Vadnais Heights Press

QR Code: Subscriptions needed as costs

By now you have probably noticed By now you have probably noticed the giant QR code on the front of this issue.

This week, we are kicking off our fall subscription campaign. Twice a year we ask that you invest in the local newspa per with a subscription.

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Send in photos of your Halloween costumes

Press Publications wants to see your Hal loween costume this spooky season. Perhaps you get crafty every year with a DIY costume, or you have a creative couple’s costume you’d like to show off. Cute kids’ and pet costumes are always appreciated. We want to see everyone all dressed up for a night of trick-or-treating and Halloween festivities. Email your photos, plus your full name and age, to quadnews@ presspubs.com. The deadline to submit is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. The best costume will receive a prize.

Best of the Press Contest: You voted, results are in

From best hamburger to best teach er, there are hundreds of winners and finalists named by readers as tops in their field in the 2022 Best of the Press Readers’ Choice Contest.

Local voters embraced the Best of the Press contest. More than 38,500 votes were cast by readers in five Best of the Press contests, including White Bear Press, Vadnais Press, Quad Community Press, Shoreview Press and The Citizen, which may make these contests the largest in the region. This year’s contest saw a 33% increase in votes cast compared to 2021.

Votes were tallied using a reputable

Catch of the week

Tallak Born, age 6 of White Bear Lake, caught his first Muske on White Bear Lake Sept. 13. Tallak, his dad, Sam, and his mom, Michelle, fish on White Bear Lake regularly. The Muske was 38” long, and he caught it in 9’ of water using a Top Water Lure.

platform, which is also used by the largest media outlets in the country. Those who care to read community newspapers care about local business es; shop locally; follow school, city, township and county news; and vote.

For a comprehensive guide of win ners and finalists in the 2022, contest, visit www.presspubs.com/quad/ bestof .

Press Publications would like feedback about the contest. Readers can share possible categories for next year’s contests and thoughts about the edition by emailing news@presspubs. com.

CONTRIBUTED

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We hope you find the Vadnais Heights Press helpful in your daily lives. Visit our Web site at www.presspubs.com and you’ll find the scores of the local high school games, events and in-depth stories on changes in your community.

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What Vadnais Heights Press Readers Are Saying

National Newspaper Week

Parks advisory group remains pro-dog beach

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Parks Commission

members have been making a lot of visits to the dog beach the last few months. They wanted to know if users were breaking the rules.

A discussion regarding the beach arose at the commission’s July 21 meeting when Council Member Heidi Hughes asked the parks advisory group to consider a recommendation to close the dog beach at the end of the 2022 season. The councilwoman lives across the street.

Minutes from the meeting listed Hughes’ concerns as the following:

Dogs crossing to adjacent private property; owners allowing dogs to go on the swim dock; owners not having control of their dogs and having them off leash; dogs fighting; and pet waste left in the area.

Hughes also asked commissioners to consider new locations for the beach, including the area between the Matoska boat launch and the Manitou Island bridge.

Minnesota senator leads legislation to protect local journalism

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DMN), Chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, issued the statement below after the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Journalism Competition Pres

ervation Act by a 15-7 vote. The Journalism Competition Preser vation Act would allow news orga nizations to jointly negotiate fair terms for access to their content by Google, Facebook, and other dominant platforms.

Klobuchar and Senator John

Kennedy (R-LA) lead this bipar tisan, bicameral legislation to ad dress dominant online platforms’ power over news organizations. Sen. Klobuchar issued the fol lowing statement: “The Senate

According to minutes from that meeting, commission members generally feel the dog beach is a great amenity to the community and well used. Members said they had not seen the issues presented other than at times dogs being off leash.

Moratorium sticks, cannabis products temporarily banned

BY DEBRA NEUTKENS STAFF WRITER

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Blaming the Legislature for leaving “little regu latory guidance” for municipalities after legalizing certain edible cannabis products, City Council felt it had no recourse but to place a 12-month mora torium on their sale.

Hitting the pause button gives the city time to study the need to regulate tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products legalized by the state July 1. The new Act allows sale of edible cannabis products that are not more than 5 mg of THC per dose and 50 mg per container. Purchasers must be 21.

The legislation did not address local regulation on their sale, which the

city feels has left them uncertain as to scope of authority. There is currently no state-level license required to sell cannabis products and the state Board of Pharmacy, which has oversight, does not test or approve products prior to their sale.

At its July 12 meeting, City Council discussed a 12-month moratorium to allow staff time to study the topic. A

second reading and public hearing occurred Aug. 10, but nothing was decided. Ultimately the moratorium or dinance was tabled to last week’s Sept. 27 meeting.

Noting that “other than Rush Line, this is the most emails and phone calls I’ve received on a topic,” Mayor Dan

CANNABIS: Council wants time to study regulations, licensure, zoning

Louismet gave people another chance to speak on the issue.

Business owner Rob Wazwaz, a White Bear Town ship resident, employs up to 10 people at his two E-cig FireHouse Smoke shops. He told council the THC products he sells are important to his customers, who thank him “all the time” for helping them sleep and manage anxiety. “My customers will go to neighbor ing cities or buy online,” he said. “This product helps people. I will lose both my shops (with a moratorium). This is how I support my family of seven.”

Following a statement by Wazwaz that the city is “making a mistake to ban products,” the mayor told him that statement is not entirely true.

“I want to dispel misconceptions regarding what this moratorium actually means. One business has a petition that we want to ban hemp products. That isn’t true,” Louismet said. “We have a carefully worded moratorium. It defines cannabis products as edible products regulated by the Act. It does not apply to medical cannabis or nonedible products lawful to sell before the law was enacted.

“It seems to me there is a whole body of products that residents in White Bear Lake enjoy for a whole host of reasons. We’re not trying to upset that. This is a rather new phenomenon. The moratorium is set at one year, which is standard. It does not have to go that long.”

Another White Bear Township resident, Kevin Schoonover, also went to the podium to say he is an “advocate of cannabis as a holistic solution and

a functional way for people to address a variety of issues.” He added the products help him sleep and to control anxiety. “They made a transformational impact on my life,” he said.

Schoonover maintained that cannabis is here to stay and the goal of every city should be how to pro mote it safely and responsibly. “It will be part of this community whether it’s sold here or not,” he contin ued. “The city has opportunity to be a leader on that conversation in the state of Minnesota.”

Louismet pointed out that the issue is not unique to White Bear Lake. “The Legislature left little regulato ry guidance. The moratorium prohibits sale but also requests staff do a thorough study of this issue so the outcome is 1) we don’t regulate it at all, which I don’t think will happen; 2) we prohibit it; or 3) do it right by setting up a zoning code.”

The mayor, who is an attorney, told council he read the state and federal law. “I’m a pretty sharp attorney and, to be honest, it’s hard to make heads or tails of this law. They dropped the ball horribly. That’s why we need to hit the pause button.”

What concerns Council Member Dan Jones is not about using the product, but where it’s sold and who is selling it. “The law is muddy,” he stated. “I support legalization of THC but this is about regulating where it’s sold. It is a narcotic. People who cut hair need a li cense. People who sell a mood-altering narcotic do not need licensing? Our ordinances need to address that.”

Council Member Kevin Edberg also supported a moratorium. More specifically, he supports licensure

WHITE BEAR LAKE CITY COUNCIL NOTES

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A tech nicality has been addressed as the Armory moves closer to a change in ownership.

City Council approved rezoning the Armory property, 2228 Fourth St., at its Sept. 27 meeting.

As reported earlier, the Histori cal Society plans to purchase the Armory from the city for $1. But first the land had to be rezoned from P, or public, to B-5, or central business.

In other business last week, the council:

• Adopted final assessment roll for 2022 pavement rehabilitation project in the neighborhood north of Hwy. 96 and west of Hwy. 61.

No one spoke during a public hearing regarding the assessment, which carries a 5.2% interest rate for 10 years for residential and 15 years for commercial properties.

The residential assessment totaled $808,850 divided among 276 properties.

• A request for preliminary and final plat approval of Willow Ridge 2nd Addition, the name for the 244-unit apartment complex at

and zoning. “All other issues should be regulated at the state level,” he said. “Retailers should be required to be licensed so we know where the venues are and to allow law enforcement ensures conformance.”

Edberg wants the city manager to give a quarterly status report to council regarding study of the poten tial impacts of product sales and licensing and related regulation. “I don’t want foot-dragging on this. While the cost to existing businesses might be small, it’s not non-zero,” said the councilman. “We should not dally. There are impacts.”

Jones said he’d like to see the issue resolved by Jan. 1.

City Manager Lindy Crawford reminded council that staff has already started researching the is sue. “Please trust me,” she said. “I know what other cities are doing. I don’t plan on this even taking six months.”

Taking a different view, Council Member Bill Walsh feels council should wait and see what the Legislature does regarding clarification and the regulatory au thority of local governments. “If they change the law, we’d have to do it again. It’d be a waste of time.”

Edberg disagreed, saying it wasn’t necessary to wait for the Legislature to adjourn, which would be in May. “We can act on our issues of zoning and licen sure. Those are squarely inside our authorities.”

The interim moratorium was approved 5-0 and is effective immediately.

Hoffman Road and County Road E, was postponed. The consent agen da item was pulled at the request of the developer, SRD 2.0 LLC, an affiliate of Schafer Richardson.

Apparently, the developer want ed more time to refine the plats. The item will be on the Oct. 11 meeting agenda, per their request.

• Imposed a 12-month mora torium on the establishment or expansion of tobacco shops.

The city currently does not expressly regulate tobacco shops as a separate use, and has experi enced businesses that have started retail businesses and then become a tobacco shop, even though that use is not recognized as permitted in city zoning regulations.

Council agreed with the city manager that there is a need to study city regulations regarding retailers where a significant portion of their products and sale are tobacco-related. Expansion, in this case, means an owner cannot increase shelf space or floor space.

• Approved Birch Lake Improve ment District service charge.

Every year since 2006, the Birch

Lake Improvement District has taxed benefiting properties to support its annual budget. The city holds a public hearing and considers a resolution to certify the charge before it’s added to the tax rolls. The money is used to improve and protect the quality of Birch Lake.

Property owners will all pay an equal share of $350 for 2023 to offset district expenditures of $27,265, most of which goes to aquatic vegetation management.

Birch Lake District Board Chair Steve LaLiberte said a harvesting company is hired to remove “hun dreds of loads” of weeds, which are taken to the county’s compost site. Money is also used for special projects. Last year, that included removing invasive milfoil and conducting a fish survey. He was “happy to report” that northern pike have taken over as the dom inant species. Sunfish are also abundant. The lake has a public dock for fishing.

Debra Neutkens

We Do the Heavy Lifting for You!

Public safety employees get embedded mental health expert

Statistics show public safety professionals are struggling with mental wellness.

According to the League of Minnesota Cities, the number of duty disability applica tions filed by state public safety professionals has more than doubled since 2019: 118 in 2019 and 307 in 2021. Eighty percent of those applications are PTSD-related. The claim ants’ average age? 42.

To help alleviate the growing crisis, the city plans to embed a mental health expert in both the fire and police depart ments.

A memo to City Coun cil from City Manager Lindy Crawford and public safety depart ment chiefs reported that data shows 13% of firefighters screened positive for PTSD, which is four times higher than the general population. Fifty-three percent screened positive for both anxiety and depression. PTSD and depression are estimated to affect police officers at rates that vary from 7 to 35%.

This isn’t the first time city administrators have addressed the issue. Men tal health services have been available to public safety employees through a third-party consulting therapist since 2020.

Participation is on a voluntary basis by the employee when/if the employee feels services are needed. But it may not be enough.

“The arrangement fills a need, but we believe additional support is warranted to create a consistent environment where employee mental health is a regular part of our operations,” Craw ford said.

Council approved a request at its Sept. 27 meeting to hire Masa Consulting founder and owner Jonathan Bundt, who will provide em bedded mental health services in the police and fire departments.

As Crawford explained, “this model of service brings Bundt to our de partments while they are working. He will provide training, complete ridealongs, accompany crews

on significant calls and be available during crisis situations to help debrief significant events.”

