Vadnais Heights Press

Vadnais Heights senior has no plans to slow down

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

When Bill Conway attended high school in Chatfield, Minnesota in the 1950s, he didn’t participate in sports because he was too small. He has made up for that as an adult.

The Vadnais Heights retiree started running in his 20s, played soccer from age 40 to age 80, and earned two gold medals — in the 400 meter dash and 1,500 meter run — this past August for ages 80-84 at the Minnesota Senior Games in St. Cloud.

Conway, whose career was in IT work, was born in England. When he arrived in the U.S. with his family at age 10, he was judged to be a couple of years ahead of his age group academically and was

placed accordingly. Two years younger and much smaller than his classmates, he didn’t go out for sports. But he grew to be 6-foot-1 after high school.

“I started running in my 20s when I moved to St. Louis to work for McDonnell Douglas,”

Conway said. “I didn’t know anybody there and had nothing to do, so I decided to start jogging. I’ve been jogging ever since.”

When he was 40, living in southwest Minneapolis and coaching his kids’ soccer teams, he and about 20 other parent coaches, both male and female, decided to take up the sport themselves. They played Friday nights when there were no kids’ games at Lynhurst Park.

“We were all terrible. None of us had played. But it was fun. We read a manual (on soccer),”

Conway said. From that initial experience, he and his coaching cohorts formed the Minnesota Senior Soccer League, which has grown from the original four teams to 30 teams. Conway started a website for the league.

Within that group, a team called Silverbacks was formed to play in tournaments around the country. It was a co-rec team with as many as nine different nationalities represented. Conway was a Silverback until last summer, when he finally gave it up. Along the way, he and his team collected numerous medals.

“We hang Bill’s track and soccer medals on the Christmas tree,” said his wife, Sandra.

Conway won the 400 meter dash (age 75-79) at the

BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER

Make no mistake: Mahtomedi-based dog trainer Anne Hendrickson loves training her clients’ four-legged friends and helping them love the pups for who they are.

“What I love about training dogs is helping families understand them better,” said Hendrickson. “It strengthens their bonds so they get the most joy from their relationship. Dogs are also poorly understood, and training helps when they have no one to speak for them.”

Throughout her career, Hendrickson has devoted her canine love to many jobs, from day care owner to personal trainer. Nowadays, Hendrickson runs Call of the K9, where she helps teach proper training techniques to dog day care staff.

Hendrickson’s journey began just after she and her then-boyfriend moved to Northeast Minneapolis in the early 2000s. “We wanted to get a dog,” said Hendrickson, “even though we knew nothing about them other than we loved them.”

The two adopted a German wirehaired pointer/Lab mix, Riley, who was prone to fear aggression. Through training with renowned animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, Hendrickson considered opening a dog-specific day care center. “I worked full-time and wished I had day care for

Riley, but there wasn’t anything like that in our area,” she said. “Thankfully, one of my friends’ roommates in commercial real estate was able to find a space I could use.”

In 2004, Hendrickson officially opened Downtown Dogs Daycare in Minneapolis’ North Loop. “Some people called it a mosh pit for dogs,” Hendrickson joked about the center. “We had three different rooms for different dogs to play in based on their energy levels. We accepted every breed and let them run and play throughout the day.” Hendrickson moved to Mahtomedi in 2011 and in 2014 sold the business to new owner Ralph Bernstein so she could concentrate on raising her kids, Gabe and Jonah.

After selling, Hendrickson started a co-working space called Work-it out of an office

SEE DOG TRAINER, PAGE 21

Bill Conway holds his Minnesota Senior Games gold medals for the 400 and 1,500 races.

CONTRIIBUTED

ERIK SUCHY PRESS PUBLICATIONS

Mahtomedi-based dog trainer Anne Hendrickson is committed to helping people bond and understand the behaviors of their four-legged friends. Here, she poses with one of her own dogs, Neville

“Everyone

“Amazing

OPINION

Beyond the lens

As a staff writer for Press Publications, the stories I frequently write have opened my eyes to the importance of local journalism. As a dedicated reporter, I would encourage the public to subscribe to our papers to stay involved in what is happening across our coverage areas. While keeping readers informed of events, meetings and compelling human interest stories, Press newspapers allow readers to take a break from the national and global news hubbub. As a former creative writer, my foray into local news has been fantastic and speaks to my overall writing passion.

Having recently participated in the Bald Eagle Art Crawl, I encourage our loyal readers to subscribe to your Press newspaper today, attend newspaper community events and spread the word about community bonding and local journalism. But it isn’t just my journey as a writer that I want to stress the importance of having a direct change in how I view the world. Having pursued photography for five years, I don’t always believe in happy accidents creating the best shots I’ve ever taken. The first “good” picture I ever took (now sitting comfortably in my portfolio) came from pure luck, and in true cliched fashion, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was 2014, and I was starting my first fall semester at Century College after graduating high school. One of my first classes was a photography course; during one lesson, our teacher instructed us to go outside and test out the various Nikon cameras we could borrow. Not understanding much about shutter speed, composition or lighting, I noticed a single raindrop hanging on a blade of grass; curious, I bent down, pointed my lens forward and clicked.  The result, while fascinating, was only a byproduct of curious happenstance. Beautiful and frame-worthy, yes. But I lacked foresight, much less the questions I needed to ask myself before I hit the shutter button: What did I want to take a picture of? How did I want to frame/light it? Edit it in postproduction to look more enticing? They weren’t there, and neither were the answers. It wasn’t until five years later that I decided to try again.

Erik Suchy

In 2019, I bought a Nikon D60. I took more care in preparing my photos beforehand, such as shooting from better angles, using proper camera specifications and editing the results into what I deemed “eye-poppers” for my audience to wow over. While I no longer have these images in my portfolio, I still consider it a critical step in the evolution of my photographer’s journey.

The year 2022 brought new gear and opportunities to bring my work before new audiences. The following year saw dozens of photo galleries accepting my work for display across the country, with a few even making their way into Budapest, Hungary! Throughout these years, my choice of subjects for each photo varied: one would be an abstract blur of several people, and another would be a few hanging lights off a friend’s porch, shrouded in darkness. The State Fair even featured one of the former kinds of pictures at the Fine Arts Center last summer! I was growing not just in audience but in skill, too.

Recently, I have concentrated on shooting portraits. I have met most of these people through a Facebook group called “TFP Minnesota Photographers and Models,” which connects aspiring photographers and models throughout the Twin Cities to meet up and do portrait shoots for fun. Through these shoots (and making these connections), I feel I have cemented my niche as to what kind of photography I intend to pursue from this point forward. As a photographer, it is my duty to discover stories of finding the unknown within the known.

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please contact him at 651-407-1229 or email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

Wildwood Library celebrates local history

If you’ve stopped by a Washington County library branch recently, you may have noticed a special display celebrating the County’s 175th Anniversary.

Movers & Shakers

Laura Frese

October is a special time for our communities, as the first Minnesota Territorial Legislature established Washington County on Oct. 24, 1849. Originally, the county stretched all the way from Point Douglas in the south to north of Mille Lacs Lake. Today, Washington County spans more than 40 miles and is home to 468 lakes. All Washington County Library branches are celebrating this legacy of service. Stop in to see our display, watch a video about Washington County history, and participate in a scavenger hunt full of county trivia and fun facts. If you’re interested in digging further, we’re happy to help you find information about Washington County or books written by Washington County authors.

Celebrating history is nothing new to Wildwood Library in Mahtomedi. The branch has

roots going back nearly 70 years. 1956, the Willernie Women’s Club founded the Willernie Village Library at the old Village Hall. Then in 1972, the library joined the Washington County Library system and was renamed Wildwood Library, a nod to the historical Wildwood Amusement Park. When the branch was rebuilt in 2020, the interior space was designed with area history in mind, including a giant glass photo of the Pippin roller coaster behind the front service desk. We are also fortunate to have librarians from the area who are passionate about history. Librarian Amy Zeuli, who is from the White Bear Lake area and has been with Washington County Library for over 25 years, is currently assembling a photographic tour of Mahtomedi history. Visit Wildwood Library later this fall to see historical photos of the Wildwood Amusement Park and the Stillwater Street Railway.

And if you’re a local history buff like us, be sure to visit Wildwood Library on October 7 at 6 p.m. for “Myths and Marvels from White Bear’s Past.” In this program, the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society will share some of the area’s most bizarre stories and claims. You won’t want to miss it! The program is free and does not require registration.

In the meantime, try one of our staff recommendations this month all about Washington County and the rich history of our local towns and cities:

• Mahtomedi Memories by Alice Smith – Explore photos, stories, and memories from Mahtomedi’s past.

• Forest Lake by Justin Brink – A history of Forest Lake since its incorporation in 1874, including the community’s historical attraction of gangsters like George “Bugs” Moran and the Ma Barker gang.

• The Superior Hiking Trail Story by Rudi Hargescheimer – Tales of the 310-mile hiking trail from volunteers, original trailblazers, and dreamers of grandeur.

• In Their Own Words: The Civil War as Seen by Washington County Soldiers by Robert Goodman – The personal stories of five soldiers who were part of Company B of the First Minnesota Volunteer Regiment. This company included 101 men from Washington County.

• Looking Back at White Bear Lake: A Pictorial History of the White Bear Lake Area by Cynthia Vadnais – A collection of more than 750 images capturing the White Bear Lake area through the years.

