectively. User of Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as Microsoft Office.

Please send resume to: 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110 or email resume to: ppinfo@presspubs.com

NOW HIRING

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Leadership positions available for flexible candidates.

651-653-9845

4687 Bald Eagle Ave., WBL 55110

NOW HIRING! ENTRY LEVEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for an entry level, motivated graphic designer for a part-time position with the possiblity of full-time. As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and biweekly papers get out the door.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign Mac based and cloud, with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator

- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients - Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines -Work with editors to produce a vibrant product.

JOB DETAILS:

- 12-25 hours per week

- M-F 7:55 - 5:30 varies by season

Email resume to: artmanager@presspubs.com

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District showcases expanded activity spaces

Recently, a popular topic of conversation has been the expanded indoor and outdoor spaces for student and community activities. The White Bear Lake Area High School Field House has seen its share of action: the indoor walking track was opened to community members last spring, the boys’ and girls’ track teams are hosting season-opening indoor track and field meets, and a variety of camps and activities are taking place at the five-court indoor space. The stadium and turf fields surrounding the current North Campus have seen practices and contests, along with community use when the spaces are not reserved for activities. The new courts on Bald Eagle Avenue, which are painted and lined for both tennis and pickleball, were completed in mid-August to be used for the fall sports season. They are available for community use.

SCHOOL BRIEF

Welcome Wednesdays

Drop in any Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Magnuson Christian School to see the educational opportunities that could be the place for your child or children. Magnuson Christian School is a faith-based school offering a strong curriculum, small class sizes and leadership opportunities for students in grades K-8. Prospective families can also coordinate a private tour by calling 651478-7317 or sending an email to hello@ magnusonschool.org. Magnuson Christian School is located at 4000 Linden Street, White Bear Lake, inside the Community of Grace Building.

-  

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The courts on Bald Eagle Avenue have been lined for tennis and pickleball.

andArts Culture

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

EMERGING ARTIST SANYU MWASSA

“Idon’t think I would have a sliver of the confidence I do today without the arts, especially speech,” says 2024 senior Sanyu Mwassa. These are bold words, yet they are backed by a groundbreaking achievement: Sanyu Mwassa is the first person from White Bear Lake to reach the last round in the National Speech and Debate Association tournament, the United States’ premiere interscholastic speech meet.

Mwassa’s category, Dramatic Interpretation (DI), involves performing a 10-minute-or-less excerpt of a publicly available play, novel, or short story. Sanyu made the final cut, placing fourth in the country! In order to reach that level, Mwassa had to be intimately familiar with the sound of her own voice.

“My voice is on the more lyrical side but is mixed with a fuller sound,” Sanyu explains, “My inspirations… are definitely a lot of the sopranos that have been on Broadway, such as Laura Benati and Cynthia Erivo.” Mwassa’s musical approach to her voice stems from her participation in choir and musical theatre, which “have helped me grow immensely.” “I think [they’ve] also helped me see the world

through the same lens as the characters I have portrayed. Helping me better understand the complexity of life…” Sanyu adds.

While extracurriculars have played a major part in Sanyu’s success, Mwassa also credits her

sister, Nambi, for inspiration strength. “Seeing my sister perform on the stage inspired me to pursue music…” Sanyu recalls, “…She has constantly been one of my main supporters, and she is now one of my coaches for Speech!”

One look at Sanyu’s upcoming senior Speech season explains the need for multiple coaches. Not only is Mwassa once again participating in DI, but she is also double entering in Original Oratory as well. Additionally, Sanyu is looking forward to this year’s fall musical at White Bear Lake.

Beyond high school, Mwassa sees herself continuing her craft. Says Sanyu, “I plan on doing Speech in college competitively. I would like to incorporate the arts into my post college life and try coaching speech students myself!” Mwassa also has impressive ambition on where she wants to compete. “I plan to attend a university on the East Coast and hopefully major in journalism or communications in order to become a Creative Director,” Sanyu reports.

To achieve these goals, Mwassa intends on following simple-yet-profound advice: “Don’t think; just do.” Faith in her performing abilities will help Sanyu apply that advice. “Performing has taught me how to wear my heart on my sleeve and above all be vulnerable…”

Mwassa concludes, “Performing is an extension of oneself, and it allows me to convey and express myself in ways I never thought were possible.”

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

NEA BIG READ KICK-OFF EVENT

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts

When: Saturday, September 9, 1-3 p.m.