Bundt currently pro vides similar services for the cities of Roseville and Burnsville’s fire depart ment.

The cost for the ser vice is $52,000 and goes into effect Oct. 10. The current contract with the consulting therapist will be terminated.

Mayor Dan Louismet thanked the city man ager for being “for ward-thinking” on the embedded service. “It sounds like only a few municipalities make this available,” he observed.

“First responders are spread more thin than ever. Offering additional resources to them makes sense.” After council approved the request, Crawford thanked the council in return. “This one means a lot,” she said.

Debra Neutkens

City shows appreciation for firefighters

WHITE BEAR LAKE — Five of the city’s newest firefighters took their oath of office last week, just in time for Octo ber’s Firefighter Appreciation Month.

Before the group was sworn in at the Sept. 27 City Council meeting, Mayor Dan Louismet read a proclamation declaring appreciation for firefighters who have lost their lives serving their communities and to express gratitude to those who serve or have served in this dangerous line of work. Also noted in the proclamation was a firefighter’s “will ingness to combat the threat of destruc tive fire in order to protect individuals, families and the economic being of the community.”

Those demands are accompanied by

both “personal and physical tolls that all firefighters knowingly accept while risking their lives to protect the lives of others,” read the document.

Fire Chief Greg Peterson reminded city leaders that the role of firefighter/ paramedic comes with a high level of responsibility to the public. “Trust is gained by providing excellent service to our residents,” he said before introduc ing the five members: Brad Beuscher, Nick Cook, Ben Ferderer, Melissa Mondo and Naomi VanZee. The last two are part-time firefighters/EMTs.

“Stay safe,” the mayor told the group.

“Our prayers are with you.”

Debra Neutkens

CONTRIBUTED

Full- and part-time firefighters took the oath of office at the Sept. 27 City Council meeting. Shown, from left, are Brad Beuscher, Nick Cook (holding future firefighter), Ben Ferderer, Melissa Mondo and Naomi VanZee. Mondo and VanZee are part-time.

Drivers license debacle

The shortage of staff at area Department of Motor Vehicle facilities has been in the news lately. We experienced it first-hand when scheduling a driving test for our 16-year-old. We had booked him to take the test on his birthday at Arden Hills several months ago. He is among the first of his friends to turn 16, and was excited about getting his license. He has proven himself to be a cautious and attentive driver, so we were surprised when he didn’t pass the test. He got tripped up making a left turn from the wrong lane, which is an automatic fail. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety estimates 25% of kids don’t pass the first time.

Publisher’s

View Carter Johnson

We had to wait 24 hours to schedule a retake of the test, and the rules are that he could retake it after a week of practice. When my wife went online the next day to book it, there we no options to take the test at Arden Hills, or anywhere in the metro area. All of the sites she clicked on simply said “There are no appointments available at this location.” At most of the sites there wasn’t even an option to book something months in advance. She clicked through all of the locations in the state and was able to find availability the following week in Alexandria, Mankato and Virginia. It was a little complicated by the fact Amy and I were headed out of town for a vacation. He took a half day off of school and his grandparents drove him to Alexandria to take the test. Thankfully he passed though he still couldn’t get his license because he need a parent to sign the application. The morning after we got back we were first in line at the White Bear license bureau and it took less than 10 minutes for them to take his photo and give him his license.

We have heard similar stories from other parents. My advice to those who have a child turning 16 is to book the test months in advance. I might suggest booking it for the day after their birthday though – failing the test completely ruined his birthday and the dinner celebration we had planned.

There is nothing like the feeling of getting behind the wheel all by yourself for the first time. The freedom of driving is a huge milestone and a privilege. He couldn’t stop smiling for two days. We have a older Honda that Amy drove for years and our daughter drove it for the past couple of years. Now our son gets to use it, and I was thrilled to find he had thoroughly cleaned it inside and out. Of course with driving comes some added worrying, but we have recouped some time now that he can drive himself to school and basketball practices. Now the challenge is conveying the expense of every mile driven. According to the IRS in 2021 it was $0.585 per mile and in 2022 it is $0.605. Consider that the next time you drive 20 miles to buy at a big box store versus the locally-owned store down the street. You just might save $22 in auto expense and fuel, as well as time. It’s hard to truly appreciate the expense of an automobile. One local mechanic scoffed at me and the parents who have been buying all-wheel drive cars. He said it will cost $1000+ just in tires, along with expensive repairs due to all the extra moving parts. We might want to get back to buying more simple, front wheel drive cars.

Subscribers are crucial

As we have shared in the past, subscribers help keep the paper viable. We have been using a QR code to help simplify the process to subscribe. Subscribers can view more photos, the full e-edition of the paper, and videos online. Give us a call at 651-407-1200 Monday through Friday 8-5 p.m. Thank you for supporting your community newspaper!

Carter Johnson is publisher of Press Publications.

Recognizing how newspapers make a difference

channels, you can be sure that news from your local newspa per is professionally gathered, fact-checked and edited. Even the editorials and letters to the editor go through a rigorous process to get the facts correct. You might not always agree, but you can rely on the fact that what’s published has fol lowed the highest journalistic standards.

print. Your local newspapers deliver high-quality informa tion in the format that works best for you. Newspapers have dynamic websites, apps, social media channels and news letters, and they have made significant advancements in digital platforms to make sure you get the news you need when you want it and how you want it.

Movers & Shakers Dean Ridings

National Newspaper Week begins Oct. 2. If you’re reading this, you probably already have a good understanding of why it is important to have a healthy newspaper in your town. By subscribing to or advertising in your local newspaper, you are providing much needed support to keep trained, professional journalists covering the issues important to you. Your local newspaper is committed to being the local watchdog, covering city government, public utilities and school boards to make sure your tax dollars are being spent properly.

There are many other ways newspapers serve their read ers and communities, things even regular readers might not always consider.

Newspapers are reliable. Un like content you see on social media, or even from national publications or cable news

Newspapers protect your right to know. In addition to covering what’s going on in your local government, most newspapers serve another critical purpose by publish ing public notices. A public notice is a notice issued by government agencies regard ing proposed actions, zoning proposals, tax initiatives or other lawmaking proceedings. Most local governments are required to publish them in local newspapers, so all citi zens have the opportunity to know what’s going on, and if necessary, take appropriate action. Newspapers provide broad community distribution. Moving a public notice to a mu nicipal website would be like hiding the notice. Newspapers help keep your government’s actions transparent!

Newspapers are more than

Newspapers are local. Your newspaper is local, produced by local citizens who drive the same streets, shop in the same stores and have children in the same schools as you. The local newspaper’s focus is on making the community stron ger, safer and healthier. The publisher and staff share the same concerns as all the other residents.

Your local newspaper makes a difference in your communi ty in many ways. That’s true every week, not just during National Newspaper Week!

Dean Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers, an organization serving more than 1,600 newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more at newspapers.org.

LETTER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTION SEASON 2022

Letters for or against a candidate will qualify as paid letters.

published as space permits.

Four weeks (or issues) must pass between publication of unpaid letters from the same writer.

350 words. Paid letters running longer will be charged $10 per 30 words after that.

Letters are free unless endorsing a candidate, party or question on the ballot. Endorsement letters will have a $35 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 letters are labeled, “paid letter.”

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

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

• 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 endorsement letters will be

Mary

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. 8 election will be printed in the Oct. 26 issue and must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.19.

To submit a letter, email news@ presspubs.com, fax it to 651429-1242 or mail/deliver it to Press Publications.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Response to letter

In response to Gary Hukriede's letter "What Hap pened To The JFK Democrats?" They all voted for LBJ in 1964, and how did that work out for your gener ation? Welcome to the Republican Party.

Ryan Degneau White Bear Lake

School needs more funding, teachers

Apparently, the Mahtomedi School Board election is about three issues: test scores, academic focus and legacy families. Thirty years ago, Mahtomedi diver sity seemed to range from those who worked at 3M to those from Imation. Many students came from fami lies with multiple advanced college degrees, including math and science. Thankfully, our district has grown more diverse due to increased housing choices and open enrollment, providing our kids with a more re al-world experience. As a side note, this whole concept of special “legacy” or privileged families gives off a very bad odor. A family new to the district should have equal status to multi-generational Zephyrs.

School data confirms that Mahtomedi is still among the top public school districts in Minnesota. I have heard that some families are leaving the school district, but not necessarily for other nearby public schools. Instead, they are leaving for private schools with extremely low student-teacher ratios, small classroom size that allows in-person learning and tuition starting at $14,000. Based on that data, Mahto medi needs more funding and more teachers, not less.

I assume that many of these departing families have well-educated parents and high-achieving students. I am still not much for math, but when you subtract a group of high scorers and add a range of new stu dents, the test average will decrease. The teaching has not changed, but the student base has. Again, this calls for more funding and more teachers.

And contrary to some candidate views, I feel that test scores on reading and math are far from the only school success variables. We see many students with top scores fold under the weight of parental and community expectations. Students need social and emotional intelligence that will serve them through ongoing learning, careers and family life. Great teachers provide that support, often guiding students through a variety of personal and family challenges.

Finally, teaching only “what brings us together” creates an unrealistic portrait of U.S. and Minnesota history. Focusing only on math and science or only on our country’s many positive achievements, while ignoring societal shortcomings, will only result in poorly prepared citizens.

Bill Coleman Mahtomedi

Advocate for mental health services

Help NAMI Ramsey County advocate for better mental health services. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 20% of the population has a mental illness during any given year. Mental illnesses do not discriminate. They could affect you, your family, friend, neighbor or coworker. They affect many aspects of a person’s life, including work, school, home and relationships. People living with mental illnesses can and do recover with access to treatment, services and support.

Unfortunately, the very real shortage of mental health professionals and services can make it hard to find the right services at the right time and place. Lack of coverage by private health plans and large out-of-pocket costs can make accessing needed ser vices unaffordable.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Ram sey County works to support, educate and advocate for those in our community who live with mental

illness and the people who care for them.

You can help with this effort by attending town hall meetings and candidate forums and by asking candi dates who knock on your door, “What are you going to do to continue to build our mental health system?”

Ask about their stance on current issues such as additional funding for early intervention (voluntary engagement), mental health supports in schools, men tal health for first responders, affordable supportive housing and implementation of the new 988 suicide and crisis helpline; increased reimbursement rates for day treatment programs; and creation of a Club house in Ramsey County.

Whether looking for services, supporting a loved one or impacting community change, You Are Not Alone. You can find more information at: namiram seycounty.org.

Tara Jebens-Singh

NAMI Ramsey County Board Member

Treat each other with respect

Recent power outages due to storms reminded me of something I experienced years ago that provided a lesson in empathy. Perhaps it is worth sharing.

At the time, we had a neighbor named Tom. We got along okay, but didn’t see eye-to-eye politically. On Aug. 1, 2007, something happened many will remem ber — the I-35W bridge collapse. Well, my neighbor Tom was on that bridge. His truck went right off the edge, tumbling end over end into the river. Amaz ingly, he survived, but obviously sustained serious injuries.

The response in our neighborhood proved equally amazing. Nobody in that area had a lot of money back then. But through various means, we raised over $10,000 in a very short time. There were many other things people did such as bringing meals.

Okay, about the storm lesson. Sometime later there was a severe storm. A tree fell on the power lines to our house. The next morning, I was out in the yard wondering what to do. I heard a rustling behind me, turned to look and, honest to God, thought for a split second that a huge turtle was walking through the bushes. It was Tom, in his full-body walking backcast. In his hand, he held the end of an extension cord.

“I thought you guys might want to plug in your refrigerator,” was all he said. Here’s this guy with plenty of his own problems, but who was he concerned about that morning? Me and my family. I was so touched, I tried to give him a hug ... ever try hugging a huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?

To my point — later it dawned on me how little the differences between us had mattered though all of this. What mattered far more was our common humanity.

I urge as we walk through this election season, and beyond, we keep in mind that we are neighbors and fellow human beings. No matter how deep our differences, I urge we strive to treat each other, speak to one another, and speak about one another, with dignity, respect and empathy. Hugs are optional. But recommended if possible.