Laura Frese is the Wildwood Library Manager.

WHITE BEAR PRESS/VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS | ELECTION LETTER GUIDELINES

• Election season is considered to be from the filing deadline until the day of the election.

• Limited to 350 words.

• Letters are free unless endorsing or opposing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement/ opposition letters will have a $50 fee. Please call 651-407-1200 to arrange payment by credit card or mail a check payable to Press Publications to 4779 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110. Endorsement/ opposition letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

• Letter-writers must live, work or have another connection to Press Publications coverage area.

• Letters are meant to express opinions. If letter-writers include facts, they must attribute those facts to a reputable news source.

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

• Repeat unpaid letters by the same writer about the same subject matter will not be published. Repeat paid

• Submissions must include a full name, address and phone number for verification.

endorsement letters will be published as space permits.

• Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer. Exceptions may be made for rebuttal letters at the editor’s discretion.

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

• Letters by campaign managers or candidates designed to champion the candidate’s position on a specific issue will be accepted as paid letters.

• Letters reprinted as part of

letter-writing campaigns are paid letters.

• All letters are subject to editing.

• We reserve the right to not publish any letter.

• The deadline to submit a letter is 5 p.m. Wednesday the week prior to publication.

• The last batch of letters to be printed before the Nov. 5 election will be printed in the Oct. 23 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.16.

• To submit a letter, email news@presspubs.com or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

Suchy’s Scoop

PAID LETTER

Vote for Dellwood candidate

I am an old lady who now lives at St. Andrew’s Village in Mahtomedi. For many years I have lived in and around White Bear Lake.

Unfortunately, I am unable to vote for Dr. Karen Quaday for Dellwood City Council, a perfect candidate.

Karen has been a “Top Doctor,” a trusted ER doctor, as well as a compassionate hospice doctor. She is honest, kind and a good listener, and will work hard for the people of Dellwood. She has lived there for many years and is interested in helping wherever she can.

Dr. Karen Quaday deserves your vote. She is the perfect candidate for Dellwood City Council. Please don’t forget to vote.

Joyce Johnson Mahtomedi

PAID LETTER

Peeling back the curtain

Is there anything Rep. Brion Curran would not support? During the 2023-24 legislative session, Curran signed 520 bills, more than any other member of the House of Representatives. A good number of these bills are radical policies.

I do not recall Rep. Curran telling us when running in 2022 that her agenda included giving minors unrestricted rights to abortion and “gender care” or providing drivers licenses and taxpayer-funded MN Care for illegal immigrants.

Neither did I understand there would be legislation that required all Minnesota teachers to affirm students’ gender identity, or required menstrual products in all school restrooms for grades 4-12 or gave the state power to override parents’ decisions for minors on issues of abortion or trans surgeries.

I could go on: Rep. Curran also supported free speech infringements such as a state-administered bias incident database, “misinformation” regulations, prohibiting counselors and mental health professionals from discussing the base issues with children and teens. These are just a sampling of the bills Rep. Curran coauthored or voted for. Such extreme partisan policies (these were not supported by Republicans) are a radical departure for our state.

Rep. Curran wants to call their partisan agenda work “historic”. I would call it a disaster for Minnesotans. My vote for state representative is going to a pragmatic woman with common sense who has a record of servant leadership, Patty Bradway.

PAID LETTER

Need climate champions

2024 has proven to be another harmful, record-breaking year for climate change. August was the world’s warmest month on record and this summer was the most humid on record. Record heat and humidity have real-life consequences, as parts of the world are becoming uninhabitable. There is a substantial increase in heat-related deaths and health conditions due to this extreme heat, as our bodies are not meant to live with this heat.

High humidity causes extreme moisture in the atmosphere, which leads to flash flooding and increased intensity of storms. These intense storms have a direct impact on our daily cost of living, leading to property damage to homes and autos, an increase in insurance costs and lack of property insurance in some areas. The price of some foods is increasing as a direct impact of floods or drought (olive oil and chocolate are just two examples). The impacts of climate change are already here, and not some futuristic idea.

We need to elect leaders who no longer deny climate change and are willing to vote for legislation that not only works to reduce carbon but helps deal with resiliency. Brion Curran is such a leader. During the last two legislative sessions, she has authored/ co-authored and voted for numerous environmental bills ranging from funding for water issues in White Bear Lake, replacing lead pipes for safer water, banning chemicals such as PFAS, working to reduce packaging waste (particularly plastic), moving toward 100% clean energy and ensuring durability and resiliency of our energy infrastructure and homes (including home weatherization to help reduce costs). She is a true climate champion and votes for solutions to help her constituents have a better future.

Judy Lissick Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Remember the legislative session

They’re counting on the idea that we have a short attention span.

Do you folks remember the 2024 Minnesota legislative session??

The DFL had (and continues to have) complete majorities in the House, Senate and in the governor’s office. In what was supposed to be a “bonding year” where money is parceled out to statewide projects in need of funding, the DFL triumvirate chose to completely drain $17.5 billion dollars of our tax money and spend it on a multitude of special interest “needs” in an effort to buy votes for the upcoming 2024 election. Since the end of that session, the

White Bear Lake

Class Reunion 1994

Saturday, October 12th

DFL majorities have thinned due to retirements, deaths, decisions not to run, etc. The Democratic FarmerLabor Party is somewhat nervous about not having their way with our tax money again, so ... they will endorse anybody and their dog that will ensure that they don’t lose that grip on power — including Brion Curran. It’s entirely possible that we’ve seen the last of Timmy Walz, as he has climbed into the potential VP chair for the country and we may see the reality of Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Tim is hoping we’ll all conveniently forget about “Feeding our Future,” too.

I’m proud to have been a small part of the effort to successfully stop the Met Council’s Rush/Purple BRT bus line from taking over White Bear Lake just because they thought they should. The resolution that White Bear Lake passed gave courage to the Maplewood folks to do the same thing. That’s proof that local action can change things on a larger level.

Let’s turn out on Election Day and help restore the balance of power to our state government by replacing SD36B DFL’er Brion Curran, her DWI, and her support for far-left special interests with Patty Bradway’s reallife experience and sensibilities.  Personally, I’d like to see someone in that spot that has the same focus on what really matters in our community that Carol McFarlane had when she was in that chair. I feel Patty might just be that person.

Greg Lees White Bear Lake School board should show more respect

We are concerned about the methods and policy the White Bear Lake School Board uses to solicit feedback from stakeholders, such as parents, during the public forum at board meetings. The policy places arbitrary limits on the public such as limiting time to three minutes, limiting the subject matter of any topics, limiting the number of speakers on a single topic, requiring advance written notice of topics, no meaningful dialogue with the board, and a member of the school board holds up timing slides (i.e. 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, end) for the public forum. And these discussions are not made available to the public via video, but are conducted in the public forum of the meeting. On the other hand, vendors, who only have a financial interest in the district, have unlimited time, open dialogue with the board and full freedom without restrictions, free of time slides. Rather than using methods to invite and welcome public discussion, the board has chosen methods that are not inl ine with our values of transparency. We need a respectful noard. Let’s strike a better balance to encourage

insights from our community with more transparency. Let’s improve education, together.

Melissa Becker White Bear Lake United

PAID LETTER

Concerns about candidate

I am writing to express my concerns about mayoral candidate Mary Wingfield’s road plan for Birchwood Village, which proposes borrowing money to repair all roads at once through a mill-and-overlay approach. The City Engineer estimates milland-overlay for all roads will cost approximately $700,000. As Birchwood’s annual budget is only around $600,000, it becomes evident that this all-at-once strategy poses significant financial risks.

Mill-and-overlay repairs typically last only 10 to 15 years. If we take out a 15-year bond for $700,000 at an unrealistically low interest rate of 3.2%, the total cost could reach about $1.1 million. This debt would strain our community’s finances and divert funds from essential services. For instance, we may need to replace yet another lift station, costing around $500,000, during this period. The interest payments on Wingfield’s proposed bond could nearly match that amount. While Wingfield raises concerns about taxes, her plan would likely require even higher taxes to cover the cost of borrowing money.

Wingfield’s one-size-fits-all approach also risks wasting money by re-doing streets that don’t yet need repair. Additionally, some streets would benefit from more extensive repairs that, while initially more expensive, would offer longer-lasting solutions and be more cost-effective in the long run.

Birchwood should stick to the existing road plan developed by the City Engineer, which prioritizes repairs based on the specific needs of each street over time without resorting to borrowing. This tailored approach allows us to make the most economical choices in the long run, rather than opting for cheaper shortterm solutions that ultimately cost more.

Wingfield did not adequately address these road issues during her 14 years as mayor. Had she acted sooner, we could have initiated repairs at lower costs, but now, due to inflation, expenses are at an all-time high. Her current proposal is a risky response to a problem that arose during her tenure.

Birchwood deserves a leader who prioritizes prudent decision-making and long-term financial health rather than one who seeks immediate results at a potential cost to our future.

Karen Anderson White Bear Lake

Justin McCarthy City Councilmember Birchwood Village

COPS&COURTS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

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

• A White Bear Lake man, 41, was cited for disorderly conduct Aug. 25 in the 1100 block of County Road E after he became intoxicated, began antagonizing people at Jimmy’s Bar and Restaurant and eventually assaulted another inebriated person.