Join WBCA for the official launch of this year’s NEA Big Read which will include plant-themed makeand-takes, a concert by Peter Widin, and an augmented reality exhibit by Marlena Myles. This is a free family event that celebrates the book “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude” by Ross Gay.

THE ART OF THE BOOK PROPOSAL

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts

When: Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m.-Noon

You’ve finished your book—or you’ve got one in the works—but how do you position that work for agents or publishers? In this class you’ll go through step-by-step the elements of a book proposal.

INSPIRED BY NATURE COMMUNITY RECEPTION

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts

When: Thursday, September 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy the Inspired by Nature exhibit, in which artists from the Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists depict the plants around us with scientific accuracy and aesthetic sensitivity.

MIGHTY SWORDS AND MIGHTY PENS FOR LAKESHORE PLAYERS IN SEPTEMBER

The Three Musketeers Comic books and stage theatre may seem an odd pairing at first glance, but Lakeshore Players’ upcoming production smelts the two concepts together with The Three Musketeers, their 71st season’s inaugural play running September 15th to October 1st.

“We’re used to reading The Three Musketeers as one book,” explains Megan Pence, Lakeshore Players’ executive director, “but Alexandre Dumas originally published it as a serial adventure in a newspaper.” This gave show director Eric Morris the idea to “Marvel”-ize the show.

“It’ll feel like a comic book come to life!” Pence exclaims. Such a distinct take on the material makes sense because of the timing. Kids will be firmly back in school, and families will be back from their summer trips.

“We wanted a really fun show to kick off the year,” Pence states, “It’s very family friendly.” Longtime theatre fans will also delight in a script written by fan favorite Ken Ludwig.

“When Ludwig writes a show, you know it’s gonna be fun, funny, and energetic,” grins Pence.

Of course, no adventure comic-book is complete without fight scenes. Here, Megan Pence’s eyes gleam in excitement. “There’s very stylized stage combat. Everyone’s gonna pick up a sword at some point!”

What the Constitution Means to Me

September 17th is National Constitution Day, so Lakeshore Players will be performing one of their most ambitious shows yet—What the Constitution Means to Me. Appropriately, the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberty Union will give a preshow talk an hour before curtains go up.

“This show is not safe in any way,” Megan Pence, executive director of Lakeshore Players advises, “It’s intended for 14 plus. There are heavy topics and heavy language.” With such a discretionary warning, Pence’s

summation of the show is surprising.

“It’s humorous,” Pence shrugs, “Yes, it’s upfront and honest, but just because this show has a ‘trigger warning’ doesn’t mean people should automatically be against it.” According to Pence, the show also take pains to familiarize the audience with complex governmental concepts. The ninth amendment and its vague uses, for instance, receive verbal jabs from the play’s characters.

Pence also stresses that the show is not motivated by a political agenda, but does have a defined viewpoint. “That’s what makes the show so engaging and accessible,” Pence explains, “It’s one woman’s perspective in her own life.”

In the next breath, Pence points out that the show is not one person preaching her viewpoints. “The second act is really fun because it’s a debate with perspectives of different generations. Because of that, each character gives unexpected generational views. Certain audience members even get to vote for the winner of the debate at the end!”

CHILDREN’S PERFORMING ARTS BREWING SOMETHING MAGICAL FOR OCTOBER’S MASQUE

“Magical Attire is something to which we aspire but not something which we require,” Sharon HaniflLee says of this year’s Masque—Children’s Performing Arts’ (CPA) annual fundraiser.

Though the event takes place October 14th, registration is open throughout September with an RSVP of October 1st.

VIP tickets come with special early access, an all-night open bar, reserved seating, and an afterparty complete with goodie bag. The regular admission includes drink tickets, heavy appetizers, and late-night snacks.

All ticket holders are treated to an evening program and entertainment. Should one miss the RSVP date, they can still register to attend the evening program through October 14th dependent upon availability.

Everyone in attendance will also have access to silent-auction viewing 30 minutes before the program begins.

The aim of the fundraiser is twofold: to provide scholarships for CPA camps and to keep tickets affordable for the community. “The scholarships are so important,” HaniflLee remarks, “We have kids that want to take our classes and learn these skills, but their parents maybe can’t afford it. We can

say, ‘Hey, come anyway. We want you here.’”

The other feature CPA offers is “Pay What You Can” performances. “Families are still not fully going out yet after COVID,” HaniflLee explains, “So many say to themselves, ‘Why should we? Let’s just watch a movie or a streaming service at home with the kids.