John Connerton White Bear Township

Candidates have passion, shared vision

Mike Krachmer, running for mayor of Vadnais Heights, and Katherine Doll Kanne and Kelly Jozwowski, running for City Council, share similar values and goals and a shared vision for Vadnais Heights. They have earned our household’s support, and we urge you to visit their websites and Facebook pages to learn more about their backgrounds and skill sets.

They advocate for more responsive and transparent

processes in addressing infrastructure needs, and fiscal responsibility. We need smart development in our city, mindful of citizens’ input, that considers en vironmental and economic factors, along with quality of life of residents.

They all advocate for the implementation of best practices for our environment, including joining the Minnesota Green Step City program. The Green Step City program is a voluntary, go-at-your-own-pace ini tiative that encourages energy efficiency, more native plantings, reduced turf maintenance, reduced chem ical usage, increased rain gardens and the like. They promote access to our green spaces with improved and completed trails/sidewalks.

All three candidates bring substantial work and volunteer experiences with them. To highlight a few: Katherine Doll Kanne serves on the Vadnais Heights Planning Commission, the County Road E Corridor Project Team, and volunteers with the Vadnais Lakes Area Watershed Management Organization. Kelly Jozwowski is vice-chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Trails Mission. Mike Krachmer has held managerial positions for most of his work life, with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, he was director of operations of a community service orga nization, and now in his retirement he has continued to engage in Scouts, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

All of these candidates emphasize diversity, equity and inclusion in their platforms. Having communi cated with them by phone and/or email, I find them to be approachable, responsive and passionate in their vision for our city.

Early voting has begun. I urge you to join me in sup porting Krachmer, Kanne and Jozwowski for mayor and City Council of Vadnais Heights.

Louis Asher Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Candidates qualifications unmatched

I strongly support Kevin Donovan for Mahtomedi School Board. In his tenure as a school board mem ber, he has shown that he supports academic excel lence for Mahtomedi students. Mahtomedi has con sistently been ranked at the top of Minnesota school districts for many years by U.S. News and World Report, the preeminent publication ranking K-12 schools and colleges nationwide. Kevin has supported the policies driving these high rankings. For exam ple, he was instrumental in developing the numerous engineering options offered to Mahtomedi High School students and for the creation of the Fab Lab (a classroom workshop full of advanced manufacturing stations initially created by MIT, where students can hone computer programing skills and learn about modern manufacturing processes). No doubt Kevin’s consistent emphasis on excellence in education as well as his leadership skills have helped Mahtomedi be well positioned for the future after the difficulties of dealing with COVID for the last two years.

Kevin’s leadership skills and his volunteer activ ities are remarkable. We are lucky to have a school board member who has chaired such organizations as: Chamber of Commerce in White Bear Lake, the White Bear Lake Food Shelf and the Century College Foundation. He has served on the boards of such or ganizations as: Minnesota Boy Choir, Lake Links and White Bear Center for the Arts, and will be president of the local Rotary club in 2024. He established a fam ily scholarship for Century College students wishing to become K-12 teachers. These activities demonstrate excellent leadership skills and demonstrate a true commitment to our community.

I hope you will agree that Kevin’s qualifications are unmatched and his commitment to academic excel

PUBLIC NOTICES

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 Minne sota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

Wiens Real Estate Group

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

11 East Pleasant Lake Rd

North Oaks, Minnesota 55127

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.

Kimberly Ann Wiens

11 East Pleasant Lake Rd

North Oaks, Minnesota 55127

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 per jury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: September 1, 2022

Signed: Kimberly Ann Wiens Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5 and 12, 2022.

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 Minne sota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

BRENDA LEE FREEMAN

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 602 East Lake Cove Antioch TN 37086

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.

Freeman, Brenda 1601 Standing Stone Dr Lebanon TN 37087

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 per jury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: September 21, 2022

Signed: Freeman, Brenda Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 28 and October 5, 2022.

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 Minne sota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

The Rooted Spirit

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 360 Spring Street, Apt. 409 St. Paul, MN 55102

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.

Rachel Klein 360 Spring Street, Apt. 409 St. Paul, MN 55102

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 per jury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: August 19, 2022

Signed: Rachel Klein

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 28 and October 5, 2022.

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 Minne sota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is: Immigration Law Office of Rey Hulme

2. The street address of the principal place of business is or will be: 1688 Portland Ave Saint Paul MN 55104

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.

Reynard Hulme

1688 Portland Ave Saint Paul MN 55104

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 per jury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: September 6, 2022

Signed: Reynard Hulme

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on September 28 and October 5, 2022.

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 Minne sota under an assumed name, hereby certifies:

1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is:

Sophisticated Style

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

4 Evergreen Ct

North Oaks, MN 55127

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.

Ann Gaertner

4 Evergreen Ct, North Oaks, MN 55127

Patricia Eull

27 Larch Lane, North Oaks, MN 55127

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 per jury as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Dated: September 15, 2022

Signed: Ann Gaertner, Personal Stylist

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5 and 12, 2022.

CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vadnais Heights City Council will meet and conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 800 East County Road E, to consider an application submitted by Synergy Architect Studio on behalf of the property owner, for a Minor Site Plan.

The subject property is located at 1155 County Road E East, Vadnais Heights.

Anyone wishing to be heard in regard to this matter will be given an op portunity at this time. The application is available for public review at City Hall during normal business hours, or on our website the Friday before the meeting. Questions or comments should be directed to Nolan Wall, Plan ning and Community Development Director, at 651-204-6027 or nolan.wall@ cityvadnaisheights.com

FOR THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VADNAIS HEIGHTS

Kevin P. Watson, City Administrator

Dated: October 5, 2022

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5, 2022.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MINUTES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 9 a.m. with the following members present: Carter, Frethem, McDonough, Mc Guire Ortega, Reinhardt and Chair MatasCastillo. Also present were Ryan O’Connor, County Manager, and Amy Schmidt, Asst. County Attorney, Ram sey County Attorney’s Office.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Read by Commissioner McDonough. AGENDA of September 20, 2022 was presented for approval. Motioned by McGuire, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. MINUTES of September 6, 2022 were presented for approv al. Motioned by Carter, seconded by Ortega. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION

Human Resources – Proclamation: Hispanic Heritage Month. Presented by Commissioner Carter. Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM

Human Resources - Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Team sters 320 Correctional Officers I & II for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Mo tion by McDonough, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2022215)

Human Resources – Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Team sters 320 Probation Officers for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Motion by McDonough, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2022-216)

Veteran Services – Grant Award from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs for County Veterans Services Office Operational Enhancement Grant Program. Motion by McDonough, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously ap proved. (B2022-217)

Parks & Recreation – Lease Agreement with Frogtown Curling Club for Biff Adams Arena. Motion by McDonough, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2022-218)

Parks & Recreation – Cooperative Agreement with the City of Saint Paul for Winter Recreation Operations. Motion by McDonough, seconded by Rein hardt. Unanimously approved. (B2022-219)

Social Services – Restructure of Ramsey County Citizens Advisory Council as Community Advisory Council. Motion by McDonough, seconded by Rein hardt. Unanimously approved. (B2022-220)

Workforce Solutions – Joint Powers Agreement with City of Saint Paul for Workforce Services Through American Rescue Plan Act Funds. Motion by McDonough, seconded by Reinhardt. Unanimously approved. (B2022-221)

COUNTY CONNECTIONS - Presented by County Manager, Ryan O’Con nor. Discussion can be found on archived video.

OUTSIDE BOARD AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – Discussion can be found on archived video.

BOARD CHAIR UPDATE – Presented by Chair MatasCastillo. Discussion can be found on archived video.

ADJOURNMENT – Chair MatasCastillo declared the meeting adjourned at 9:46 a.m.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5, 2022.

RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA

PUBLIC NOTICE

SOLICITATION NOTIFICATION

Ramsey County releases

its

the Minnesota Statutes. Individuals may go to the ‘How to Contract with Ramsey County’ section of the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage at ramseycounty.us/ContractWithRamsey to access registration information. If you are new to DemandStar, please follow the DemandStar registration instructions on the “How to Contract with Ramsey

County webpage.” Access to all Ramsey County documents is free if the instructions that are posted are followed. You may call 651-266-8072 or email ProcurementTeam@ramseycounty.us if you need assistance.

Ramsey County is accepting only electronic Request for Bids (RFBs) responses submitted through DemandStar. Public openings are conducted digitally, as a video conference. See the link above for details.

Effective Oct. 1, 2022, Ramsey County will no longer be advertising in the newspaper, holding public openings, or requiring submissions through DemandStar for most Request for Proposals (RFPs). Individuals may go to the “Doing Business with Ramsey County” webpage ramseycounty.us/DoingBusiness for information.

Published one time in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5, 2022.

VADNAIS LAKE AREA WATER MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

VLAWMO is holding a public meeting regarding the Comprehensive Wa tershed Management Plan Minor Amendment during the October 26 regular Board meeting (7:00 pm, Vadnais Heights Council Chambers). The Plan and Amendment are available at our website: www.vlawmo.org.

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5 and 12, 2022.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, RAMSEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT FILE NUMBER: 62-PR-22-810

CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In re the Estate of: Ruth Marie Larson, Decedent.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an Amended Application filed on September 20, 2022 for informal probate of the above-named Decedent’s Last Will dated January 13, 1993 (“Will”) has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the Amended Applica tion has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has in formally appointed Christine Marie Horwath, 7563 43rd Street North, Oakdale, MN 55128, 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 representa tive. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to adminis ter the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the Will, or to the appointment of the per sonal representative, must be filed with this court and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

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

Date: September 20, 2022

Laura J. Stevens, Probate Registrar

Michael F. Upton, Court Administrator

Self-Represented Litigant: Christine Marie Horwath 7563 43rd Street North Oakdale, MN 55128

Published two times in the Vadnais Heights Press on October 5 and 12, 2022.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF RAMSEY

SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT, DISTRICT COURT

COURT FILE NO. 62-PR-22-783

CASE TYPE: INFORMAL PROBATE

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF CO-PERSONAL; REPRESENTATIVES AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re the Estate of: David Phillip Ehlers, Decedent.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an amended application filed on August 24, 2022 for informal probate of the above-named Decedent’s Last Will dated March 10, 2015 has been filed with the Probate Registrar, and the amended application has been granted. Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informall appointed the following: • Chad Andrew Ehlers, 16599 2nd Street North, Lakeland, MN 55043 • Stacy Lynn Erickson, 10967 235th Avenue Northwest, Elk River, MN 55330 as co-personal representatives of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, de visee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the co-personal represen tatives. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. §524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the co-personal representatives have full power to administrator the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Any objections to the probate of the WIll, or to the appointment of the per sonal representative, must be filed with this court, and will be heard by the court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing.

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

Date: August 29, 2022

Laura J.

Hydrant Flushing

Weather permitting, City crews will begin hydrant flushing the week of September 26 in the area north of County Road F and the week of October 3 through the middle of October, for the area south of County Road F. This schedule may vary a few days either way. Please keep cars away from hydrants in these areas between the 8 am and 3 pm. Cloudy or discolored water may be present while hydrant flushing is taking place. There is no health risk with this water, and the cloudiness should clear up by letting your taps run. During this time you should be cautious when doing your laundry, especially whites. If you have any questions, please call Public Service Supervisor Ken LaCasse at 651.204.6053.

Vadnais Heights Community Blood Drive

The next Community Blood Drive is scheduled for October 11, 2022, noon to 6 pm, at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Registration is required and can be done online at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS. For questions, contact Katie Everett at 651-204-6000 or katie.everett@ cityvadnaisheights.com.

Seeking Scarecrows

We are excited to be bringing back the Scarecrow Trail at Community Park this year. All are invited to enter a scarecrow creation and there is no fee to participate! We’ll have a trophy for each category (business, organization, resident), plus celebrate your award-winning scarecrow

with lunch for the whole team ($150 max). All entries will be considered for the Mayor’s Choice Award, too! The Scarecrow Trail is a fun way to connect with the community, including a costume parade through the scarecrows during our annual Halloween Party. Scarecrows will be on display from October 27 -November 2. An entry form is required by October 20 and can be completed on our website: cityvadnaisheights.com/scarecrow.