• Deputies arrested a woman, 40, after she slapped her daughter during an Aug. 26 argument in the 100 block of Skyline Drive about which pickup truck the family should drive to the school’s open house.

• A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued Aug. 27 on a male, his vehicle and his accomplices, after he tried to cash a fraudulent check at a bank in the 3500 block of Highway 61. The suspect left the scene before deputies arrived, but left evidence and identifying documents at the scene.

• A resident in the 4300 block of Buckingham Court on Aug. 29 reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars by someone claiming they would help her with computer problems.

• A motor vehicle was reported stolen Aug. 29 from the 1000 block of County Road D, after the complainant left it parked and unlocked with the motor running while she dropped off her child.

WHITE BEAR POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Lake Police Department reported on the following incidents:

• A man was arrested on a felony warrant in the 4300 block of Centerville Road Sept. 21.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office report Dellwood, Grant, Mahtomedi, Pine Springs and Willernie:

Grant

Goats on the lam were reported at 12:33 p.m. Aug. 25 in the roadway on Dellwood Avenue N. and Manning Avenue N. Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies could not find the goats at first, so the complainant called dispatch again to help. At 12:39 p.m., the goats were reported found in the 8000 block of Lansing Avenue N., but deputies could not locate the owner. However, a friend of the owner secured the goats in their pen. At 10:28 p.m. a lone goat was reported found in

• A Vadnais Heights woman, 40, was arrested for assault at 8:22 a.m. Aug. 30 in the 100 block of Skyline Drive, after she punched her boyfriend in the head several times, before running away from the scene.

• A Vadnais Heights man, 35, was arrested Aug. 31 in the 3800 block of Elmwood Street, after he fired several rounds into the air during an argument outside a residence.

• A loss prevention employee at the Walmart store in the 800 block of County Road E reported that an employee filled up a backpack with merchandise Aug. 31 and walked out of the store without paying.

White Bear Township

• A hit and run accident was reported Aug. 25 in the 2700 block of Lake Avenue.

• A White Bear Township woman reported finding a note on her vehicle parked in the 5700 block of Otter View Trail on Aug. 28 and worried that the note was meant to be a threat.

• A resident in the 4500 block of Margaret Street on Aug. 28 reported that someone had broken a bottle on her front step, frightening her children.

• A cougar was reported at 1:36 a.m. Aug. 28 in the 4400 block of Oakmede Lane, after it was spotted on surveillance camera playback.

• A New Richmond, Wisc. woman on Aug. 28 reported being scammed out of $500, after she sent money via PayPal to a person impersonating the landlord for her rental property in the 4600 block of Stoddart Circle.

• A St. Paul man, 47, received a trespass notice Aug. 29 after he became verbally abusive over a disagreement about happy hour time at a bar in the 1100 block of County Road E. A Vadnais Heights man was arrested on an active felony DWI warrant at 7:01 a.m. Aug. 30 at the Speedway gas station in the 1000 block of County Road E. The warrant also included driving after cancellation due to behavior inimical to public safety.

the 7000 block of Keats Avenue. A neighbor transported the straggler home, watched over it until the owner could be located, and the wild goat chase was over.

• A resident in the 10000 block of 83rd Street Court N. on Aug. 26 reported the neighbors for hazardous parking arranged for a late September wedding. Deputies advised the complainant they couldn’t issue citations for something that hasn’t happened yet.

Mahtomedi

• An Iris Street resident at 3:48 a.m. Aug. 25 reported hearing a subtle tap beneath her window. Deputies found two juveniles in the road and returned them to their mother.

Meet 'n Greet Royce White & Other Candidates

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 6:30-8:30 P.M. Kelerman's Event Center 2222 4th ST. White Bear Lake. 55110

Royce White - US Senate

May Lor Xiong - US House Patty Bradway - HD36B

Officers responded to a disorderly person in the 2500 block of Spruce Place Sept. 16.

• A vehicle was stolen in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 16.

• Officers reponded to a dispute in the 3600 block of Kenny Lane Sept. 16.

• Officers mediated a dispute in the 2200 block of Sierra Drive Sept. 16.

• Fraud was reported in the 2200 block of Floral Drive Sept. 17.

• A storage space was burglarized in the 1800 block of Buerkle Road Sept. 18.

• A juvenile was transported to the hospital with minor injuries following a 4 car crash on White Bear Avenue Sept. 18. An adult driver was cited for failure to use due care. Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 4700 block of Washington Square Sept. 18.

• Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 3700 block of Highland Avenue Sept. 18.

• Theft was reported in the 2300 block of Cedar Avenue Sept. 20.

• An adult granddaughter was arrested for interfering with a 911 call when she learned grandma, a Kenny Lane resident, called police about her violent behavior Sept. 20.

• Theft from a vehicle was reported Sept. 20 in the 4600 block of Murray Avenue.

• Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the 3200 block of White Bear Avenue Sept. 20. Officers responded to a report of hundred of nails scattered throught the intersection of White Bear Avenue and County Road F Sept. 20.

• Officers responded to a fight in the 5000 block of Bald Eagle Avenue Sept. 20. A noise complaint was reported in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Sept. 20.

• A suspicious male reported for driving through an Edgecumbe Drive neighborhood Aug. 23 turned out to be a First Student employee mapping out his bus route.

• Residents in the 1000 block of Griffin Avenue reported a suspicious device hanging from a tree in their yard. Deputies found the device to be a government weather tracking device, which could be disposed of.

• A suspicious male reported at 10:52 a.m. Aug. 26 for yelling and acting oddly in a park on Lincolntown Avenue turned out to be a singer practicing. Ramsey County Sheriff’s deputies terminated their pursuit of an electronic dirt bike on Shamrock Way Aug. 27 after they lost visual contact. A fugitive reported by

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Fire chief discusses new updates

• Tools were stolen from an enclosed trailer in the 4300 block of Centerville Road Sept. 21.

• Officers responded to a noise complaint in the 1500 block of Pine Pointe Sept. 21.

• Officers responded to a dispute in the 4000 block of Cranbrook Drive Sept. 21.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 900 block of Wildwood Road Sept. 21.

• Officers responded to a fight in the 2300 block of Elm Drive Sept. 21. Officers mediated the dispute and multiple disorderly conduct citations were issued.

• Two electric bikes were stolen from a detached garage in the 4800 block of Morehead Avenue Sept. 22.

A White Bear Lake man was arrested for two counts of domestic assault by strangulation in the 3100 block of McKnight Road Sept. 23.

• Criminal damage to property was reported in the 3600 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 23.

A Mora man was arrested on a warrant near the intersection of Buffalo Street and Highway 61 Sept. 24.

• A Cadillac Escalade was rented fraudulently from a business on Highway 61 Sept. 24 using a stolen identity and was not returned.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3100 block of Karth Road Sept. 24.

• Three people were arrested in the 2400 block of Elm Drive Sept. 24 following a fight.

• Officers responded to a report of vehicles being “egged” in the 3500 block of Century Avenue Sept. 24.

• A license plate was stolen off a motorcycle in the 1700 block of County Road E Sept. 25. A man was cited for misdemeanor theft in the 2600 block of County Road E Sept. 25.

deputies running on Shamrock Way Aug. 27 turned out to be a local jogger.

• A motorist was cited and his passenger arrested on warrant, following a traffic stop on Wildwood Road at 9:32 p.m. Aug. 28.

Pine Springs

• A motorist was arrested for DWI at 12:53 a.m. Aug. 25 on Highway 36 and I-694, following a traffic stop for speeding and lane violations. Deputies terminated a pursuit of a motorcycle with two riders at 2:17 a.m. Aug. 31 on Highway 36 and I-694, after losing visual contact.

This evening is a meet and greet opportunity - not a political fundraiser – and all are invited. Bring a neighbor or friend and join in the conversation, bring ideas, ask questions, or pick up campaign literature. In this time of great division we should look to understand all points of view, be informed and decide who best represents our interest. Cash bar available.

Dan Skaar - School Board R. Scott Smith - School Board Tim Klecker - School Board And more.

White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson highlighted changes and provided updates on the department’s new initiatives since the previous spring in a presentation to city council. Peterson noted the Certificate of Clinical Excellence that the department received from the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board on April 10, which marks the second consecutive year the department has received the certificate. Regarding the new updates, Peterson said that the department plans to purchase

ultrasound devices for medical use, which the department has been trained to use. Peterson also highlighted a new fire boat that the department recently purchased, which includes advanced sonar and a fire pump for spraying water, which the previous boat did not have. Peterson also mentioned new staff hires, such as Ella DeVine and Annalise Kasa, as fulltime firefighters/paramedics, Ryan Broderick as part-time firefighter/paramedic, and Jack Cole as part-time firefighter/ EMT. Peterson said that the department plans to bring back its Citizen’s Fire Academy next spring and is working with

Trellis, a company focusing on elderly care needs for those 55 and older.

Fire department sets annual open house

The White Bear Lake Fire Department will hold its annual open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at its South Fire Station on County Road E. Attendees will have the opportunity to spray a fire hose off of the department’s boat. The event will also feature a live fire and extrication demonstration and tours of fire engines and police squads. The event is free and open to the public.

6 WHITE BEAR/VADNAIS

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S REPORTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

WRITER'S SPEAK: AN OPEN MIC NIGHT FOR THE COMMUNITY

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3

Where: White Bear Center for the Arts,

Details: Bring an original writing work to read that is under 5 minutes alongside fellow writers. Registration required.