Let’s stay in.’” Pay-What-You-Can pricing, then, allows members of the community to remove cost as a factor when considering which shows to attend.

While Pay-What-You-Can performances solves an audience problem, it creates a pricing issue backstage. “[Artists] cost more these days,” Hanifl-Lee points out, “and they

should! Look at the price of gas—general cost of living. If you’re traveling to our center to help these kids put on a show, you deserve to be fairly compensated.” The Masque fundraiser’s enchanting touch, therefore, is needed to make sure everyone has the opportunity to be transported by the magic of theatre.

“The arts should be accessible to everyone,” Hanifl-Lee states emphatically, “not just those who aren’t concerned about inflation.”

To register, visit childrensperformingartsmn.org/support/ masque-gala

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE CROSS COUNTRY// BOYS

Coach — Dan Kovacich (21st year)

Assistants — Shawn Gritzmacher, Gary Wilson

Last year — 4th in conference, 3rd in section

Captains: Luke Williams, Tanner Hoel, Isaac Kolstad, Vaughn Larson

Returning letterwinners — Seniors: Luke Williams, Tanner Hoel, Ryley Murphy, Rodrigo Rubio; Juniors: Andrew Klier, Andrew Greene, Vaughn Larson, Isaac Kolstad; Sophomores: Max Popp, Noah Blaisdell, Joseph Wolfe, Joseph Rogers, Cooper Hoel

In the mix — Seniors: Ryley Murphy, Rodrigo Rubio; Juniors: Andrew Greene; Sophomores: Max Popp, Noah Blaisdell, Joseph Wolfe, Joseph Rogers, Copper Hoel; Freshmen: Graham Newlander Fast facts — Williams was all-state (25th place), was section champion, and placed 3rd in conference; Kolstad and Larson also ran in the state meet; Williams and Larson were all-conference; Kovacich has taken 13 teams to state since 2007; the Bears’ section (4AAA) added East Ridge and Two Rivers.

Coach says — “Our one-two-three are pretty well set with Williams, Larson and Kolstad. Our goal is always to make it to state. We will have perennial powerhouse Stillwater, Two Rivers, East Ridge and Woodbury in our way to a state meet appearance. It all comes down to how healthy we are at the end of the season.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE FOOTBALL

Coach — Ryan Barlett (12th year)

Assistants — Dustin Holman (defensive coordinator), Adam Holman (middle linebackers), Cory Hazard (quarterbacks), Will Jackson (defensive line), Sean Murphy (linebackers, special teams), Dane Bates (safeties), Jeremy Post (cornerbacks), Nick Devet (offensive line), Jesse Reynolds (running backs), Mark Domschot (wide receivers); Bartlett is offensive coordinator

Last year — 7-3 overall

Captains — Seniors: Devin Mueller, Dom Anderson, Evan Chang, Kesean Lipscomb, Sam Ganyaw, Aiden Akins

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE TENNIS

Coach — Marla Menne

Assistants — Molly Franta, Paul Kolenich, Cole

Pottinger

Last year — 14-8 overall, 7-2 conference

Captains — Tally Domschot, Ellia Groneberg

Returning starters — Juniors: Domschot, Groneberg

Also in the lineup — Junior: Isabel St. John; other positions not yet determined

Fast facts — Domschot and Groneberg were all-conference; Nine players graduated from last year’s team

Coach says — “Lots of new players this year with three middle schoolers making varsity/junior varsity. Ellia will play number one singles. We will most likely have many different options for doubles and singles this year.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE VOLLEYBALL

Coach — Mackenzie Leverty

Assistants — Emily Horkey, Laura Schmid, Savannah

Shea, Alison Wynn, Tim Larson, Ashley Völler

Last year — 14-15 overall, 1-8 conference

Returning starters — Senior: Kylie Gustafson (outside hitter); Sophomore: Kailey Geiske (defense/libero)

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE CROSS COUNTRY// GIRLS

Coach — Audrey Kirschling (1st year)

Assistants — Shawn Gritzmacher, Ben Lattimore

Last year — 6th in conference, 3rd in section

Captains — Rosie Sommers, Ally Mattson, Annika Schroeder

Returning starters — Seniors: Sommers, Mattson; Junior: Amelia Nachtscheim; Sophomore: Irene Bakke; Freshman: Clara Kolstad

Also in the lineup — Senior: Annika Schroeder

Fast facts — Sommers and Kolstad were state qualifiers and made all-conference in 2022

New coach — Kirschling ran for the Bears in high school and was assistant coach last year

Coach says — “We have a young and eager team. Our girls have been working hard in the off-season and show a lot of passion for competition and cheering each other on. I’m very excited to be working with this group of young women and developing the next generation of strong and capable women. Go Bears!”