Elections and Voting

Information about early voting, absentee voting, candidates, etc. can be found by visiting Ramsey County’s elections website at https://www.ramseycounty.us/ residents/elections-voting.

Drop-Off Yard Waste at a Ramsey County Compost Sites for Free Leaves, brush, lawn clippings, may be taken to a Ramsey County Compost Site free of charge.

Food scraps are now accepted at Ramsey County Compost Sites in addition to the site at City Hall! Materials accepted include food scraps, non-recyclable paper products, coffee grounds, dryer lint and more. For more information, please visit the Yard Waste Collection page of the Ramsey County website.

JOURNALISM

Judiciary Committee has once again stood up to monopoly tech compa nies on a bipartisan ba sis. As the daughter of a newspaperman, I under stand firsthand the vital role that a free press plays in strengthening our democracy. But local news is facing an exis tential crisis , with ad revenues plummeting, newspapers closing, and many rural communities becoming ‘news deserts’ without access to local reporting. To preserve strong, independent jour nalism, we have to make sure news organizations are able to negotiate on a level playing field with the online platforms that have come to dominate news distribution and digital advertising. Our bipartisan legislation ensures media outlets will be able to band to gether and negotiate for fair compensation from the Big Tech companies that profit from their news content, allowing journalists to continue their critical work of keeping communities informed. Now that this bill has advanced through the Judiciary Committee with a strong bipartisan vote, I look forward to working with

Preserves strong journalism

my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed by the full Senate and signed into law.”

The Journalism Com petition and Preserva tion Act would:

• Empower eligible digital journalism providers—that is, news publishers with fewer than 1,500 exclusive full-time employees and non-network news broadcasters that engage in standard newsgather ing practices—to form joint negotiation entities to collectively negotiate with a covered platform over the terms and condi tions of the covered plat form’s access to digital news content.

• Require covered platforms—which are online platforms that have at least 50 million U.S.-based users or sub scribers and are owned or controlled by a person that has either net annual sales or market capitalization greater than $550 billion or at least 1 billion worldwide monthly active users—to negotiate in good faith with the eligible news organizations.

• Enable non-broad caster news publishers to demand final-offer arbitration if their

joint negotiation with a covered platform fails to result in an agreement after six months.

• Create a limited safe harbor from federal and state antitrust laws for eligible digital journal ism providers that allows them to participate in joint negotiations and arbitration and, as part of those negotiations, to jointly withhold their content from a covered platform.

• Prohibit discrimina tion by a joint negotia tion entity or a covered platform against an eli gible digital journalism provider based on its size or the view expressed in its content and provide a private right of action for violations of this prohi bition.

• Prohibit retaliation by a covered platform against eligible digital journalism providers for participating in joint ne gotiations or arbitration and provide a private right of action for viola tions of this prohibition.

• Sunset within six years.

Contributed by the office of Sen. Amy Klobuchar

DOG PARK: Stays open

Whether a public swim dock was appropriate or needed was also mentioned with Memorial Beach just up the road, which would remove a conflict point with the dog beach.

It was agreed a visit to Matoska Park and the adjacent dog beach was warranted to research any concerns, which peaked in 2017 when opponents tried and failed to persuade the city to close the popular beach to canines. A compromise was reached that dogs must be on a 30-foot leash.

Commissioner Bryan Belisle figured he visited the dog beach at least 10 times after that July meeting to observe Fido at play and knows another parks commission member who visited at least 20 times.

“We didn’t see an issue that would warrant closing the beach,” Belisle said. “We possibly need more signage to remind people that dogs must be leashed. We voted 6-0 at our Sept. 15 meeting to keep the dog beach open.”

Belisle said a dog beach user, Terry Honsa, invited a dog trainer friend to their August meeting to speak to the commission. “I changed my mind after that. She supported keeping dogs on leashes, noting only 30% are trained well enough to be called back. I never saw a problem with a dog off leash, but her opinion changed my mind a bit. It’s not a dog park, but a dog beach. She supported the leash rule and it made sense to me. We voted to keep the leash requirement and improve the fencing between the beach and public dock. That is our goal.”

Belisle, who is a former City Council member, said the parks commission spent hours researching the issue. “It didn’t need to go that far,” he said. “The way I see it, two families are opposed to it. We want to keep the dog beach.”

A report summarizing their findings and recommendations was given to Public Works Director Paul Kauppi for further review.

Debra Neutkens

Waiting

FILE PHOTO

Sen. Amy Klobuchar

COPS

RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Vadnais Heights

• A car key was reported found Aug. 31 in the Kwik Trip parking lot in the 3200 block of Highway 61 and placed into property, as the Kwik Trip doesn't maintain a lost and found.

• A White Bear Lake man, 21, was cited Aug. 31 at the Vadnais Heights Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E for misdemeanor theft, after he was seen cutting security devices off merchandise and concealing $199.72 in items before being detained by loss prevention personnel.

• A Burnsville man, 28, was arrested on several outstanding felony warrants at 12:13 a.m. Sept. 1 in a business parking lot in the 800 block of County Road E after deputies on patrol in the lot observed his vehicle without a front plate. When they ran the rear plate number through their computer system, they discovered the warrants.

• A St. Paul woman, 33, was cited Sept. 2 at the Walmart in the 800 block of County Road E for misdemeanor theft after she was detained by loss prevention personnel for under-ringing $112.30 in merchandise at the selfcheckout.

• A resident in the 500 block of Carol Drive reported a package containing a $10 lawn mower cable stolen from the mailbox at 4:07 a.m. Sept. 3, according to camera footage of a vehicle pulling

up to the mailbox. No suspect information or license plate details are available, however.

• Another resident in the 500 block of Carol Drive reported a delivered package containing $5 in cough drops stolen from the mailbox at 5:36 a.m. Sept. 3, after the neighbor's video camera showed a vehicle driving past the mailbox at that time without stopping. No suspect information or license plate numbers are available.

• Three shoplifters escaped from Walmart loss prevention personnel Sept 3 after the women were caught concealing merchandise and passing all points of sale. The store recovered the $351.85 in merchandise they tried to steal but lost the suspects, who escaped when employees were trying to process trespass forms.

A Keep Our Kops Safe (KOPS) alert was issued on their vehicle.

• A juvenile shoplifter faces charges for theft, after she was detained Sept. 3 by Walmart employees for concealing $134.20 in merchandise and passing all points of sale. The girl's mother came to the store to take custody of her, and the case has been forwarded to the county attorney for consideration of charges.

• A 30-year-old woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was arrested on an outstanding Anoka County warrant Sept. 3 at the Walmart after she was detained by loss prevention personnel for concealing $108.13 in merchandise. While she was at jail, deputies notified Albuquerque police that they had their missing person in custody.

WHITE BEAR LAKE POLICE REPORTS

The White Bear Police Department reported the follow ing selected incidents:

• Officers responded to the 1500 block of Coun ty Road E on an attempted burglary at a local business Sept. 21. No items appeared to be sto len but damage occurred.

• A catalytic converter was stolen in the 3400 block of Century Ave. Sept. 21. A White Bear Lake man was arrested for felony domestic assault-strangulation Sept. 21 in the 2300 block of Floral Dr.

• A noise complaint was reported in the 3600 block of Highland Avenue Sept. 22

• A business in the 4000 block of White Bear Ave nue was burglarized Sept. 22. Officers assisted the Rogers Police Department in locating a domestic assault suspect in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 22.

• A resident in the 2600 block of Sumac Ridge reported his mailbox was broken into and a package was possibly stolen Sept. 22.

• A resident in the 2600 block of Roth Place re ported a credit card used fraudulently Sept. 22.

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS

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

Birchwood

• An individual was arrested on a gross misdemeanor warrant Sept. 5 on Wildwood Avenue after Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report of an unwanted party.

• A Wildwood Avenue resident re ported damage to a vehicle after it was towed from private proper ty Sept. 10.

Dellwood

• An Eldorado Circle resident on Sept. 8 reported checks stolen; the thief attempted to use the checks at her bank.

Grant

• A resident in the 9000 block of 75th Street N. reported the neighbor across the street for coming over to yell at her Sept. 5 for letting her dogs do their business on a different neighbor's yard. One of the neigh bors accused the other of throwing a 5-quart ice cream bucket filled with water on her while she was inside her home. The accused admitted to talking civilly about the dog, but denied throwing water. The third neighbor, the one with the soiled yard, said she didn't know anything about it. Deputies advised all con cerned to allow the sheriff's office to dissolve further disputes and also to allow the civil court system and its process to resolve the issues.

• Mail theft was reported in the 11000

block of Grenelefe Avenue N. Sept. 5.

• Fraud was reported Sept. 6 in the 11000 block of Ironwood Avenue N.

Mahtomedi

• A motorist was cited Sept. 1 on Long Lake Road for speeding.

• Deputies conducted a traffic stop Sept. 2 in the area of Mahtomedi Avenue and Dahlia Street for an unil luminated headlight. They explained and issued a lights-out voucher to the driver.

• A burglar reported inside a house on Wedgewood Drive at 4:50 a.m. Sept. 6 after the complainant heard the front door alarm chime sound turned out to be an adult son, who was leaving. Deputies arrived on scene to clear the residence and confirm the false alarm.

• Theft from a motor vehicle was re ported Sept. 6 on Wildwood Road.

• A Century College student reported minor hit-and-run damage to his car Sept. 7 while it was parked during class in the college lot in the 3000 block of Century Avenue. Although the complainant didn't know who did it, he wanted an incident report for insurance purposes.

Pine Springs

• A New York motorist was cited at 11:56 p.m. Sept. 4 on the westbound Highway 36 ramp from Hilton Trail for speeding 86 mph in a 65 mph zone by westbound deputies, who thought the vehicle might be traveling faster than the posted limit and trained their radar on it. The driver told deputies that 86 mph seemed a bit excessive, but that he knew he was going fast.

• An injured rabbit was reported in the 4300 block of Cottage Park Road Sept. 22.

• Officers reported theft at a store in the 4700 block of Highway 61 Sept. 22. The suspect was located in the 4000 block of Bellaire Avenue, admitted to the theft, and the stolen items were returned.

• A burglary was reported Sept. 23 at a business in the 2600 block of County Road E.

• Officers responded to a verbal dispute in the 1800 block of Cedar Avenue Sept. 23.

• A burglary was reported in the 1700 block of County Road E Sept. 23.

• Separate incidents of harassment were reported in the 2600 block of Aspen Court and the 5000 block of Stewart Avenue Sept. 23.

• Assault was reported in the 3500 block of McK night Road Sept. 23.

• A dispute was reported in the 3900 block of Hoffman Road Sept. 23.

• A White Bear Lake man was arrested for felony domestic assault Sept. 23 in the 3800 block of Jay Lane.

• Officers responded to noise complaints in the 4700 and 4800 blocks of Centerville Road Sept. 24.

• A domestic assault that occurred in the 3800 block of VanDyke Street Sept. 24 resulted in the arrest of an individual for a domestic assault no contact order violation, and the arrest of the uncooperative victim.

• Officers mediated a verbal dispute over parking issues in the 1700 block of Ninth Street Sept. 24.

• Burglary of an attached garage was reported in the 1900 block of Rishworth Lane Sept. 24.

• Narcotics were reported in the 4800 block of Centerville Road Sept. 24.

• Disorderly conduct was reported in the 3500 block of Rooney Place Sept. 24.

Antiques

White Bear

WHAT’S HAPPENING

“DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL”

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6; 7 p.m. Fri day, Oct. 7 & 14; 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 & 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 & 16

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Details: Childrens Performing Arts pro duction includes Disney's favorite he roes and villians.

Contact: childrensperformingartsmn. org

SENIOR HOUSING DAY

When: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7

Where: White Bear Senior Center, 2484 E County Rd F

Details: Learn about local senior hous ing options in the area. Representatives from local facilities will be available to talk about the services they offer. Ex plore options and get answers without the pressure.