Contact: whitebeararts.org

BIRCHWOOD COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 through Saturday, Oct. 5

Where: Throughout Birchwood Village Details: Residents participate in citywide garage sale; open to the public.

SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4; 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6.

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake Details: Musical show performed by Children’s Performing Arts. Ticket information online.

Contact: childrensperformingartsmn. org

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where: Mahtomedi Middle School, 8100 75th St. N.

Details: One-day event for collection of household hazardous waste and electronics. Document shredding also available.

Contact: co.washington.mn.us/1942/ One-Day-Collection-Events

RIVERTOWN ART FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 & Sunday, Oct. 6

When: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

Where: Former Public Works site, 3950 Hoffman Rd. Details: Residents can dispose of unwanted items for a fee. Household hazardous waste not accepted, except car batteries and flourescent lights. Cash or check only. List of accepted items online. Contact: whitebearlake.org

GUIDED FILLEBROWN HOUSE TOUR

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5

CAR SEAT CLINIC

When: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8

Where: Mahtomedi Fire Hall, 800 Stillwater Road

Details: Certified car seat technicians are on hand to properly install children's car seats. Appointment required by e-mail.

Contact: cpsdiana@hotmail.com

11TH ANNUAL BRING IT HOME GALA

When: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11

Where: Keller Golf Club, 2168 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood

Details: Annual fundraiser to support Solid Ground's programs to end homelessness. Ticket information online.

Contact: solidgroundmn.org

PUNKINMANIA

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12

Where: Veterans Memorial Park in Mahtomedi (formerly Triangle Park) and the grounds of the Mahtomedi District Education Center.

Details: Community event includes pumpkins and painted pumpkins available for purchase, pumpkin crafts, kids games, fire trucks, and food.

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Learn about the 1879 lakeside cottage in a guided, 1-hour tour. Contact: whitebearhistory.org

LIONS BELGIAN WAFFLE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater Details: Nearly 200 artisans showcasing artwork in all mediums, food, beer and wine tent, live music and entertainment. Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber. com/rivertownfallartfestival.com

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E. County Rd. F.

White Bear Lake Area Church Directory

Details: All-you-can-eat affles, fire truck tours, safety information, city and public safety officials. Contact: cityvadnaisheights.com

LAKE WOBEGON BRASS BAND

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where; St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi

Details: Fall concert program features a variety of works composed and arranged for a traditional British brass ensemble. New conductor Dr. Matthew George. Goodwill offering. Contact: lwbb.org

CORRECTION

Two errors were discovered in last week's Voters' Guide. Mahtomedi School Board candidate Drew Whitson's job title should have been listed as principal at Endurus Capital. Additionally, White Bear Lake School Board candidate Angela Thompson's answer to the first question was not the answer that she submitted, due to an error in the layout process. As a courtesy, her correct answers can be found on page 20. The Press apologizes for these errors.

October 6: Unreality October 13: Are Sin, Disease & Death real? October 20: Doctrine of Atonement October 27: Probation after Death

WHITE BEAR CITY COUNCIL NOTES

• The council approved an application from White Bear Lake Main Street Inc. to use the gazebo at Railroad Park for Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event lasted from noon to 3 p.m. and featured pumpkin painting and polka music.

• The council authorized a special assessment senior deferment for the 2024 pavement rehabilitation project assessment rolls. The city’s assessment policy allows the deferment of special assessments for property owners ages 65 and older. City staff had received one request for senior deferment from the property at 1882 Third Street. The property owner understands that while the assessment can be deferred until they sell the property, interest will continue to accrue on the assessment.

• The council awarded G5 Construction a contract to renovate City Hall’s expansion room and construct a mother’s room. The expansion room’s renovation will allow the Finance Department to relocate from the Administration/ Finance office area to a new space

BUSINESS BRIEFS

VFW opens kitchen after summer remodel

Check out the new and improved VFW Post 1782 at the official opening of the renovated kitchen on Saturday, Oct. 5. A new menu will be featured, which includes breakfast served on weekends.

The annual Booya begins at noon Sunday, Oct. 6, with fun and games outside.

VFW Post 1782 is located at 4496 Lake Avenue S., White Bear Lake.

7 Vines celebrates 7 years with anniversary event

This weekend, 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery is celebrating seven years of success, memories and community service. On Saturday, Oct. 6 from noon to 6 p.m. community members are invited to enjoy cake, live music, food trucks and, of course, wine to celebrate the special anniversary.

“It’s been seven years for us and seven is a special number, given our name,” President Janee Katz said. “We just want an opportunity to toast to the years that we’ve been able to give great service to the community.”

7 Vines Vineyard and Winery is not short of accolades to demonstrate the work they have put in these past

to fit the departments’ needs better. The proposed construction will include two individual offices for the finance director and assistant finance director, workstations for finance and License Bureau staff, a front counter and small lobby area for paying customers, and a small conference room. The mother’s room will utilize an existing storage room on the lower level of City Hall near the elevator and will include wall finishes, carpet, a ceiling grid, a sink, a counter and furniture. The project was approved in the 2024 budget and will be funded with ARPA funds, which must be exhausted by Dec. 31. If not, the city must enter into a contract and use funds by the end of 2026.

• District 36 Sen. Heather Gustafson provided a legislative update to the council on the changes she hopes to bring to the city. Gustafson noted that White Bear Lake Area High School is in a $9.1 million budget increase from 2023 and hopes to author a new $300 million public safety bill. Gustafson said she is also working to lower the cost of

seven years. Katz said “just about every wine on [their] menu” has won an award at various national and international competitions.

The winery has become a place to be for just about any occasion. Over the years they have hosted weddings, celebrations of life, graduation parties, retirement parties, corporate events, charity fundraisers and more.

“I just love that all the people that have entered our doors in the last seven years have left with a memory,” Katz said. “To me, that’s the greatest gift and the greatest purpose of adding 7 Vines to the Dellwood and White Bear Lake community.”

Success was not guaranteed when Ron and Arlie Peltier opened the winery in 2017. It was only the third business to ever open in the city of Dellwood.

Essential to 7 Vines’ success the past seven years has been the support of its surrounding communities. “We are grateful for everybody who enters our space, and we hope that we can continue to do it for many years to come,” Katz said.

The anniversary event is free and all are welcome. For more information, visit 7vinesvineyard. com.

WHITE BEAR LAKE SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• Early Childhood Programs presented an update to the school board, beginning with “early childhood screening,” According to the Minnesota Department of Education, screening flags possible health or developmental concerns and helps link families to early learning opportunities and resources. At White Bear Lake Area Schools, screening—a requirement for admittance into preschool—is done for free. “Last year, we had 591 preschoolers screened through us,” said Assistant Director of Early Childhood Programs Kristin Nelson. Early Childhood Screening is many families’ “first contact with the district,” explained Nelson. “I take that very seriously to make sure that they’re feeling welcomed.” Board Member Dr. Scott Arcand elaborated, “The earlier we can do [the screening], if there’s a gap, the greater the chance we can fill that gap so they start Kindergarten ready to go without any deficits.”

• Another service Early Childhood Programs provides is Family Education and Outreach. The 141 families currently enrolled receive access to classes and playgroups that show and explain how children learn and develop. “We also have a full family literacy program,” added Nelson. “They’re able to do activities in the classroom with their children and then go do adult basiced [GED] coursework.” Arcand thanked this department for their engagement, commenting,

before-and-after-school care in White Bear Lake, noting that the average Minnesota family pays roughly $25,000 in child care. Other top priorities for Gustafson include preventing fraud and identity theft in small businesses, equalizing education funding and working with the League of Minnesota Cities to work on housing plans that align with the city.

• The council held the first reading of an ordinance adopting a new Chapter 1002 regarding alcohol within the Municipal Code. The council had previously held a public hearing at its August 27 meeting about the proposed ordinance, which originally prohibited liquor sales past 1 a.m. After hearing feedback from bar owners and customers, the council decided to keep the current allowable hours of operation for bars open until 2 a.m. within the ordinance. According to City Manager Lindy Crawford, the ordinance includes more descriptive definitions and requirements of different license types, including mandatory accompanying licenses,

allowable combinations of licenses, and references to Minnesota State Statutes. The proposed ordinance also includes a penalty schedule for violations, which outlines fees, suspension length, and period between offenses to create consistency for penalties and for the council to use as a tool when determining adverse license actions. The council will hold a second reading of the ordinance, with potential action to be taken at its October 8 meeting.

• The council certified the Birch Lake Improvement District service charge of $23,355 to the tax roll of benefiting properties. The charge will support the district’s budget expenditures of $27,500 for the fiscal year 2025. The district had requested the council approve a special service charge of $23,355 for certification in 2024 to be collectible in 2025 for revenues to support activities. Property owners will each pay an annual service charge of $376.70 per parcel for 2025.

Erik Suchy

Sen. Heather Gustafson visited Pine Tree Apple Orchard with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan Pine Tree Apple Orchard during Minnesota

Climate Week to highlight the orchard’s climate resiliency work. The business has been a Minnesota Grown member since 1984 and received their MN Ag Water Quality Certification in 2023.

“The ECFE is so crucial, especially when you’re a young parent … both the child and the parent get to start on that pathway with networking.”

• Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Tim Wald and Director of Finance Andi Johnson presented the Certification for 2024 payable 2025 Preliminary Property Tax Levy. “Each September, our staff works with MDE [Minnesota Department of Education] levy certification staff to prepare the tax levy for the upcoming calendar year,” explained Wald. Because over a dozen different parties— from county to state to federal—could demand changes before final numbers are presented, these preliminary numbers give the board an estimate while allowing for fluctuation. Currently, the “likely total increase” stands at $3,775,487, an increase of 6.15% over last year. Due to the 2023 Minnesota Homestead Market Value Exclusion act, this particular tax levy will either be negligible or nonexistent for residential homeowners whose property values are $300,000 or less.

• According to Johnson, the three main parts of the property tax levy are the General Fund, the Community Services Fund, and the Debt Service Fund. To minimize the increase while still making necessary payments on the “Building our Future” referendum, Johnson and the finance department lowered the General Fund allotment

by $2,289,233 and increased the Debt Service Fund by $4,604,900. Arcand asked how much the property tax levy contributed to the General Fund; Johnson estimated 5%. “The vast majority of our General Fund revenue comes from the state,” she said.

• Board Member Kathleen Daniels double-checked with Johnson that these amounts were merely estimates. Johnson explained that these were the maximum numbers in the expected ranges of the finance department’s estimates. The actual numbers presented at the “Truth in Taxation” hearing in December will likely come in lower. “There, you will approve actual dollar amounts, and that’s what goes out to the taxpayers,” Johnson described. Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak appended, “If you approved a dollar amount tonight, you’d be stuck with that amount … so we approve maximum, and over the next couple of months, everything gets refined.” Wald gave the example that a county could change data that impacts calculations. Board Member Chair Jessica Ellison responded, “And we’re in three different counties. I feel like there’s nothing on Earth more complicated than school-district finance.” The board approved the maximum amounts.

Erik Suchy

Pine Tree Apple Orchard celebrates Climate Week

Sen. Gustafson is pictured with owners Pine Tree Apple Orchard Bill and John Jacobson.

The White Bear Lake Conservation District heard a lake quality report from Mike Parenteau regarding lake level and invasive species.

Elevation of the lake Sept. 17 was 922.97 feet, or “one rain occurrence short of 923,” Parenteau said. “It actually got up to 923.2 feet this month. Last year the elevation was 922, so the lake is basically up a foot.”

Water temperature was 74 degrees, the same as the month before but 8 degrees warmer than last year at this time.

An annual phragmites survey Sept. 4 found 15 sites that will require treatment, planned for end of September. Last year, 16 sites were treated. $1,500 is budgeted.

Eurasian watermilfoil treatment was described as “excellent.”

“Treatment was very effective,” Parenteau said, noting 33 acres were treated when the average acreage is 52. The cost was also under budget by almost half. The board will hear a detailed report next month.

• Heard an update on the lake use study. Dellwood representative Meredith Walburg reported that Blue Water Science is continuing its work on the study and that “everything is going well and is on time.” A report will be prepared

when the study is completed.

• Heard an update on the VFW environmental assessment worksheet, a required step in plans to expand slip numbers. Bryan DeSmet said a public comment period ends Oct. 10. After that, the board will declare whether or not an environmental impact study is warranted.

Heard from counsel Alan Kantrud that a second marina slip count in Commercial Bay was not conducted by Ramsey County Water Patrol.

“At this point, it looks ridiculous to do a count,” Kantrud advised the board. “Given how well the year went, we don’t think we’ll find a problem.” The board agreed that Kantrud can inform water patrol to forgo the follow-up count.

The attorney added that the water patrol was “shocked” at this summer’s boating season. “It was amazingly tame, a slow and good summer,” Kantrud said. A boat was reported stolen out of Commercial Bay in August that was thought to be an inside job with suspicious circumstances. He didn’t know whether the boat was ever recovered.

Debra Neutkens

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CONTRIBUTED

Phragmites was found in 15 spots around the lake (red dots). Treatment will follow late September.

Purple Line up in the air

The Maplewood City Council has reversed it’s prior support of the Purple Line BRT project, making the future of the project uncertain.

The Purple Line BRT was intended to be a 15-mile route between Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul and downtown White Bear Lake. In 2022, after the project was rejected by the White Bear Lake City Council, Metro Transit began a Route Modification Study to evaluate a new northern terminus for the Purple Line. Options included the Maplewood Mall Transit Center, the Interstate 35E/County Rd. E park and ride in Vadnais Heights, or Century College.

The Maplewood Mall terminus proved to be the only option that would qualify for federal funds.

In light of the council’s decision, the Purple Line project is evaluating White Bear Avenue as an alternative to using the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Corridor, and Metro Transit is continuing to explore options. Learn more about the Route Modification Study at metrotransit.org/purple-line-project.

Harvest Moon Sale

VADNAIS HEIGHTS PRESS www.presspubs.com

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:

WyndBlown

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

37 County Rd C E Apt 205, Little Canada 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.

Abbea Elgin-Body

37 County Rd C E Apt 205, Little Canada MN 55117

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 30, 2024

Signed: Abbea Elgin-Body

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 25 and October 2, 2024.

BAIRD HOLM LLP

1700 FARNAM STREET, SUITE 1500 OMAHA, NEBRASKA NOTICE TO CREDITORS PLAZA PROPERTIES, INC.

Plaza Properties, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the “Corporation”), is in the process of dissolving and winding up its affairs. The Corporation filed an Intent to Dissolve with the Secretary of State on September 13, 2024. Notice is hereby given to all creditors or others with claims against the Corporation that claims must be sent to Catalina Mountain Management LLC c/o Plaza Properties, Inc., 1034 E 29th Street, Fremont, Nebraska 68025, and must document the basis for the claim and attach documentation in the possession of the claimant substantiating the claim. Any claim must contain sufficient information for the determination of whether it is a valid claim. The date by which all the claims must be received is 90 days after the date of first publication of this Notice or, with respect to a particular known creditor or claimant, 90 days after the date on which written notice was given to that creditor or claimant.

Published four times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 25, October 2, 9 and 16, 2024.

DUININCK GOLF

RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS COUNTY PROJECT # PRK0000020122

Duininck Golf invites prospective bidders to submit bids for an upcoming project at Goodrich Golf Course for their new Cart Path Improvement Project. Goodrich Golf Course is located at 1820 Van Dyke St. in the City of Maplewood, MN.

The construction work at Goodrich Golf Course is expected to begin late October 2024 and finish early November weather permitting. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams on October 10th, 2024, at 10:00 am CST. Use the following link to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 282 577 899 923

Passcode: yt2VNn SEALED BIDS ONLY. Bids are required to be received in a sealed envelope. Bids shall be received at the Duininck Golf Office located at 1010 McKinley Pkwy Delano, MN 55328 by October 22, 2024 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. Bids can be emailed to Kevin.Markhardt@Duininck. com. Bids shall be addressed to: Duininck Golf Attn: Kevin Markhardt, 1010 McKinley Pkwy Delano, MN 55328

All Questions shall be submitted by October 15, 2024, an addendum will be issued by no later than October 18, 2024 addressing any questions.

BID OPENING. All bids will be opened at 4:00 pm October 22nd, 2024. Bidders may attend virtually per the link below.

Meeting ID: 298 078 294 903 Passcode: 2Qr86C

Bidders may request the plans and specifications from Duininck Golf. Email Kevin at Kevin.Markhardt@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.

A plan set and specifications for viewing will be available in Duininck’s Conference room in Delano, MN.

This project requires Prevailing Wage in Ramsey County. Published three times in the Vadnais Heights Press on 9/25/2024, 10/02/2024, and 10/09/2024.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9:03 a.m. with the following members present: Frethem, McGuire, Moran, Ortega, Xiong and Chair Reinhardt. Also present were Ling Becker, County Manager, and Jada Lewis, Civil Division Director, Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.

AGENDA of September 17, 2024 was presented for approval Motion by

Frethem, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. MINUTES of September 3, 2024 were presented for approval Motion by Frethem, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Read by Commissioner McGuire.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Emergency Communications – Public Safety Answering Point Funding Allocation Project. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-175)

Parks & Recreation – Resolution for Minnesota Management and Budget for Release of Bond Funding for Battle Creek Waterworks Project. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-176)

Property Tax, Records & Election Services – Repurchase of a Tax-forfeited

Property Located at 127 Acker Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55117. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-177)

Property Tax, Records & Election Services – Repurchase of a Tax-forfeited

Property Located at 820 Ocean Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-178)

Property Tax, Records & Election Services – Repurchase of a Tax- Forfeited Property Located at 934 Orange Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN 55106. Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-179)

Board of Commissioners – Settlement Agreement in Simpson v. Joyful Homes, et al. (Court File no. 62-CV-22-2942). Motion by McGuire, seconded by Frethem. Unanimously approved. (B2024-180)

Property Management – Participation in the Comprehensive Improvement Special Service District for Downtown Saint Paul. Motion by Frethem, seconded by Xiong. Unanimously approved. (B2024-181)

COUNTY CONNECTIONS No updates.

OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

Discussion can be found on archived video.