Returning starters — Seniors: Akins (linebacker), Lipscomb (running back), Austin Gibson (receiver)

Offensive players — Quarterback: Alex Doroff (senior), Heidi Barber (senior); Running backs: Lipscomb, Cole Sather (senior), Anderson; Wide receivers: Vinny Villela (senior), Mueller, Isaac Kibagendi (senior), Anderson, Carter Wippler (senior), Joe Hulla (senior); Tight ends: Nick Watson (senior), Akins, Gibson; Line: Jack Peterson (senior), Zach Carnes (senior), Cam Oxton (junior), Matt Hunter (junior), Ganyaw; Kicker: Ben Watson (junior)

Defensive players — Line: Chang, Ty Behnken (junior), Ricky Deutsch (senior), Charlie Woodcock (junior); Linebackers: Akins, Gibson, Levi Arvig (junior), Malik Doumbia (junior); Backs: Anderson, Mueller, Kibagendi, Donovan Morris (junior), Anthony Turner (senior); Punter: Mueller

Fast facts — Aikins made 23 tackles for loss and was all-Metro Maroon in 2022; Lipscomb rushed for 443 yards and 3 touchdowns; the schedule is returned to playing section opponents rather than the Gold and Maroon format of the past two years.

Coach says — “We have a very strong team with some good size. Our kids are very easy to coach and compete hard. I like the returners we have and we got some new faces who have a chance to be good. Our schedule is very challenging and it will be fun to play regional teams again.”

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Also on the roster — Seniors: Lily Glendenning (outside hitter), Lauren Westerhaus (middle blocker), Ally Munger (setter); Juniors: Brady Keeling (outside hitter), Mallory Moore (defensive specialist), Ella Stadtherr (middle blocker), Adina Klawiter (right side), Larissa Komarec (middle blocker); Sophomore: Reagan Farmer (outside hitter), Maddie Pearson (outside hitter/defensive specialist) Fast facts — Gustafson led with 224 kills, and Geiske led with 178 digs, in 2022.

Kesean Lipscomb

Clara Kolstad

Luke Wiliams

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE SWIMMING

Coach — Tia Quirk

Assistants — Adam O’Neil (swimming), Annette Crews (diving)

Captains — Lucy Borofka, Ava Heimbach, Ella Maas

Returning starters — Seniors: Borofka (freestyle, backstroke), Maas (breaststroke); Juniors: Lily Jenkins (freestyle), Claire Whitcomb (breaststroke), Elisa Weiner (backstroke); Sophomores: Addie Johnson (freestyle), Leyla Chu (breaststroke), Stella Otto (diving); Freshman: Sophie Collins (backstroke); 8th grade: Brigid McVeigh (butterfly), Anna Zarambo (diving)

Also in the lineup — Juniors: Kate Dery; Freshmen: Madison Hanscom, Sophie Griefenhagen, Audrey Borofka; 8th grade: Sophie Moen, Charlotte McIntyre; 7th grade: Eva Hoefer

Fast facts — Borofka and Jenkins were all-conference and Maas got honorable mention; Roster has 33 girls including 20 in grades 7-8-9

Coach says — “We are at a very optimistic point. Our roster is the largest since Covid with 33 swimmers and divers. Fourteen of those are new members to our team, which is incredible. We have six divers, which is truly remarkable. Everyone has the potential to score points and push themselves to out-touch the person in the next lane. Several of my swimmers are looking toward breaking a few school records. I see a lot of potential in our new team members. The program continues to grow and I'm excited to see where we go as a team.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE SOCCER// GIRLS

Coaches — John Dierkhising, Dave Ashley (11th year for each)

Assistants — Nina Abrahamson (JV), Brielle Meister (JV), Mike Witt (B), Marie Cox (9th)

Last year — 13-5 overall, 7-2 conference

Captains — Gabby Hofeld, Autumn Maki, Anna Marie Millard

Returning starters — Seniors: Cami Bachmeier (forward), Millard (defender), Hofeld (midfielder), Elizabeth Wallek (midfielder), Kendall Craigan (defender), Paige Swanson (defender), Maki (goalie); Juniors: Jenna Maloy (forward), Becca Smith (midfield), Abby O’Brien (defense)

Also in the lineup — Senior: Kate Bullis (defender); Junior: Giada Marino (midfielder); Sophomore: Marin Peterson (defender) Fast facts — Maloy led with 14 goals and Smith led with 13 assists, each making all-conference and coaches all-state second team; Bachmeier and O’Brien had six goals each; the schedule was toughened-up adding Edina, Andover and Champlin Park Coach Dierkhising says — “We are excited for this season after graduating only two seniors from last year's second-place conference finish. We are returning 10 starters and have a large senior class and a very experienced and skilled junior class that should help us compete for a conference title and ultimately a section title. The conference and section will be as tough as it was last year and we have a very challenging schedule this year.”