Contact: 651-653-3121

FILLEBROWN HOUSE TOURS

When: 10-11 a.m. and 11:30-12:30 p.m. Sat urday, Oct. 8

Where: Fillebrown House, 4735 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake Details: Tour the 1879 lakeside cottage with a guide to hear the stories of the Noyes, Young and Fillebrown families who have used this property as their summer home, and see the Stick Style architecture. Registration $12.

Contact: whitebearhistory.square.site

HARVEST FEST & GIANT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St., down town Stillwater

Details: Giant pumpkin weigh-off, chili cook-off, carving exhibitions, games, music, pumpkin regatta, tractor pull, street dance.

Contact: harvestfeststillwater.com

PUNKINMANIA

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8

Where: Mahtomedi District Educa tion Center and Veteran's Memorial Park

Details: Community event sponsored by the Wildwood Lions Club and the Kramer-Berg American Legion Post 507. Painted and regular pumpkins for sale, games, crafts, fire trucks, food and more.

Contact: wildwoodlionsclub.org

GANGSTER BUS TOURS

When: 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8

Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 4th St.

Details: Outing explores the hideouts and haunts of the 1930s-era gangsters who laid low in the cottages around White Bear and Bald Eagle Lakes, in cluding a Mahtomedi speakeasy and the location of a notorious dance club. Ad vanced tickets required; $25. Contact: whitebearhistory.square.site

GARNET LODGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Arch Duncan Masonic Center, Garnet Lodge #166, 4923 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake Details: All-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage. $10/adults; $5 ages 6 – 12; 5 and under free.

LAKE WOBEGON BRASS BAND

When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, Mahtomedi High School

Details: 30-member band performs marches, show tunes, pieces from the classic brass band literature, and com missioned works. Tickets $30/adults,

$25/seniors, $20/students.

Contact: wildwoodartistseries.com

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

When and Where: 1-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Rd.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues day, Oct. 11 at Vadnais Heights Com mons, 655 E. County Road F Details: To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800 733-2767. All blood types needed.

FARE FOR ALL

When: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7

Where: Community of Grace Church, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake Details: All are welcome to save money on food that is bought in bulk an avail able to the public at a discount. Contact: thefoodgroupmn.org

LUNCH AND TABLE GAMES

When: noon Wednesday, Oct. 12

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights

Details: Bring a bag lunch and play table games with friends. Coffee provided. Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com/seniors

VADNAIS HEIGHTS FOOD PROGRAM

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

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

Details: Distribution of food to any fam ily in need and considered low income. May register day of event.

Contact: 612-245-9259 or cityvadna isheights.com/foodshelf

SAVE THE DATE

RUN FOR THE APPLES

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Details: 5 mile run through the orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch, followed by treats and awards for each age group. Registration and t-shirt $35 before Oct. 16; $45 after and on race day.

1/3 mile kids fun run begins at 10:30 a.m.; $10 before Oct. 16 and $15 after and race day.

Contact: whitebearrotary.org

SCARE IN WHITE BEAR

When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Where: Memorial Beach, 4958 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: 5K and fun run on torch-lit paved path along White Bear Lake. Strollers and dogs welcome. Prizes for best cos tume. Halloweenie roast.

Contact: 651-440-9625 or mmraces.com

PUMPKIN PATCH 2022

When: 2-7:30 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekends beginning Oct. 12

Where: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights Contact: 651-429-6595

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP TOWN BOARD SEAT A

EDITORS NOTE: STEVE RUZEK’S SUBMISSION WAS MISSED IN LAST WEEKS PUBLICATION OF TOWN BOARD CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE OMISSION.

Steve Ruzek

Age: 69

City of residence: White Bear Township

Occupation: Retired as Regional Manager/ Director after over 30 years in Insurance/Financial field; some consulting in my spare time.

List most recent civic involvement roles:

• Town Board Supervisor, White Bear Township, 2015 – present

• Town Board liaison to White Bear Township Planning Commission & White Bear Township Park Board

• Member White Bear Township Park Board through 2014

Q. What are your top three priorities for the township?

A. • To foster a safe, livable community with responsive, quality services related to streets, parks/trails, utilities and emergency response including fire and law enforce ment.

• To strive for a proper balance between careful spend ing to keep costs low and providing modern, quality services to all constituents.

• To engage our citizens in the uniquely participative form of township government to best reflect the will of the constituents.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Township government requires two “citizen run” annual budget/tax levy meetings, so our form of gov ernment is uniquely designed for citizen participation. Along with strong efforts to demonstrate we are listening, we need to continue our efforts to identify and eliminate

MINNESOTA SENATE DISTRICT 33

Karin Housley (R)

Age: 58 City of residence: Stillwater

Occupation: Small business owner

List most recent civic involvement roles: Yellow Ribbon Network, MN Farm Bureau, Great er Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce, Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce, Endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, National Association of Independent Businesses, Minnesota Retailers Association, Care Providers of MN, MN Realtors, Housing First, Associated Builders & Contractors and Women Lead.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1. Keeping our streets safe - Violent crime is out of control. I’m endorsed by our police because I know more cops equals less crime. I support ed funding to recruit, retain and train our law enforcement, and my bill to rebuild the image of

Nancy McLean (DFL)

Age: 60 City of residence: Stillwater

Occupation: Marriage and Family Therapist

List most recent civic involvement roles: I have served as the Chairperson of the St. Croix Valley Alliance which was a multi-issue, grass roots organization that worked on healthcare reform, social justice, environmental issues, and other issues that impact our community. I work with Healthcare For All Minnesota (HCAMN) and other organizations advocating to bring a fiscally responsible plan allowing access to affordable healthcare for all Minnesotans. I also serve on the steering committee of St. Croix Valley Indivisi ble and do pro bono therapy and other volunteer work.

What

three

police passed in the Senate.

2. Help Minnesotans with the rising costs of inflationMinnesotans are hardworking and deserve a break. I sup ported tax relief for families, passed legislation to lower the cost of health insurance and sponsored legislation to eliminate the state tax on social security.

3. Putting Students First – Parents and kids have been through so much during COVID and it was our priority to make sure they stayed in their classroom. 40% of MN students can’t read at grade level, so we proposed funding for literacy programs, mental health grants and school safety needs to get our kids back on the right track.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Over the last 10 years I am proud to say that I have always taken meetings with the public. I have an opendoor policy and I listen. I enjoy hearing all points of view – whether that be on the housing crisis, protecting our most vulnerable, helping childcare providers in their ever so important careers, helping small businesses navigate state regulations and much more! I have worked

healthcare, and education. Minnesotans are feeling the pinch of the current economy. We need an economy that works for all of us, not just corporations and the wealthy. We must enact responsible tax relief for families, seniors, and small businesses while protecting the state’s economic stability. When everyone can participate, our state thrives. I will address the needs of Minnesotans and work to strengthen our state’s prosperity by building an economy that works for all.

Access to the full range of affordable healthcare for all Minnesotans is also a top priority for me. This includes protecting women’s ability to make reproductive health care decisions free from political interference.

Last but certainly not least, is education. Our commu nities are only as strong as our schools. I will work to ensure every student receives a world-class education and the support they need to thrive.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I’m running to represent the people of my district. It is essential that I get their input and hear their perspec

barriers to involvement, leveraging our technology to be better responsive to citizens. We must actively encourage participation by constituents in our various meetings, boards and commissions with communications via this newspaper, direct mailings, our website and other social platforms.

Q. What can the Town Board do in the next five years to help the city prosper?

A. We must succeed in upgrading infrastructure while finding efficiencies wherever possible. We must listen to our constituents, rather than assuming we know what is best. We need to keep a close eye on the economy, getting the best guidance we can to determine how best to provide quality services while being prudent in taking on financial obligations. We must continue to speak up to the county and the state for the needs of our Township, pursuing support for our quality of life and our fair share of local government aid.

hard to build a reputation of listening to all ideas and perspectives since being your state senator. The conver sations are robust, and we walk away having mutual respect. I have a long track record of getting things done, working across the aisle with many different organiza tions, agencies, and stakeholders to get good things done for the people of Minnesota. It’s what we are expected to do and I would love to continue doing it.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I’ve been knocking on doors for months to hear what the residents in our district want with the surplus, and

it’s an overwhelming, “WE WANT IT BACK.” Anytime you overpay, which every tax paying Minnesotan just did, to the tune of $9 billion, you should get your money back. I supported our Senate plan for the largest tax cut in state history, including eliminating the unfair tax on social se curity. We’ve been chipping away at Minnesota’s high tax status with tax cuts to the middle class and small busi nesses, and I’ll always make sure that I support policies that will help you afford your life and avoid rising costs.

tives. Once elected, I will welcome constituent input and will make myself available through town halls and other meetings. I welcome conversation and discussion and will maintain an open-door policy in which I can be reached via email, phone, and in person. I will also use social media as a vehicle to keep constituents informed.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. Lawmakers had worked out a deal to use some of the surplus to bring real relief to working families and seniors in Minnesota. It was unfortunate to see the Republican majority in the Senate walk away from that agreement. I support the one billion dollars that the House dedicated to go towards education to help students get back on track after the pandemic. I also approve of the plan to return some of the budget surplus money back to working-class Minnesotans, the investment in in frastructure, and the tax relief on Social Security. Using the surplus in this way would create jobs and put money back in the pockets of middle-class people while taking care of our infrastructure and supporting our students.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

Roger Chamberlain (R)

Age: Not provided

City of residence: Lino Lakes

Occupation: Self-employed, handyman

List most recent civic involvement roles: State Senator – Representing Senate District 36

What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1. Economic security - Minnesotans are strug gling with the costs of daily life in the face of record inflation and economic uncertainty. I will continue to help you afford your life with perma nent tax relief for all Minnesotans, seniors, small businesses, and families.

2. Safe communities – People have a right to feel safe in their communities. We need to stop the re volving door that lets criminals loose with a slap on the wrist. Victims deserve to know prosecutors and judges will hold criminals accountable for their crimes.

3. Education - Half of Minnesota kids cannot read at grade level. We need to get back to basics -

Heather Gustafson (DFL)

Age: 45

City of residence: Vadnais Heights

Occupation: High school history teacher, who taught five years at Centennial High School

List most recent civic involvement roles: Membership in Vadnais Heights Community Engagement Committee, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, American Federation of Teachers, and The Minnesota Council for the So cial Studies. Volunteer for Mounds View Softball Association.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Providing relief from rising costs – prohibiting price gouging, lowering health care premiums and

focus on academics. I have, and will continue to empower parents and educators, to strengthen the partnership between schools and parents. I have authored and passed legislation to increase student funding, give teachers proven literacy training, and help kids manage their mental health.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I will continue doing what I have been doing. First, it’s easy to contact me at the office, number and email on the senate website. In many cases my personal number has been made available. I have answered thousands of calls and emails, and met with thousands of people during my time in office.

I have worked with the community on many issues when leadership was needed to get something done. Some of the bills I’ve authored and passed as result of the community input include: I worked with the community to stop the destructive Rush line in White Bear Lake, banning a cancer-causing chemical used by Water Gremlin, protecting White Bear Lake and area groundwater, helping kids with dyslexia, and improving literacy, railroad line to protect jobs, improving County J & 35E, addressing social media concerns for kids’ mental

setting fair prices for prescription drugs, and eliminating the state tax on Social Security

1. Creating safe, thriving communities – making sure law enforcement has the funding and resources they need to do their jobs and supporting our students with worldclass teachers, school counselors, and mental health re sources to help them succeed in the classroom and in life

2. Protecting reproductive freedom – codifying Roe v. Wade in Minnesota to guarantee reproductive rights for Minnesota women

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. My priority is helping families, workers, seniors, and businesses in our district and our state. Most people don’t care if a Democrat or a Republican creates a job, lowers taxes, or supports their schools – they just want someone to do the work. I believe public participation and involv ing people in the problem-solving and decision-making

well-being. Finally, protecting kids with lemonade stands from overzealous bureaucrats.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion in state surplus should be spent?