BOARD CHAIR UPDATE

Presented by Chair Reinhardt. Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Reinhardt declared the meeting adjourned at 9:36 a.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 2, 2024.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY SECOND JUDICIAL

DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT PROBATE DIVISION

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-24-723

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (WITHOUT A WILL)

Estate of Donald K. Crawford,, Decedent TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Probate Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following:

David H. Crawford

1067 South Hover Street, E60 Longmont CO 80501 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative, or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Date: September 17, 2024

Attorney for Personal Representative PAUL DAY FUNKE

Attorney License No.: 395366

Funke Law

3820 Cleveland Avenue North Suite 500 Saint Paul MN 55112

Telephone: 651-332-8700

E-Mail: Paul@funkelawoffice.com

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 2 and 9, 2024.

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

SENIOR ATHLETE: Takes home 2 golds in Senior Games

FROM PAGE 1

Minnesota Senior Games in 2022. “That was the first time I had ever run on an actual track,” said Conway, who does most of his jogging around Vadnais Lake. At this year’s senior meet, he won the 400 in 1:40 and the 1,500 in 8:20. He qualified for next year’s nationals. “They’ll be in Des Moines next year, not too far, so I plan to be there.” He has a son and three daughters. Several of his grandchildren have

received full scholarships for athletics and academics. A granddaughter was a Wisconsin state champion in discus this year.  Conway attended college in Winona and worked in IT for 60 years with McDonnell Douglas, Control Data Corporation, IBM, Coca-Cola and Wells Fargo. He retired in 2008, un-retired in 2013 to drive a school bus and resume some IT work, and has since retired again, this time for good. But he is not, obviously, retiring from sports.

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-PUBW28956-KB

OPENING DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2024

RAMSEY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

STATE PROJECT NO. S.P. 062-649-055 & S.P. 164-020-171 MINN. PROJ. NO. STBG 6225(003) COUNTY PROJECT NO. P-8058

BID OPENING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Ramsey County will receive sealed electronic bids for Bid RFBPUBW28956-0-2024/KB, Rice Street Reconstruction – Pennsylvania to Wheelock Project until 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 17, 2024, through DemandStar.com. Immediately thereafter, all bids will be opened publicly and read aloud via Zoom, https://tinyurl.com/RamseyCoBidOpening101724

Work includes grading, bituminous paving, concrete curb & gutter, signals and grading.

Bidding documents, including the Bid Form, Drawings, and Specifications, will be available to be downloaded from DemandStar on our website at http:// www.demandstar.com. A bid bond in the amount of 5% is required. Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations. All prospective Bidders/respondents are hereby cautioned not to contact any member of the Ramsey County Staff or officials other than the specified contact person in the Ramsey County Procurement Department. Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations.

READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTS

The Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders: in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin in consideration for an award; in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin; in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.08 Unfair discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age;

in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.36 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363A.37 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance.

If you have employed more than 40 full-time employees in any state, on any single working day during the previous 12 months, you must have a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to bid on any job in this advertisement. Please contact the Department of Human Rights immediately if you need assistance in obtaining a certificate.

If you are not a current holder of a compliance certificate issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and intend to bid on any job in this advertisement you must contact the Department of Human Rights immediately for assistance in obtaining a certificate.

The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:

“It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency.”

“It is hereby agreed between the parties that this agency will require affirmative action requirements be met by contractors in relation to Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules 5000.3600. Failure by a contractor to implement an affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort shall result in revocation of its certificate or revocation of the contract (Minnesota Statute 363A.36, Subd. 2 and 3).”

This Project has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) goal. See the DBE Special Provisions for requirements.

SOLICITATION: RFB-PUBW28630-KB

OPENING DATE: October 31, 2024

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: RAMSEY COUNTY THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SEEKS A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) IMPROVEMENTS, CURB AND GUTTER, TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPLACEMENT AND FIBER INTERCONNECT, AND DRAINAGE UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE MOUNDS VIEW BOULEVARD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT COUNTY H2, COUNTY I, WOODALE DR, AND EDGEWOOD DRIVE. Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 2, 2024.

Valento Family Reunion

extended family

Front row

and

back row:

Ron

Pasquale Valento was born in Naples, Italy in 1857. He came to America in 1885 where he lived on the levee and worked for the railroad. Louise Petrucci was born in Rome, Italy in 1872 and came to America with her parents. Pasquale and Louise married at St. Paul Cathedral in November, 1888. Pasquale saved his earnings and bought land in Vadnais Heights. They had 15 children who attended St. John’s Catholic School. There are third generation family members still living.

The

of Pasquale and Louise Valento reunited at the recent Valento Family Reunion at Podvin Park in White Bear Lake.

(l-r):front Lyle Snavely and Frances Valento Snavely;

Barb, John, Janet, and

Krueger

Mark Valento.

Brodie Law Office

Legal Advice You Can Understand and Rely On

Estate Planning includes the process of managing your assets while you are living and the distribution of your assets after you die.

• A Trust Avoids Probate

Top Benefits of a Living Trust; This information will help you decide whether you want to incorporate a trust into your estate plan.

• A Trust Allows you to Maintain Control Over Your Assets While Living, as well as the Distribution of Your Assets in the Future

• A Trust Protects Your Privacy

• A Living Trust is Revocable

• Assists in the Event of Incapacitation

• In conjunction with a living trust, you can have a Pour Over Will to catch any assets that have not been transferred into your trust.

One of the primary benefits of implementing a revocable trust into your estate plan is that it allows assets to bypass the probate process upon the grantor’s death. Probate can be time-consuming, expensive, and public, but a revocable trust allows for a smoother and more private transfer of assets to beneficiaries.

Estate Planning Business Organization Landlord/Tenant 4665 White Bear Parkway, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 | 651- 603- 4740 brodielawoffice.com

To schedule a complimentary consultation and recommendation, contact; Brodie Law Office, LLC 4665 White Bear Parkway, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-429-3323 brodielawoffice.com charlene@brodielawoffice.com

Above: Mary Ryan’s dog Sally Ann wears a custom shirt with

the back.

At

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South St. Paul High School and the South St. Paul Open Foundation cordially invite you to attend the 2024 South St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Friday, October 11, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. South St. Paul Secondary School, Auditorium 700 2nd St. N., South St. Paul, MN 55075

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OBITUARIES

John Edward Kulas

John Edward Kulas, 82, of White Bear Lake, died on 9/18/24.

John was born in Superior, WI in 1942 to Effie and John Kulas. He graduated from Superior Senior High and continued his education at University of Wisconsin Superior, graduating with a degree in Math. He worked in the IT field as an executive at Ellerbe Becket and as President of Data Core Engineering.

John was preceded in death by wife, Judy, and is survived by sister, Delores; sons, John-o and Jeff; daughter-in-law, Gretchen; and grandchildren, Alayna and Joey.

Visitation Sunday 10/6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, with a celebration of life to follow at private residence. A Green Bay Packer Super Bowl is preferred over gifts.www. muellermemorial.com

Sandra Jean Runing

Passed away September 25, 2024 surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by parents Bill and Anna Bertrand, brother Robert, and sister Janet Tauer. Survived by her loving husband of 63 years Dave; children Kelly (Marcia) and Kim (Rich) Boyd; grandchildren Garrett, Sophie, Paige (Parker) Caskey; sister Bea Schneider. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Pius Catholic Church, 3878 Highland Lane, White Bear Lake. Visitation 1 hour before Mass. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements by Honsa Family Funeral Home.

Angela Thompson

Age: 50

City of residence: Hugo Occupation: ICWA Guardian ad Litem (4th District)

List 3 most recent civic involvement roles:

• Current school board member who is a liaison to Willow Elementary & the Area Learning Center. Committee member on the AIPAC (American Indian Parent Advisory Committee), Policy Committee, and the Systems Accountability Committee.

• NASW Social Work Advocacy Week - Student Advocate

• Hugo/Oneka Lake Elementary PTA Vice President & President

Q: What are your top three priorities for the school district?

A: 1. Foster a welcoming environment where students, families, staff, and community members from all backgrounds can come together to create the future of our district.

2. Advancing academic performance districtwide by empowering educators as experts in their field and equipping them with the necessary resources to implement researchbased educational practices that meet state standards.

3. Expanding educational opportunities and resources to meet the evolving needs of 21stcentury students and the educators who support them. Enhancing our Career Pathways Programs to ensure every student graduates with a career they can be proud of, offering both livable wages and long-term satisfaction.

Weather Tidbits

Q: What do you see as the major issue(s) facing your school district?

A: Funding issues are a significant concern in our district and public school districts across the state and country. Federal tax dollars comprise roughly 2% of our district’s budgeted revenues. If our state-funded per pupil rate had kept pace with inflation since the ‘02/’03 school year, we would have an additional 11 million dollars in our general funds. We can and must do better, which means advocating for changes at the state and federal levels. Increasing property taxes is not the only way to fully fund public education systems.

changed our world. Ensuring they can continue the hard work they have already implemented and are currently collecting data on is crucial in ensuring our district moves forward in education rather than going backward.

Q: What are your thoughts on the current and the proposed budget for your school district?

Weekly Outlook

A: General education fund revenues have remained stagnant for over two decades, not keeping pace with inflation since the 2002 - 2003 school year. This gap in funding significantly impacts our ability to provide the necessary resources for our classrooms, staff, and student programs.

La Nina pattern) vs. last year’s El Nino pattern, and we all know how warm last winter was. Stay tuned! Weather calendar note: I’m looking for pictures for my 2025 calendar. Email me at watsonwx@aol.com.