BEARS // WHITE BEAR LAKE SOCCER// BOYS

Coach — Karl Jende

Assistants — Mike Knutson, Stephan Jende, Mike Bickel, Gannon Youakim, Tallinn Gittens

Captains — Kyle Christensen, Caleb Anderson, Eli Simanek

Last year — 8-6-2 overall, 4-4-1 conference

Returning starters — Seniors: Kyle Christensen (goalie), Ian Cran (defense), Karolis Kairys (forward), Isaac Vang (midfield), Caleb Anderson (forward), Eli Simanek (midfield), Augustus Bloomquist (defense), Evan Boxrud (forward), Cooper Peschman (forward);

Juniors: Benjamin Watson (midfield), Colby Petersen (midfield);

Sophomore: Gionni Pescosolido (midfield)

Fast facts — Christensen posed an .845 save percentage, 1.16 goalsagainst-average; Kairys is top returning scorer (four goals)

SPORTS PREVIEW FALL 2023

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI CROSS COUNTRY // BOYS

Coach — Jim Driscoll (35th year)

Assistants — Lisa Irsfeld

Last year — 3rd in conference, 3rd in section

Captains — Will Lieberman, Hudson Otto and Charlie Wirka

Returning starters — Seniors: Lieberman, Wirka; Junior: Evan Carion; Sophomore: Matt Studensky

Also in the lineup — Seniors: Otto; Juniors: Luke Roettger, Dan Gibbens, John Aufderhar

Fast facts — Lieberman placed 9th in conference, 12th in the section; three of top four graduated Coach says — “We should be competitive in both the conference and section meets this year. We will have competition for varsity spots which will help.”

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI CROSS COUNTRY // GIRLS

Coach — Jim Driscoll (35th year)

Assistants — Lisa Irsfeld

Last year — 2nd in conference, 2nd in section, 16th at state

Captains — Becca Anderson, Gabby Fox, Addison Briske

Returning starters — Junior: Fox; Sophomore: Sylvie Lavigne; 8thgraders: Vanessa Rogosheske, Brooklyn Erickson

Also in the lineup — Seniors: Anderson; Juniors: Ruby Grinstead, Briske; Sophomores: Anna Cosby, Julia Clayton, Grace McCarthy

Fast facts — Last year, Rogosheske placed 9th in conference, 6th in section; Fox 6th in conference, 7th in section; Erickson 17th in conference, 13th in section

Coach says — “Our top three should be very competitive in conference and section. I'm hoping that the others will develop to make us a good team.”

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI VOLLEYBALL

Coach — Tia Schlundt

Last year — 25-7 overall, 7-0 conference, section champion, state participant

Returning starters —

Juniors: Silvie Graetzer (MH), Kaili Malvey (OH); Graetzer had 135 kills and Malvey 85 last year. New coach — Schlundt, former Concordia-St. Paul All-American, has coached in the youth association for several years.

Lily Jenkins

Rebecca Smith

Silvie Graetzer

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI SWIMMING // GIRLS

Coach — Mike Goldman

Assistants — Tim Baden (divers), Micah Goldman, Dan Kizaur

Last year — 2nd in conference, 2nd in section, 12th at state

Captains — Emmerson Buckley, Audrey Carlson, Talia Collins, Alixandra Fox, Tea Tuttle

Returning starters — Seniors: Buckley, Fox; Juniors: Carlson, Sidney Leciejewski; Sophomores: Maddie Ruppel; Freshmen: Delaney Dumermuth, Abigail Wright

Also in the lineup — Isabelle Befidi, Janeea Chlebeck, Talia Collins, Adalyn Miller, Riley Parizek, Grace Tronrud, Abby Wiebe

Fast facts — Wright placed fourth in both 50 and 100 free at state last year and holds school records in both; Buckley and Wright swam on the 400 relay that placed fifth at state.