A. Tax relief - Minnesotans are overtaxed, according to the Tax Foundation, we’re among the top 5 in the nation for 2022. First, eliminate tax on social security so our seniors get the relief they deserve, then permanent on-go ing tax relief for all individuals, farmers and families.

Seniors and disabled – Increase funding and reimburse ment rates for long term care, group homes and adult day facilities. Our most vulnerable shouldn’t be put at risk.

Public safety – Recruit and retain police officers, increase funding for probation officers, public defenders, judges, youth intervention and corrections officers and facilities.

Education – Fund students and teachers, not ineffective bureaucracy; focus on academics, special education and remove burdensome mandates that slow down fund ing. I authored and passed record increases for student funding, reading programs, healthy social media use and mental health.

Infrastructure – Roads, bridges, water and wastewater systems.

process are key to making better decisions, especially when these decisions affect them and our community.

You can count on me to host regular town halls and to be an accessible, engaged advocate for our district and the people who live here.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. Our cities, schools, and public safety programs need the legislature to do the job they were elected to do and provide the resources that our community desperately needs. We can use part of the surplus for rebate checks and tax relief, but we also have a unique opportunity to support our schools, local police departments, small businesses, and infrastructure projects. It’s frustrating that so much work was left undone last session, and as I talk with people at the doors, it’s clear we’re all ready for a change in leadership.

Judy Seeberger (DFL)

List

Board

- Woodbury Math and Science

School Board; Commissioner - Afton Planning Commission; Councilmember - Bayport City Council.

Tou Xiong (DFL)

Age:

List

Former

MINNESOTA SENATE DISTRICT 41

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1) An economy that works for Minnesotans- lowering costs, fighting for affordable healthcare, and good paying jobs. 2) Safe neighborhoods and thriving communities- as a paramedic I work on the front lines alongside our police and firefighters and will always work with them to make our communities safer. 3) Protecting women’s right to have choice in their reproductive healthcare.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I am running because of the lack of common sense in our policymaking process, and an inability to listen to one another. My door will always be open to constitu ents, and I will actively seek out constituent feedback in

CANDIDATE TOM DIPPEL (R) DID NOT RESPOND.

MINNESOTA SENATE DISTRICT 44

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. My top three priorities for the state is education, eco nomic development, and local government aid.

As a State Senate candidate, I believe we have to invest in education as a state, and especially commit to funding special education programs in our state. The economy is changing, and it might be time soon when interest rates begins to soar, therefore, our legislature needs to work together to take the next upcoming opportunity to pass a bonding bill. Finally, as a former City Council Member, I understand how much our local units of government are looking to readjust to the post pandemic world, and the state must do what it can to help local governments, which impacts our local communities here in the North East Metro.

town halls, through partnering with city officials in my district, and being present in my community.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I believe we can use this opportunity to remove the tax on social security benefits for Minnesota seniors, and to cut taxes for working Minnesotans. I also believe that our state should not be last in our school counselor to student ratio, and we should reduce class sizes while increasing mental health and literacy supports for our students. Fi nally, strategic infrastructure investments can stimulate economic growth for our state while supporting good paying jobs.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I hope to continue the Minnesota tradition of hosting community meetings and meet-and-greets during the legislative session, to hear folks before bills are finalized and voted on.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I was a supporter of the bipartisan proposal at the end of the 2022 legislative session of having 1/3 put into additional spending to address the post-pandemic issues that our schools, hospitals, and senior centers are facing, along with another 1/3 of the surplus going towards tax cuts and reserves, and a final 1/3 going back to Minneso tans.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT 33A

Patti Anderson (R)

Age: 56 City of residence: Dellwood. Grew up in Forest Lake. Class of 1984

Occupation: Business owner of seven salons in the Twin Cities area.

List most recent civic involvement roles: Former Minnesota State Auditor, member various Chambers of Commerce in the metro area.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Bringing down inflation and government spending, dealing with the insane crime issue, and getting our K-12 education back on track.

Over the past several years, the Democrat administrations have increased the size of our government immensely. This isn’t just about

Hanna Valento (DFL)

Age: 28 City of residence: Forest Lake

Occupation: Attorney

List most recent civic involvement roles: Forest Lake City Council, Governor’s Workforce Development Board.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1. Strong workforce. To ensure our workers are receiving a fair wage for the world we live in, our families are being supported, and we are support ing small businesses.

Elliott Engen (R)

Age: 24 City of residence: Lino Lakes

Occupation: Public Service Coordinator- Wildlife Forever NGO

List most recent civic involvement roles: I am a current member of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Great Lakes Panel Advisory Committee on Invasive Species, US Fish & Wild life Service Strategic MOU Coalition Member, and Resolute Men’s Ministry Board Contributor. I have volunteer experience for organizations such as Athletes In Action: Biblical Mentorship Program, the P.A.L.S. program for students with disabil ities, Meals on Wheels, and Minnesota Special Olympics.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. 1. Strengthen the economy and tackle inflation.

Susie Strom (DFL)

Age: 35 City of residence: North Oaks

Occupation: Attorney

List most recent civic involvement roles: Member of VFW Post 1782; coach with Girls on the Run and member of Moms on the Run; mem ber of North Oaks Guild I, which raises money for the Children’s Hospital Association.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. My top three priorities for the state are putting money back into the pockets of Minnesotans, ensuring community safety, and building thriving communities.

When elected I will support legislation such

increases in spending, it’s about government getting in volved in all aspects of our lives. Our freedom has taken a big hit and we need to turn that around now.

This means giving parents control over the education of their children, lowering taxes and spending, elimi nating mandates, locking up criminals rather than our current “catch and release”, and supporting our police officers and members of the armed forces.

I am proud to be endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers. If we aren’t safe, we have nothing.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. If I am honored to be elected this fall, I plan to be an active, visible State Representative. We were served very well by retiring Representative Bob Dettmer and he will be sorely missed. I hope to take his example and repre sent Forest Lake by being available to all citizens, active in the community, and helping with state issues that affect our cities.

2. Education. To fully fund our schools so our school districts don’t have to individually fight to pass levies to ensure our children receive the best education possible.

3. Sustainable environment. To enact critical green initiatives in reasonable and responsible timeline, always keeping workers in mind.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I don’t pretend to know everything, and when I don’t know something, it is always my intent to reach out to the experts or people who know more than me on a particu lar subject. In an elected official’s role, it’s important to always want to be learning and making sure you know what the direct impacts will be on such decisions, espe

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT 36A

I will strengthen the economy by cutting taxes for middle class families, eliminating the tax on social security, easing burdensome mandates on our main street businesses, and allow our state to be an economic hub for private sector innovation.

2. Restore public safety and hold violent criminals accountable

To increase public safety, I will work to end soft-oncrime policies which create a revolving door for violent offenders, and as the only candidate endorsed by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association in this race, I will support law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to keep us safe.

3. Promote educational excellence by funding the teachers and students in classrooms over bureaucracies in boardrooms.

To increase student success, I will expand pathways to the trades, allow parents to have a say in their child’s education, address the mental health crisis that resulted from COVID lockdowns, and properly thank our teachers for their dedication and diligence to our students.

as the 2022 tax bill, which would have repealed the tax on Social Security benefits, provided property tax relief, and helped make childcare more affordable for working families. I will use the knowledge I’ve gained as a prose cutor to ensure that law enforcement has the resources they need to serve their communities, while also support ing investments in programs that prevent crime. I will support efforts to fully fund our public schools, combat climate change, and make healthcare more affordable, which will help our communities thrive.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I am committed to openly and honestly communi cating with the public. As a legislator I will involve the public in decision making by sending out a survey to constituents that asks for their opinions on various issues, meeting with constituents in my office and in the community to discuss issues that are important to

Additionally, I plan to hold regular Town Hall meetings across the district where citizens can bring input on the issues facing us. My phone number and office are public information and I welcome your calls!

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. The state budget has ballooned over the past decade, including significant amounts of covid stimulus money that remains unspent within our school districts and other agencies. The budget surplus belongs to the people and should be returned to them in the form of one-time rebate checks, lower taxes for everyone and the elimina tion of taxes on social security income. Minnesota is one of the highest taxed states and we can no longer afford ex cessive government spending, especially when our family budgets are getting eaten up by record-high inflation. The government surplus should not be “spent”, it should be returned to the people.

cially what those impacts are in your own district and communities.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I think the deal that was reached last legislative session with both democrats and republicans would have been a major win for our state as it invested in tax, capital investment, education, health care and human services, public safety, and more. There was also the intent to save $4 billion to help the state in economic uncertainty. It’s unfortunate that this bill wasn’t passed last legislative session, but I think it would be beneficial to pass this bill next legislative session to help our state.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. Accountability and transparency are essential qual ities of true public servants. If given the privilege to represent our district in the legislature, I will ensure our residents are informed and involved in legislation in St. Paul by hosting monthly town halls, posting informative videos on bills and votes via social media, and maintain ing an open-door policy for all constituents in the capitol.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. It is time to provide long-term, immediate tax cuts for Minnesota families so they can also grow their savings account rather than just the state’s coffers. The rainy-day fund is full and the state has more than enough money. We should invest in our law enforcement agencies and turn the chapter on endless taxation in Minnesota while also cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in our state agencies.

them, and seeking feedback through e-updates and other communications.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I believe that we should invest the surplus in Minne sotans to ensure a brighter future for all. We should put money back into the pockets of Minnesotans so they’re able to afford the rising costs of housing and everyday household items. We need to invest more in our public schools to ensure that they can meet the needs of every student and that they’re prepared to address student mental health challenges. We should put some of the surplus into early care and learning programs as they have been shown to have long-term positive impacts for children, families and communities. Finally, we need to address the crises that exist in the areas of housing and disability services staffing.

VOTERS’ GUIDE 2022

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT 36B

Brion Curran (DFL)

Age: 37 City of residence: Vadnais Heights

Occupation: Senior Human Resources Generalist, Former Police Officer

List most recent civic involvement roles: City of Vadnais Heights Community Engagement Committee

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Public Safety: As a former officer I know we can take steps toward safer communities while providing police with the support needed to keep us protected. Accountability is important and so is ensuring departments are fully equipped to handle comprehensive needs of communities. Public safety support that coincides with mental health access and crime prevention strategies are key to making long-term positive change.

Heidi Gunderson (R)

Age: 49

City of residence: Vadnais Heights

Occupation: Small Business Owner

List most recent civic involvement roles: Current City of Vadnais Heights Mayor (2nd term)

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Public Safety: We deserve to feel safe in our communities. With violent crime up 21.6% and a significant increase in property crimes, support ing law enforcement is more important than ever!

Ensuring the resources to recruit, train and retain officers that bravely protect us is key. I support law enforcement and am proud to have earned the endorsement of the Minnesota Police and Peace

Mark Wiens (R)

Age: 59 City of residence: Lake Elmo, Mn

Occupation: Retired military officer with decades of experience in policy making, strategy and leading diverse groups of professionals to solve complex issues. I have witnessed some of the worst places on the planet and am committed to making Minnesota one of the best. Self-employed as a strategist.

List most recent civic involvement roles: Volunteer as a WW2 Round Table Executive Board member and Student Outreach Chair, we provide monthly programs at the Minnesota History Cen ter. The Student Outreach connects our greatest generation with a new generation of Americans.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. What are your top three priorities for the state? Education - I support public schools, yet am

Disability Services: Our legislature has a unique responsibility to determine reimbursement rates for disability services and that makes the difference between our most vulnerable neighbors thriving instead of just surviving. I am a strong advocate for the disability com munity and the dedicated workforce who support them.