Addressing the academic loss that has occurred, strengthening the resources our schools need to help our students overcome this learning loss, and addressing their mental health needs. Our district leaders and experts in education have been actively working to address these needs since the COVID pandemic

In addition to this shortfall, our district also faces substantial cross-subsidy shortfalls. These mandated programs, such as special education, require us to divert general fund dollars from other essential areas to make up the difference for these crucial academic services. As a result, many of the district’s programs and initiatives face insufficient funding, putting additional pressure on our students and staff.

The time is now to increase advocacy at the legislative level. We must fight for equitable and sustainable funding models that ensure every student can access a high-quality education.

DOG TRAINER: Best of the Press winner helps problem pets and their people

building on Fairview Avenue. Due to a noncompete agreement she had signed with Bernstein, Hendrickson was not allowed to reenter the dog care industry for five years. However, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of the office space, allowed

Hendrickson to reenter the dog world with a new idea. “I noticed that at the start of the pandemic, there was a huge dog boom,” said Hendrickson. “I saw a need for them and already had many connections and experience. I decided to go into training dogs, as it’s a lot lower pressure than doing day care and boarding.”

GIRLS SOCCER

Mahtomedi has 10 straight wins after defeating Simley 7-0, North St. Paul 10-0 and Mounds View 3-1 last week. The Zephyrs, ranked No. 2 behind Blake in Class 2A, are 12-1-1 overall and 6-0 in the Metro East with two regular-season games left. They’ve allowed just five goals. For the week, Sophia Peer tallied five of the 20 goals and Allie Rippentrop four (all against Simley). Elise Aflakpi had two and Faith Peper, Olivia Thiele, Indra Ramaley, Cecelia Emery, Breanna Elbers, Ingrid Lienke, Presley Albers, Kayla Poirer, and Aynslea Ulschmid one each.

BOYS SOCCER

The Zephyrs had a hiccup in a strong season when

PET MEMORIAL

Molly Jane Reagan

13 ½ year-old Yorkshire Terrier; beloved pet bosslady of the Reagans of Mahtomedi.

Though her body was tiny, her personality filled the room!

Molly was an exuberant friend to everyone she met (except squirrels and the vacuum).

She made new friends very quickly by offering stinky kisses and leading anyone who’d follow to her treat drawer.

Her bark is now sadly absent from our home, but her love and memories will fill its rooms and our hearts forever.

Thank you for the love, trust, cuddles, kisses, laughs, happy dances, and butt wiggles. Rest well, sweet Molly girl.

During the pandemic, Hendrickson started Call of the K9, where she led in-home training at others’ houses. White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi residents could also sign up to take training classes through both districts’ community ed programs, which Hendrickson held outdoors while maintaining social distancing protocols.

While Hendrickson still runs Call of the K9 to this day, she no longer teaches group classes. Instead, she pivots her work toward consulting with dog day cares on dog social behavior. “Right now, the demand is much higher for consulting than individual training,” said Hendrickson. “It’s also hard for people to find the time.”

Hendrickson also owns a male toy poodle named Neville and a female Shih Tzu named Zaley, through whom she is starting a new breeding program. Hendrickson said she is taking Neville and Zaley’s new litter to various dog parks and local events to socialize them more for adoption.

“Neville and Zaley are nice dogs, and friendly dogs tend to produce equally friendly

dogs,” explained Hendrickson. “You must be careful with a litter because they’re very fragile. However, you still need to expose them in their first six months to our world, as opposed to a farm dog, where all they’re ever going to be exposed to is the farm.”

After the whole litter has been adopted, Hendrickson said she will wait another year before breeding again.

“I love seeing dogs and families living their best life together,” she said. “I am so driven to help that happen.”

Hendrickson said that she is also in the early stages of writing a book dealing with training and toy breeds’ behavior.

Hendrickson won this year’s “Best dog trainer” award in the Best of the Press contest. To learn more about Call of the K9, please visit its website at www.callofthek9.com.lit

Erik Suchy is a staff writer at Press Publications. To reach him, please email at whitebearnews@presspubs.com.

they gave up a first-minute goal to Simley and went on to lose to the Spartans 5-0 in a duel for the Metro East lead at home. The Zephyrs (11-3) beat North St. Paul 5-1, with goals by Riley Burke (two), Mason Kipp, Max Pollock and Nhat Chu, and Mounds View 2-1.

VOLLEYBALL

Mahtomedi was still unbeaten at 14-0 before losing their last two matches at the Chisago Lakes tournament. The Zephyrs, ranked No. 7 in Class 3A, beat Two Rivers 3-0, and got past Pine City, Maranatha Christian and Chisago Lakes in the tournament before falling to Blaine 2-1 and Holy Angels 2-0 in close matches.

CROSS COUNTRY

Matthew Johnson placed ninth among 539 runners was Mahtomedi’s highlight in the Cowbell

SWIMMING

White Bear Lake picked up its first two wins, placing first of four teams in the Polar-Bear Invitational, then out-stroking Forest Lake 10382. In the Polar-Bear Invitational (co-hosted with North St. Paul), Bear winners were Anna Miller (200 free), Charlotte McIntyre (medley, butterfly), Lily Jenkins (50 free), Anna Zarambo (diving), Sophie Collins (500 free); the 200 free relay with

Run at Farmington. The Zephyr boys placed eighth of 30 teams, and the girls 11th of 27 teams. Johnson, a state qualifier for Concordia Academy last year, finished in 16:48. Evan Carion was 23rd, Matthew Studenski 43rd and Daniel Gibbens 70th. Leading the girls were Vanessa Rogosheske in 49th place and Sylvie Lavigne 53rd.

SWIMMING

Mahtomedi is 5-0 after defeating North St. Paul 98-58 on Thursday. Event winners were Tori Harnish (200 and 500 free), Maddie Ruppel (medley), Abigail Wright (50 free), Shaela Murphy (diving), Adalyn Miller (butterfly), Sidney Leciejewski (100 free), Aria Armstrong (backstroke), and Audrey Carlson (breaststroke).

Bruce Strand

Audrey Borofka, Miller, Addie Johnson and Jenkins; and the 400 free relay with Borofka, Brigid McVeigh, Collins and McIntyre. Winning for the Bears (1-3) against Forest Lake were Borofka (200 free), Jenkins (50), Miller (medley), McIntyre (butterfly); the 200 free relay with Borofka, Madison Hanscom, Miller and Jenkins; and the 400 free relay with Borofka, Brigid McVeigh, Hanscom and McIntyre.

BOYS SOCCER

The Bears hold second place in the Suburban East after falling to first-place Woodbury 3-2, then edging Forest Lake 1-0. Senior Nate Asiedu-Mensah tallied both goals against Woodbury, with Gio Pescosolido and Colby Peterson assisting, and Parker Anderl, freshman, scored against the Rangers in the 63rd minute, with Oliver Carlson assisting. It was the first varsity goals for each. Thomas Orwell made seven saves against Woodbury.

GIRLS SOCCER

Top-ranked White Bear Lake is 12-0-1 after handing Woodbury (9-1-2) its first loss 6-1, then blanking Forest Lake 8-0. Becca Smith tallied five goals in the two wins, Jenna Maloy three, Katie Koller two, Grace Weinke two, and Abby O’Brien and Kelsey Wolfe one each. Chloe Tocko stopped seven of eight shots by Woodbury.

VOLLEYBALL

White Bear Lake made a remarkable comeback against Woodbury, losing the first two 23-25, 18-25, then battling back 25-14, 25-15, 25-12 to pull it out. The Bears lost 3-0 to Roseville, then won three of four at Dassel-Cokato.

Bruce Strand

Lily Jenkins won the 50 freestyle against Forest Lake.

BRUCE STRAND | PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Charlotte McIntyre powered to first place in breaststroke against Forest Lake.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Allie Rippentrop (6) watched her shot get past the Simley goalie.

Through Call of the K9, Hendrickson led many group sessions on training dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through a litter produced by her dogs Neville and Zaley, Hendrickson is working to prep them for adoption by giving the pups greater exposure to the outside world.

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 5 (10am & 12noon) Wedgewood Park 211 Wedgewood Drv Mahtomedi, MN

Join us for the 34th Annual Blessing of the Animals featuring two blessings, adoptable pets from Second Chance Animal Rescue, and pet food samples from Farmina Pet Foods. We will be collecting dog and cat food for the White Bear Area Food Shelf. Bring your pets leashed or crated. Welcome: dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, fish, reptiles, farm animals, and stuffed toys. Co-Sponsored by St. Stephen and Redeemer Lutheran Churches.

CROSS COUNTRY

This Week In SPORTS

ZEPHYRS SCOREBOARD

Results last week:

Zephyr boys 8th of 30 teams at Farmington

Zephyr girls 11th of 27 teams at Farmington

Coming up: Wednesday, Oct. 9: at St. Cloud State Invitational, 5 p.m.

FOOTBALL

• Results last week:

Taran 28, Zephyrs 24

• Record: 1-3 overall, 0-2 conference

• Coming up: Friday: Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m. (Homecoming)

SOCCER, BOYS

• Results last week:

Simley 5, Zephyrs 0 Zephyrs 5, North St. Paul 1 Zephyrs 2, Mounds View 1

Record:

11-3 overall, 5-2 conference

Coming up:

Thursday: at Two Rivers, 5 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER

Results last week:

Zephyrs 7, Simley 0

Zephyrs 10, North St. Paul 0

Zephyrs 3, Mounds View 1

• Record:

12-1-1 overall, 6-0 conference

• Coming up: Wednesday: at Two Rivers, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5: at East Ridge, 11 a.m.