Coach says — “We are in the process of rebuilding with a younger core of swimmers. We are ranked in the Top 8 in the state in pre-season poll. We have the potential to qualify more individuals for the state meet, along with all three relays placing in the finals.”

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI SOCCER // BOYS

Coach — Dominic Isaac

Assistants — Joe Voeller, Josh Bates, Timothy Bruner, Adam Harding

Last year — 8-6-3 overall, 3-2-3 conference

Returning starters — Seniors: Nils Landes (midfield), Caden Hallin (forward, midfield), Cairo Douville (forward, midfield); Juniors: Riley Burke (midfield), Nicholas Clark (forward, midfield), Joseph Nelson (defense), Mason Kipp (defense), Gavin Maas (defense); Sophomores: Kaden Gagnelius (midfield), Sam Beulke (midfield)

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI TENNIS // GIRLS

Coach — Nate Tretsven

Assistants — Dave Wareham, Christine Leach (JV), Ann Gabrielli (JV)

Last year — 6-1 conference (tied for first), 13-7 overall

Captains — Kate Hoffman, Olivia Bengtson

Returning players — Seniors: Olivia Bengtson, Kate Hoffman, Hanna Meslow; Juniors: Molly Moffitt, Alayna Bartylla, Greta Munson; Sophomores: Katherine Smith, Lily Carlson, Mallory Langer

Also on varsity — Stella Schroeder, Amber Schaefer, Berkley Blaisdell, Annika Winke, Ellis Krause

Fast facts — Kate Hoffman was a state doubles qualifier in 2022 with partner Campbell Albers

New coach — Tretsven, a teaching pro, and former No. 1 at Hamline, takes over for Aaron Freer, who resigned

Coach says — “We have a great group of girls, with a mix of veterans who have years of varsity experience, and some new to varsity. Our goal is to grow each practice and match, and be very competitive in the conference and section.”

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI FOOTBALL

Coach — Dave Muetzel

Assistants — Robert Garry, Matt Oswald, Kenneth Stevens, John Arlandson, Robert Merthan, Joe Koscianski, Paul McGibbon, Jeff Sansgaard, Mike Isola, Thad Tumbleson, David Donahoe, Dan Destache

Last year — 10-2 overall, section champion, semifinalist

Returning starters — Seniors: Charlie Brandt (quarterback), Cole Saenger (linebacker, halfback), Eric Buttke (linebacker), Michael Barry (receiver), Tyler Gunderson (offensive line, linebacker), Brett Swystun (lineman), Cole Potvin (defensive end), Mason Hughes (defensive back), Alex Mahoney (running back, defensive back).

Fast facts — Brandt has passed for 2,117 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons; Barry caught 24 passes for 581 yards and six TD’s last year; Saenger is the only one of eight all-district picks who returns in 2023; Top rushers back are Saenger (366 yards, three TD’s) and Alex Mahoney (222 yards, one TD)

ZEPHYRS // MAHTOMEDI SOCCER // GIRLS

Coach — David Wald

Assistants — Brad Gudenkauf, Glenn Lisowy, Allison Eitel, Mariah Adams, Leroy Andrle

Last year — 18-3, state Class 2A runner-up, conference and section champion

Captains — Stella Grabow, Savannah Stockness, Claire Faulkner, Lauren Coy

Returning starters — Seniors: Stockness (defense), Kaila Och (defender), Faulkner (defender), Moltzan (forward), Coy (forward); Juniors: Sophia Peer (midfielder), Emily Muetzel (defender), Aynslea Ulschmid (midfielder)

Also in the lineup — Seniors: Victoria Nelson (defender); Juniors: Presley Albers (defender), Allison McCleery (defender), Cece Emery (midfielder), Faith Peper (midfielder), Kayla Poirier (midfielder), Ingrid Lienke (midfielder), Allie Rippentrop (striker), Olivia Thiele (striker), Maddie McCoy (striker); Sophomores: Harlow Berger (goalie), Jackie Worden (goalie)

Fast facts — Moltzan was second-leading scorer with 15 goals; Stockness and Peer were all-metro and coaches all state second team picks; Ulschmid, Moltzan and Muetzel made the all-state tourney team; Mahtomedi has 10 state titles and 17 state appearances

Coach says — “The team has three capable goalies that will be competing for the starting spot at the beginning of the season. The strength of the team will be that most of the defense and midfield has returned from last year's state runner up team.”