Our Rights: Minnesotans have rights to be free from discrimination and government interference. I stand for reproductive rights and firmly oppose bills that dis criminate or infringe on personal liberties. Politicians’ personal opinions have no place in decision making for all Minnesotans.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I listen to understand, so when I have conversations at the State Capitol, I will bring community voices forward when making decisions that affect us all. I have already begun establishing relationships with community leaders and organizations who are the experts on the ground, in touch with our district’s specific needs, and ready to

Officers Association. Economy: With rising inflation families are paying more for gas, groceries and energy putting a strain on budgets. Families are making tough decisions about spending their hard earned dollars. I will support efforts to ease financial burdens on Minnesotans. Education-Proficiency rates are trending downward. As a mother of three I witnessed the difficulties of distance and hybrid learning. I applaud teachers who did their best to educate our students during trying times. We need real solutions and funding for literacy, special edu cation and mental health.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I have worked hard to be accessible and responsive to all of my constituents. I believe that in order to serve your community you need to understand the needs of its citizens. Throughout this campaign I have talked to

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DISTRICT 41A

dismayed that key data-driven-markers for educational success have plummeted and the current system seems “okay” with this. Parents are not, especially parents of underserved students who seek academic excellence.

Safety - Many people are concerned about the increas ing crime. We must support our law enforcement/first responders, and enforce our current laws so criminals and those with mentally illness do not have access to guns, thus ensuring the most vulnerable among us can enjoy life without fear.

Economy - We must do something to help our seniors on fixed incomes, the working poor, and those who play by the rules, work hard, pay their taxes, yet cannot get ahead. Minnesota must champion businesses and part ner in its growth and innovation.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I will welcome public input and expert witnesses and extended invitations to participate in committee hearings at the State Capitol and other sites as designated. I will solicit constituent feedback on current legislation

CANDIDATE PAT DRISCOLL (DFL) DID NOT RESPOND.

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

44B

TJ Hawthorne (LP)

Age: 42 City of residence: North St. Paul Occupation: Industrial Automation Engineer

Q. What are your top three priorities for the state?

A. Roll back authority of the governor. With the recent emergency powers, I saw there are too many powers given to one person. The current legislature gave up their necessary powers and

passed the responsibility to the governor. The state should NOT have the authority to tell a small business when they can be open or not. Businesses in Minnesota should NOT have to cut through all the red tape, just to get their idea off the ground.

• School Choice. Government schools are proving to be failing Minnesotans. When the parents can choose where their children go to school, and the ‘money follows the student’, we will be able to see better results.

• Defend the Guard. Our Minnesota National Guard and Air National Guard are NOT forces that should be used to fight wars overseas.

move forward with common ground solutions. I care about the opinions of everyone in our district and will represent the community with honesty, integrity, and candor.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. We had an incredible opportunity to fund education, eliminate taxes on Social Security, and provide inflation relief to families across the state. I am disappointed in legislators who failed to come to an agreement, allowing divisive politics and election-year strategy to interfere with what would have been best for Minnesotans. I am prepared to set differences aside and work hard on the common ground I know exists in our district. Serving as your representative would be an incredible privilege and I look forward to being a new kind of leader in our com munity who truly listens and delivers results. Leaving a large surplus on the table was irresponsible and ultimate ly, Minnesotans bore the brunt of this lack of action. We must work together to accomplish our goals.

so many wonderful people. They come from all walks of life and have strong opinions about how our state should move forward. One thing is clear, folks in our district care deeply about their neighbors and their community. My approach has been and will continue to be, a will ingness to listen and have meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. Minnesota has a historic and growing budget surplus and tax revenues continue to exceed forecasts. Simply put, the state is collecting more tax revenue than it needs. This provides a unique opportunity to make meaningful reforms. I would support the elimination of the Social Security Tax and work across the aisle to pass immediate and ongoing tax cuts to put money back in the pockets of seniors and hard working Minnesotans.

via office calls, telecommunications, social media, mail and email. I look forward to talking with my constituents during community events, town halls, and forums and truly listening to them and representing their voices in our state government.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. I will support conducting a thorough analysis of our tax base, projections, obligations, and opportunities that keep our state government focused on its key missions. I believe one of the key missions is to prioritize the reduc tion of taxes to include permanent tax rate reductions, the elimination of the Social Security Tax, reduce or even eliminate the provider and gas tax, and ensure public safety needs are adequately funded. We should expect more from our leaders in accountability, responsibility, and transparency. We can and must do better for our people.

“The impersonal hand of government can never re place the helping hand of a neighbor.” Hubert Humphrey.

Q. If elected, how will you involve the public in making major decisions?

A. I will always listen to what my constituents have to say. As a State Representative, we will be making deci sions for what is best for the state, not just my district.

Q. How do you think the $9 billion state budget surplus should be spent?

A. Sent back to Minnesotans.

In the future, if I had anything to do with it, we wouldn’t have this kind of surplus because I would love to tax Minnesotans less and less every year until we can eliminate the income tax. Beginning with SS payments.

CANDIDATES WILLIAM JOHNSTON (R) AND LEON LILLIE (DFL) DID NOT RESPOND.

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Historic White Bear Lake cottage tour

Above: Visitors gather out side the Fillebrown House (or C.P. Noyes Cottage) in White Bear Lake prior to a recent tour of the historic 1879 lake cottage.

At right: Volunteer Maureen Raymond shares historical information while leading a group of visitors through the iconic multilevel structure. The house was donated to the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society in 1978 and is on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Above: Sue Kalis, at right, shared that she was related to the Charles P. Noyes, the original owner of the cottage during a recent tour. The home continues to offer sur prises, including a detailed miniature village, at left, that was recently discovered hidden in a bedroom.

An open house is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to Noon and registra tion is open at whitebearhis tory.square.site for guided tours and a Gangster Bus Tour on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Ponies top Bears in aerial circus before huge crowd

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

One of the most spectacular plays in White Bear Lake football history was inspired by a temper tantrum Friday night: Gavin Knutson’s 95-yard touchdown pass to Vatel Henderson that tied a rollicking, back-and-forth game at Stillwater 28-28.

No. 4 ranked Stillwater (5-0), celebrating homecoming, would recover to edge the Bears (3-2) by 35-28 before several thousand fans in an aerial circus by both quarterbacks.

“On the play before that, I got an unsportsmanlike conduct (penalty),” said Knutson. “I said something to the ref. So I was kinda mad.”

“I went to the coach and said, ‘Let’s give Vatel another shot downfield.’ He said OK. So I just threw the ball as far as I could, and Vatel went up over the guy and caught it.”

The 6-foot-2 Henderson was tightly covered by Braden Wen ner but out-jumped him for the ball, then broke his tackle and dashed the rest of the 95 yards untouched as the entire Bear side line leapt and bounded with joy.

Coach Ryan Bartlett was more rational about calling the risky play from the end zone. “We ran that one in the first half and beat them deep, but overthrew, so we talked about it at halftime, going back to that play.”

Knutson completed 19 of 33 passes for 389 yards with one

interception as the Bears fell 14 points behind three times but kept scrambling back. Hender son caught eight for 194 yards. Rayshaun Brakes caught five for 98 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown, and made an inter ception as well. Two TD’s by Chris Heim, on runs of one and four yards, were set up by passes, the latter by Henderson’s 55-yard

gainer. Eli Treichel booted four conversions.

Knutson also found Michael Delaney over the top for a 46-yard gain to the 15 with the Bears trail ing 35-28 late in the game. But that time the Bears were stopped on a fourth-and-three, as Knut son hit Brakes in the flat but the Ponies stopped him a yard short. Stillwater clinched the win with a fourth-and-one quarterback sneak at their own 22 with 1:33 left and the Bears out of timeouts.

Stillwater quarterback Max Shikenjanski was good as adver tised, completing 19 of 31 for 251 yards and four touchdowns.

Shikenjanski has thrown for 17 touchdowns and 1,478 yards while drawing interest from the Gophers. Knutson, a senior firstyear starter, has 984 yards and eight TD tosses.

Knutson said it was fun to go against a guy like that. “I think that helped me a lot. He is a great player. We all knew we had to really step up.”

The Bears netted just 50 ground yards with Knutson sacked three times. Kesean Libscomb had 52 in 18 carries. Stillwater had just 53 rushing yards as this one was all about air power.

About the outcome, Knutson said, “It was a fun one, for sure. I will probably remember this game forever. It was tough com ing up short, though, especially in such a big game.”

Zephyrs thump Panthers, Bohmert passes 1,000

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

Mahtomedi continues to pile up victories and Corey Bohmert continues to pile up yardage and touchdowns. The Zephyrs (5-0) repelled Spring Lake Park 35-21 there as Bohmert carried 20 times for 214 yards and touchdowns of ten, five and five yards.

The 5-foot-10 senior scooted past the 1,000-yard marker already. His five-game totals are 1,101 yards, 12.4 per carry and 16 touchdowns.

“It all starts up front. We have been able to get a body on a body and Corey has very good vision and is very explosive,” coach Dave Muetzel as sessed. “He sees a window and accelerates through it.”

A year ago, the state runner-up Zephyrs had their only bad game against SLP, losing 35-7. They took charge right away this time with Bohmert scoring the first two touchdowns.

Sam Garry fired TD passes to Michael Barry (43 yards) and Ramsey Morrell (five yards). He finished 6-for-8 for 84 yards, with Barry snagging four for 72. The Zephyrs rushed for 271 yards with Cole Saenger adding 38 on seven totes. Bohmert and Barry scored two-point conversions.

The Panthers (3-2) kept it interesting with 254 yards rushing, split among four backs, and 53 yards passing.

Mahtomedi took four turnovers from the Pan thers: an interception by Nicholas Rollinger and fumble recoveries by Tommy Muetzel, Eric Buttke and Tyler Gunderson. Leading tacklers were JP

Bear netters - best season in years

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTER

White Bear Lake is enjoying its best tennis season in many years, especially showing strength in dou bles play. The Bears finished third of 10 teams in the Suburban East with a 7-2 record after defeating Park 6-1 and East Ridge 6-1 last week.

They lost the regular-season finale to Mahtomedi 4-3 at White Bear Yacht Club, and entered sectionals with a 12-7 record.

“We are having a great season so far. We have depth in experience with our nine seniors,” said second-year coach Marla Zitelman.

The Bears won 23 of 27 doubles matches in nine con ference matches. Alexina Erickson and Alex Reiland, senior co-captains, usually played No. 1, with Anna Sommerhause and Ella Skeie at No. 3. Also seeing dou bles action are Tally Domschot, Mia Haskins, Nicole Murphy, and Annika Norman.

“I take pride in teaching them how to play doubles effectively at the high school level,” said Zitelman, “something I wish I would have been taught (in high school.) I learned a lot about doubles at Gustavus Adol phus, which is also known for strong doubles.”

The Bears lost to conference champion Mounds View 6-1 and to Roseville Area 4-3. They’ve had six 4-3 matches and lost five of them. The Bears do not have an individual standout as yet. Ellia Groneberg, soph omore, is playing No. 1, gaining valuable experience there, Zitelman said.

Winning against Mahtomedi were Murphy and Kaylee Zimmerman in singles and Sommerhause/ Skeie in doubles. The Zephyrs won a close match at 1-doubles.

Zephyrs tie for MEC tennis crown

Mahtomedi gained a tie for the Metro East cham pionship by defeating Simley 5-2 in the confer ence finale Thursday.

The Zephyrs finished 6-1 in conference. They had lost 4-3 to Hastings, but Hastings was upset by Hill-Murray 4-3 on Thursday, finishing 6-1. Hill-Murray was 5-2.

The Zephyrs also de feated Stillwater 5-2 and White Bear Lake 4-3 in non-conference last week and took a 10-6 record into Section 4AA as No. 3 seed Tuesday. Mari Meger won at 1-singles in all three matches, as did Campbell Albers/Kate Hoffman at 1-doubles.

Other regulars on the first-place team are Kath

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER CONTRIBUTED Gavin Knutson passed for 389 yards, completing 19 of 33.

BRUCE STRAND CONTRIBUTED

Vatel Henderson raced down the sideline for a 95-yard touchdown after catching a Gavin Knutson pass at midfield..

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Coach Marla Zitelman conferred with Alex Reiland (left) and Alexina Erickson, the No. 1 doubles team.

Johnson with 11, Rollinger nine (six solo), Cody Dvorak nine (five solo), Javan Harvey seven, Alex Mahoney seven and Tommy Muetzel six.

The Zephyrs face St. Thomas Academy in a duel of 5-0 teams Friday evening in Mendota Heights.