SWIMMING

Results last week:

Zephyrs 98, North St. Paul 59 Record: 5-0 overall, 5-0 conference

Coming up: Thursday: vs. Two Rivers at Skyview Middle School, 6 p.m.

TENNIS

• Results last week: Eden Prairie 5, Zephyrs 2 Zephyrs 5, Simley 2 Zephyrs 5, Hastings 2 Zephyrs 5, South St. Paul 2

• Record: 13-8 overall, 7-0 conference

• Coming up: Tuesday: Zephyrs vs. Fridley or Columbia Heights, 4 p.m. Thursday: TBA; semifinals Monday, finals Wednesday

VOLLEYBALL

Results last week:

Zephyrs def Two Rivers 25-12, 25-5, 25-14

Zephyrs def. Pine City 25-21, 25-7

Zephyrs def. Maranatha Christian 25-14, 25-20

Zephyrs def. Chisago Lakes 25-14, 25-14

Blaine def. 18-25, 25-19, 15-11

Holy Angels def. Zephyrs 25-21, 25-21

• Record: 14-2 overall, 3-0 conference

• Coming up: Wednesday: at Simley, 6:30 p.m.

BEARS SCOREBOARD

CROSS COUNTRY

• Results last week: No meets

• Coming up: Saturday, Oct. 5: Alexandra Invitational, girls 12:30 p.m., boys 1:05 p.m.

FOOTBALL

• Results last week: East Ridge 28, Bears 20

• Record: 0-5 overall, 0-4 conference

• Coming up: Friday: at Stillwater, 7 p.m.

SOCCER, BOYS

• Results last week: Woodbury 3, Bears 2 Bears 1, Forest Lake 0

• Record: 7-2-4 overall, 4-1-2 conference Coming up: Thursday: at CretinDerham Hall, 7 p.m. Saturday: at Minnetonka, 1 p.m.

SOCCER, GIRLS

• Results last week: Bears 6, Woodbury 1 Bears 8, Forest Lake 0 Record: 12-0-1 overall, 7-0 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: at CretinDerham Hall, 5 p.m.

SWIMMING Results last week: Bears 102, Forest Lake 83 Record: 1-3 overall, 1-3 conference Coming up: Thursday: Stillwater, 6 p.m.

TENNIS

Results last week: Bears 5, Stillwater 2 Bears 6, Roseville Area 1 Bears 6, Cretin-Derham Hall 1 Record: 13-3 overall, 7-1 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: Sectionals Bears vs. TBA, 4 p.m.; semifinals Monday, finals Wednesday

VOLLEYBALL

• Results last week: Bears def. Woodbury 23-25, 18-25, 25-14, 25-15, 15-12 Roseville Area def. 25-14, 25-15, 25-17 Bears def. Rockford 25-17, 25-9

Bears def. Eden ValleyWatkins 25-11, 25-19 Big Lake def. Bears 25-23, 14-25, 15-10 Bears def. Dassel-Cokato 25-13, 23-25, 15-9

• Record: 12-6 overall, 1-3 conference

• Coming up: Thursday: Cretin-Derham Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8: at Irondale, 7 p.m.

Nice gain from Spain for Bears

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

White Bear Lake is enjoying its best girls tennis season in many years, and one of the reasons is a Spanish girl who arrived unannounced in August and has won nine of her 11 matches.

Martina Chocarro, a foreign exchange student from Madrid, Spain, is 6-1 at 3-singles, playing behind senior co-captains Ellia Groneberg and Tally Domschot in the normal lineup. She’s 1-1 at 1-singles, losing to a Forest Lake state qualifier, Lucy Saari (respectably, 6-2, 6-3) on a day when the Bears loaded up doubles and won 4-3.

The Bears beat Stillwater 5-2, Roseville Area 6-1 and Cretin-Derham Hall 6-1 last week, with Chocarro posting three wins, to finish 7-1 in the Suburban East for second place behind Mounds View, which went unbeaten for the seventh straight season. The Bears are 13-3 overall with 11 consecutive wins heading into sectionals.

“We saw Martina’s name on the roster, and didn’t know who she was,” said Marla Menne, head coach. Menne was absent due to a health issue on the third day of practice when Chocarro showed up. “I got text messages from my assistant saying that she was going to be in the varsity lineup,” Menne said.

Chocarro missed five matches while the coaches waited for the MSHSL to

clear her. In the last 11 matches, Menne says “she has been a great addition to

our team, very solid at No. 3, and she is so lovely to have around, always smiling.”

Chocarro smiles a lot because she is glad to be here.

“I’ve dreamed about the U.S. since I was about three years old,” she said. “It’s like I’m living in a movie. When they told me I was going to Minnesota, I was not happy at first, because I don’t like the cold, but it has been very good.”

It’s hardly her first time overseas, though. “My parents love to travel. We’ve been to all the continents except Australia.”

In Spain, Chocarro played tennis individually with a club in weekend tournaments, as European schools don’t have team sports like we do. Playing on a team for the first time is uplifting, she said, especially when she loses a set and gets pep talks from teammates, something she never had before. Another thing she enjoys about the USA: “I like football! I like to watch the games.”

Chocarro’s favorite classes are fashion design, language arts and biology. She’s a bit wary of the approaching winter. “I don’t have clothes. I’ll have to buy some.” Her American parents are Kelly and Sean Kennedy of White Bear Lake.

The Bears are seeded No. 2, behind Mounds View, among 15 teams in Section 4AA, and will open Thursday, hosting Centennial, St. Anthony Village or St. Paul Johnson.

Bear gridders miss chances, lose to Raptors 28-20

White Bear Lake is still looking for its first win after falling short at East Ridge 28-20 despite a solid defensive performance and out-gaining the Raptors by 161 yards Friday night.

“We didn’t capitalize a few times, and shot ourselves in the foot,” coach Ryan Bartlett assessed, listing a costly interception and fumble, along with being stopped on a fourthdown from the 1-yard line. “We moved the ball well … Overall, it was a very good, competitive game.”

The Bears (0-5) rushed for 249 yards with Brian White gaining 98 on 15 carries and Porter Cleary 95 on 16 totes. Tomi Animasaun was 11-for-19 passing for 149 yards, with touchdowns to Easton Miles from 15 yards and Andrew Kolenich from 22. The other TD was a one-yard run by Levi Arvig.

The Bears limited the Raptors (3-2) to 133 yards rushing and 103 passing.

Bruce Strand

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Sophia Peer Mahtomedi Soccer

Sophia Peer, Mahtomedi senior defensive midfielder, is a key factor in shutting down opponents for a 12-1-1 team that’s given up just five goals in 14 games. “Sophia had a good week both defensively and offensively,” noted coach David Wald. The agile six-footer had just one previous goal but last week delivered three goals in a 10-0 win over North and two in a 3-1 win over Mounds View. Peer was a Star-Tribune second-team All-Metro defender last season.

Sophia Peer

Tartan clips Zephyrs at end 28-24

Mahtomedi took the lead twice in the second half but the Tartan Titans scrambled back to defeat the Zephyrs 28-24 on Friday evening in Oakdale. With a big game from quarterback Connor Finn, the Zephyrs outgained the Titans 425 yards to 340 but were 0-for-4 on conversions as they fell to 1-4.

Finn completed 11 of 18 passes for 262 yards with touchdown tosses to Alex Haase (72 yards), Joey Pipes (28 yards) and Jackson  Chesak (18 yards), against one interception. Finn ran 21 times for 93 yards and an eight-yard TD that gave the Zephyrs a 24-20 lead.  Pipes caught seven passes for 106 yards and Ethan Boeke two for 65. Gavin Kruse gained 42 yards in nine rushes. Luke Torgrude intercepted a pass. Tartan (2-3) got a late 37yard touchdown pass from Charles Graske to Jerror Borsay to pull it out. The Titans’ edge was going 3-for-4 on conversions.

Bruce Strand

Dandy in doubles, Zephyrs conference champs

Mahtomedi wrapped up the Metro East Conference championship with victories over Hastings and South St. Paul, each by 5-2. The Zephyrs, coached by Nathan Tretsven, went 7-0 in conference.

The Zephyrs were 21-0 in doubles in conference, led by Mallory Langer and Katherine Smith going 6-0 together at the top spot. Smith was 7-0 overall, with Langer posting one win at 1-singles.

Molly Moffitt was 7-0 at 2-doubles including 5-0 with

Greta Munson. Berkley Blaisdell was 7-0 mostly at No. 3, including 5-0 with Amber Schaefer. In singles, Alayna Bartylla was 4-3 at No. 1, Lily Carlson 5-2 at No. 2, Annika Winke 3-2 at No. 3, and Ellis Krause 5-2 at 3 and 4.

The second-place team was Hill-Murray, whom the Zephyrs beat 4-3 despite losing 1-2-3 singles.

Mahtomedi takes a 13-8 overall record into Section 4AA this week.

Bruce Strand

MARY ROLLINGER CONTRIBUTED Connor Finn

MBRUCE STRAND

Martina Chocarro has bolstered the Bear lineup as a strong 3-singles player.