Emmerson Buckley

Kate Hoffman

Michael Barry

Savannah Stockness

Fishing lures made locally every winter

BY MADELINE DOLBY STAFF WRITER

For the last four years, Mike Schlosser of White Bear Lake has made fishing lures to give out to his friends and family.

Around 10 years ago, Schlosser saw some handmade muskie lures at an art fair. He did not purchase one at the time, because he thought it was too expensive. He looked around later to see if he could buy one, but he never really found one.

“I figured when I retired, I could start making them as something to do in the wintertime,” Schlosser said. He begins to make them at the end of December and the beginning of January, because it is a slower time of year.

In the first year, he made about eight to 10 lures. Last year, he managed to create 109 of them. It takes about four hours to make a single lure. His designs change every year based on what is on the market. When he first started, he made them out of broom

handles and hockey sticks. Now, he uses Bockler wood because it is harder and the hardware to attach the hooks to stays in better.

“No two lures are alike,” Schlosser added.

Schlosser makes muskie, northern bass and walleye lures. They range anywhere from 2 to 10 inches, but he finds that lures around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches work the best when used out on the water.

“It is more of a hobby,” Schlosser said. “And truthfully, I don’t think I’ve gotten to the quality where I feel good about selling them.”

But his brother does flea markets, and Schlosser is considering giving him a handful and seeing how they sell.

Schlosser mainly likes to give his lures away. If he sees a kid fishing he will hand them one; he also likes to give them to friends and family members.

“I know I am going to do them again next year,” he added. There are new designs he wants to try out.

CD 8/18/2023.

*Annual Percentage Yield. A minimum of $10,000 is required to open. New Money only. APY is accurate as of 8/18/2023. APY shown is subject to change without notice. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. This is a limited time offer for consumer customers only.

CONTRIBUED

Mike Schlosser’s handmade lures.

Bears score late, tie Centennial 1-1 in opener

FOOTBALL

7 p.m.

7

•

LOOKING AHEAD

BEARS

Aug. 31 — at Minnetonka

Sept. 7 — Mounds View

BOYS SOCCER

Wednesday, Aug. 30 — at Eagan

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 — Minneapolis Southwest

7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Irondale

GIRLS SOCCER

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30 — at Eagan

• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Andover

5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Irondale

TENNIS

• 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 — at Duluth East

• 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 5 — Woodbury

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake salvaged a 1-1 tie with Centennial in their opening match, and they will gladly take it.

“We were looking up how we’ve done against them, and we were one and eight since 2014,” said cocoach Dave Ashley. “We’ve been playing every year except the Covid year.”

That is a surprising imbalance since both schools are strong in

girls soccer.

In the opening event of the fall season, the Bears appeared headed for a 1-0 loss, frustrated by some great saves by Cougar goalie Jordan Metz. But they got on the board in the 75th minute when Gabby Hofeld, senior midfielder, buried a closerange shot off a perfect crossing pass from Jenna Maloy.

Centennial had taken a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute when junior defender Nora

BEARS SPORTS BRIEFS

FOOTBALL

White Bear Lake will open the season with a tough test at Minnetonka Thursday evening. The Skippers, 5-4 last year, return 15 starters including Milos Spasojevic, who passed for 1,307 yards and 10 touchdowns, and several key backups.

“Minnetonka will be really strong,” Bears coach Ryan Bartlett said. “Their QB has some D1 offers and preferred walkon (offers) to the Gophers and Badgers. It will be a really tough test, but we are excited. We’ll see where we are truly at.”

The Bears are coming off a 7-3 season. Competing for the quarterback position are seniors Alex Doroff and Heidi Barber, who shared the junior varsity duties last year.

ATHLETE NAMES IN THE NEWS

Halvig, moving to her right, grounded the ball briskly inside the right post just ahead of diving Bear goalie Autumn Maki, who also h ad some nice saves in the game.

Metz made two leaping saves in the first h alf against the Bears, and deflected a pair of vicious point-blank shots with her quick hands in the second half, one of those by Hofeld.

“That goalie was really good,” commented Hofeld.

VOLLEYBALL

White Bear Lake won its opening match over Minneapolis Roosevelt 25-19, 25-18, 25-20 at home.

TENNIS

White Bear Lake lost to Pine City 5-2 and Princeton 4-3 in their opener at Pine City. Winning against Princeton were Elia Groneberg at 1-singles, Elara Kruse at 4-singles, and Sophie Meniek/Ava Johnson at 3-doubles. Princeton beat Vera Zach, Addison Medin, Tally Domschot/Isabel St. John at 1-doubles and Mallory Peltier/ Josie Guidinger. Winning against Pine City were Groneberg at 1-singles and Peltier at 3-singles. Pine City beat Domschot, Kruse, Zach/St. John, Guidinger/Meniek and Maddie Belisle/Johnson.

Local athlete signs with Minnesota United team

White Bear Lake Area High School 2023 graduate and adapted athlete Arianna Haines recently signed with the Minnesota United Football Club’s Unified Soccer Team. She will travel to San Jose at the end of the month with the team to play there and then will play again at Allianz Field on Sept. 16 after the MNUFC’s home game.

In 2013, Major League Soccer partnered with Special Olympics to bring soccer to athletes with intellectual disabilities. MNUFC added the Unified Team when it entered the league in 2017. Unified

SWIMMING

ZEPHYR SPORTS BRIEFS SWIMMING

Mahtomedi won four of nine races and captured the team championship in the Metro East Conference relays to open their season. Hastings took second. The Zephyrs won the 200 freestyle with Isabelle Befidi, Adalyn Miller, Delaney Dumermuth and Abigail Wright in 1:45.67; the 200 butterfly with Dumermuth, Maddie Ruppel, Emmerson Buckley and Abigail Wright in 1:57.14; the 200 backstroke with Buckley, Miller, Riley Parizek and Sidney Leciejewski; and the 200 breaststroke with Dumermuth, Befidi, Wright and Audrey Carlson in 2:01.33. Mahtomedi was second in the 400 individual medley, 400 freestyle and divers relays.

FOOTBALL

Mahtomedi will open Friday evening at home against Brainerd at 7 p.m. A new entry on the Zephyr schedule, Brainerd is coming off a 5-4 season and graduated their top rusher and quarterback. Mahtomedi, 10-2 and section champion last season, has nine returning starters including third-year quarterback Charlie Brandt.

TENNIS

Mahtomedi is 3-2 after the first week.

Team players include athletes with and without intellectual diabilities. They sign two-game contracts to play games at home and on the road.

Local sailor wins E Scow championship

Eddie Cox of White Bear Lake won the Inland Lake Yachting Association E Scow Championship Regatta held on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Cox grew up sailing X Boats on White Bear Lake and sailed for White Bear Lake High School.

The ILYA trophy has been awarded since 1920, and Cox is the 4th White Bear Lake sailor to win the award.

FOOTBALL

7

MAHTOMEDI

Thursday, Aug. 31 — Irondale

• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Orono

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — South St. Paul

GIRLS SOCCER

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 — at Woodbury

• 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 — at Orono

• 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — South St. Paul

TENNIS

4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 — at Eden Prairie

• 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — at Hill Murray

CROSS COUNTRY

8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1 — Irish Invitational, Rosemount High School

SWIMMING

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — North St. Paul, John Glenn Junior High School

At Stillwater the Zephyrs lost to the hosts 6-1, beat Apple Valley 7-0, and beat Rochester Century 6-1. The Zephyrs blanked Centennial 7-0. They lost to Roseville Area 5-2 with the Raiders sweeping singles. Mallory Langer, sophomore at 1-singles, lost against Stillwater and Roseville and won her other three matches. At 1-doubles, seniors Kate Hoffman and Olivia Bengtson lost to Stillwater and won their next four. Lily Carlson at 3-singles had the lone point against Stillwater. She’s 2-1 in singles and 2-0 at 3-doubles with Katherine Smith. Going 3-2 were Alayna Bartylla and Stella Schroeder in singles, and Hannah Meslow/Molly Moffitt at 2-doubles.

BOYS SOCCER

Mahtomedi cruised 9-0 in its season opener at Duluth Denfeld, then lost to Mounds View 3-1, with Mason Kipp scoring the goal.

GIRLS SOCCER

Mahtomedi opened the season with two games at Rochester, losing to Rochester Century 1-0 and defeating Rochester Mayo 4-1.

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BRUCE STRAND

Gabby Hofeld was hoisted by a teammate as they celebrated her game-tying goal with less than five minutes left.

The power to help change a community is in your hands –literally.

Ongoing Wine Club membership. See website for info. Two Silo Winery

Ongoing Winey Tour every Sat & Sun 4-5 pm Two Silo Winery

Ongoing Open to public Th-Su unless closed for private event. Belle Ame Vineyard

Sept. 3 Wine and Canvas Painting Party 3-6 pm St. Croix