MARY ROLLINGER | CONTRIBUTED Corey Bohmert looks for an opening against Spring Lake Park on the way to 214 yards and three touchdowns.

ryne Foley, Lily Carlson, Sonya Potthoff, Olivia Bengtson, Megan Langer, and Mallory Langer.

BRUCE STRAND | CONTRIBUTED

Kate Hoffman and Campbell Albers head the Zephyrs’ doubles lineup.

VOLLEYBALL

White Bear Lake has a 9-9 record after losing two road matches in conference last week and going 2-2 at a Centennial tournament. Irondale won the first game in overtime and went on to sweep the Bears 28-26, 25-16, 25-14. Woodbury tripped the Bears 25-13, 25-20, 25-18 . At Centennial, the Bears defeated Rock Ridge 25-19, 25-21, and St. Francis 25-12, 25-10. Centennial beat the Bears 25-15, 25-22, and North Branch edged them 30-28, 25-21.

GIRLS SOCCER

White Bear Lake lost to Woodbury 1-0 at home and missed a chance to tie for the Suburban East Conference lead. The Bears, who beat Roseville Area 3-2, are 5-2 in conference and 10-4 overall with two SEC matches left. Woodbury (9-2 overall) is 6-1 in the SEC, tied for the lead with Stillwater, which lost to East Ridge 2-1. “The loss espe cially stung after Stillwater was upset by East Ridge,” co-coach John Dierkh ising said.

Woodbury’s Grace Kuah scored in the 35th minute against the Bears. Each goalie, Ava Williams for the Royals and Autumn Maki for the Bears, made six saves. An apparent goal by Abby O’Brien was called back. At Rose ville, Jenna Maloy notched two goals with assists by Becca Smith, and fresh man Madeline Thompson broke a 2-2 tie with 10 minutes left off a crossing pass from Sydney Johnson.

BOYS SOCCER

White Bear Lake posted its seventh shutout and defeated winless Roseville Area 4-0 there , then lost to Woodbury 2-1. The Bears are 7-4-2 with just 12 goals allowed in 13 matches. “We have a combative, hard-working group, com mitted to defending and keeping clean shots,” coach Karl Jende acknowledged. About goalie Kyle Christensen, Jende said, “His work ethic and focus have gone to another level this year, and he’s becoming the goalie we thought he could be, way back when he was 13.” Eli Treichel anchors the back line, flanked by Teagan Giese and Colin Thomp son. Ben Watson and Eli Simanek form a shield in front of them. Porter Drost provides midfield pressure. Charlie Ol sen and Ryan Dufresne battle to pin the defensive line back. Wingers, especially Caleb Anderson, cover the wide chan nels. Scoring at Roseville were Watson, Karolis Kairys, Dufresne and Olsen. Against Woodbury (7-1-3), Treichel scored on a penalty kick.

GIRLS SOCCER

Mahtomedi grabbed the Metro East lead with a 2-0 win over Hill-Murray, arch rival in both conference and section, then blanked Cretin-Derham Hall 5-0 on Saturday. The Zephyrs, ranked No. 2 in Class 2A behind Holy Angels, are 4-0 in conference and 10-2 overall, with an eight-game win streak in which they’ve allowed only three goals. Against Hill-Murray, Katelyn Beulke scored on a head er in the fifth minute and Aynslea Ulschmid on a rocket into the net in the 20th minute. Stella Grabow made six saves. Beulke drilled the first three goals against CDH. Maddie Mc Coy and Sophia Peer also scored and Jacque Worden made 11 saves.

VOLLEYBALL

Mahtomedi held the Metro East Conference lead with two conference wins last week, then won a tourna ment at Chisago Lakes, improving to 5-0 in conference and 16-2 overall. The Zephyrs beat South St. Paul 25-9, 25-18, 25-15 as Kylie Paul aced six serves, Katherine Arnason notched 13 kills and Abby Bruggeman seven, and Camryn Peterson had 15 digs. They tripped Simley 25-17, 25-7, 25-10, led by

Arnason with 11 kills and Kaili Mal vey with eight, and Petersen with nine digs. The Zephyrs went 3-0 at Chisago Lakes, turning back St. Paul Johnson 25-9, 25-12; Pine City 26-24, 25-13; and Chisago Lakes 25-11, 25-13.

BOYS SOCCER

Mahtomedi tied Tartan 1-1 then lost to undefeated, No. 2 ranked Hill-Mur ray 2-0. The Zephyrs are 6-5-2 overall and 2-2-2 in the Metro East.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Mahtomedi girls placed fifth and the boys placed sixth in the 22team Farmington Cowbell Run at their country fairgrounds. The Farm ington girls and Two Rivers boys were team champions. For the Zephyr girls, Sarah Brings placed 12th (20:16), Gabby Fox 22nd (20:45), Vanessa Rogosheske 38th (21:32), Greta Liner 45th (21:42) and Brooklyn Erickson 87th (23:13). For the Zephyr boys, Josh Gibbens placed ninth (17:03), William Lieberman 20th (17:19), Wyatt Siess 30th (17:43), Ryan Pavlik 56th (18:11), and Matthew Studenski 65th (18:25).

BBYRA finishes season, announces awards

Lily Jenkins won the 50 and 100 against Forest Lake.

SWIMMING

The White Bear Lake swimmers lost to Forest Lake 105-75 at the YMCA. The Bears won three events. Lily Jenkins took the 50 freestyle in 26.31 seconds and the 100 freestyle in 58.20. The 200 freestyle relay won with Jenkins, Ella Maas, Emma Masso, and Lucy Borofka in 1:52.98. Placing second were Borofka in the 200 free and backstroke, and Basso in individual medley and breast stroke.

The Black Bear Yacht Racing Association of White Bear Lake (BBYRA) has wrapped up their sailing season.

Results for the September Tuesday evening series, nick named ‘Frozen Fingers’, are: License 2 Chill, with Eric Hegland as helmsman and Sean Blackford, crewing with 1st place; Water Dog, piloted by Steve Bergeson with Allan Johnson as crew with 2nd place; and Still Doin It, captained by Charlie Helmes with crew members Lisa Klopp and Mark Beh rens in 3rd place.

Results for the Sep tember Saturday noon

series, nicknamed ‘Iceberg’, are: License to Chill with 1st place; Sea Sloth, sailed by Don and Cory Hankins in 2nd place; and das Boot Jr. , captained by Jochen

CONTRIBUTED

Koenig in 3rd place.

For information about the BBYRA, e-mail bbyra.mn@gmail.com.

Submitted by Ann Wolfe

BRENNAN SCHACHTNER | CONTRIBUTED Kennidee Thomas of the Bears fielded a serve by Woodbury.

Kenneth Janusz

Janusz, Kenneth Charles, age 80 of White Bear Lake, formerly of Hugo. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Monday, October 10, 2022 with visitation from 3 PM until the time of service at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Family interment at Fort Snelling National cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the USS Albacore Museum in Portsmouth NH or your favorite local cat rescue.

Anita Marie Nistler

Anita Marie Nistler passed away on September 17, 2022, at the age of 58. Anita was the mother of three and will be missed by David (Sarah); Tami (Lucas) and Lindsay, seven grandchildren and many others.

A celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Sunday, October 9 at 2pm at the Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor.

To send condolences to the family please visit: www.mykeeper.com/profile/ AnitaNistler or use the address below:

C/O Tami Enz, 52151 183rd Ave, McGregor, MN 55760

DEATH NOTICE

Elizabeth Betty Meyers

Elizabeth Betty Proceviat Meyers. Age 95. Mass of Christian Burial was held on September 29, 2022 at ST. ANN’S CHAPEL, White Bear Lake. Inter ment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Daughters of Mary at St. Ann’s Chapel. Arrangements with Honsa Family Funeral Home, 651-429-6172

White Bear Lake Area Historical Society remembers valued coworker

BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER

Kim Stieper was the first person people spoke with when they reached out to the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. Whether it was over the phone or in person, Stieper was there, ready to help.

Stieper, 51, of North Branch died suddenly in a car accident in Hugo Sept. 19, and the White Bear Lake community is feeling her loss.

“It’s only been a week, but we can already feel how much she did for us,” said Sara Hanson, executive director of the historical society.

Stieper began working at the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society as a volunteer and then became the office manager in 2012. This year marked her 10-year work anniversary.

According to Hanson, Stieper was the one keeping everything afloat at the historical society. She was ready to answer questions with a smile and politely

MAHTOMEDI SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• The estimated proposed property tax levy for 2023 is approximately $15.8 million. Jeff Priess, director of finance and operations said the total levy will go down $198,00. The proposed levy includes the general fund of approximately $10.3 million, the community education fund of $287,008.20, and the debt service fund of about $5.2 million. A Truth in Taxation public hearing will be held at the Mahtomedi School Board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.

• Jennifer Reichel, director of teaching and learning, gave an update on learning recovery. She said COVID-19 recovery is going to take some time to get back to pre-pandemic averages in student data. Plans this fall include: continued focus on reading and math; WIN/Flex/Zephyr time used to personalize remediation or enrichment; targeted small group instruction where ap

greeted everyone on the phone.

“She was always so warm and friendly. She always helped out whoever was there and got stuff done,” Hanson said.

Stieper was known to be quiet, but was a go-getter, the type of coworker who kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes, her colleagues said.

“She has been steadfast for us,” Hanson said.

The society hopes to find a way to honor Stieper in the future. Hanson’s last conversa tion with Stieper concerned their excitement around relocating the historical society to the Armory. Hanson said the historical so ciety may find a way to honor Stieper in the new space.

The historical society has been met with an outpouring of condolences and thoughtful messages acknowledging the unexpected loss.

“It’s nice to know just how appreciated she was,” Hanson said. “We always appreciated her, and I know other people appreciated her too.”

propriate; and grade level team meetings/data days. Reichel noted that new staff is working on continuing recovery needs, specifically for students who don't need an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The district is also looking into an on-demand online tutoring option. “We have a hand ful of people who are exploring an on-demand tutoring solution,” Reichel said. “We don't know if that's the right fit for us but it's something we are exploring be cause there are additional pieces that some of our families and students may be interested in.”

• Enrollment in the Mahtomedi School District is about 3,144. Priess said elementary class size is at or below the metro average. Middle school enrollment is ap proximately 270-280 students per grade. At the high school, enroll ment is approximately 1,200. “It's pretty consistent with last year's numbers,” Priess said.

• The School Board unanimous ly approved the goals of Super intendent Barb Duffrin for the 2022-23 school year. These goals include exceptional learning experiences, engagement and strategic and long-term planning.

• School Board member Lucy Payne said the Fab Lab is having a community celebration begin ning at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10. There will be showcases about how the Fab Lab is being used by students in classes and clubs. Payne noted that it is the 10th anniversary of Fab Lab. Here is a list of events for the celebration: - 5 p.m. – Outdoor rocket launches at the Mahtomedi Quads (softball/baseball fields). - 6 p.m. – Official program at the Mahtomedi High School. - 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Showcases, history and tours.

Noelle Olson

CONTRIBUTED Kim Stieper

Another amazing few week of avian activity on WBL! The ever expanding cover of coots have returned, while massive flocks of migrating Gulls continue to gather. The Chick spends most of its time fishing and diving with the remaining Loons around the lake.

WELCOME BACK COOTS!

Loon Chronicles VIII: Welcome back Coots!

The last two weeks were simply spectacular for watching Autumn unfold on White Bear Lake. The trees on Manitou Island are starting to pop in dazzling pockets of red, orange, and yellow, and the bulrushes have taken on a golden hue. At long last, the Coots have arrived and can be found in their burgeoning covers in the War Zone and around the bulrushes. It does not take much to trigger their flight in every direction. For the next several weeks, the Eagles will have an endless supply of Coot cuisine. Massive flocks of Gulls are starting to gather around the lake, as well. We spotted one

White

Servant

Heights,

of the largest flocks we have seen, to date, on the East side of Manitou Island. They were easily spooked and flew in formation when startled. At one point, they headed straight for our boat and abruptly banked to the right, missing us by only a few feet. The chick continues to bulk up in anticipation of its impending migration. We often spot the chick fishing, diving, and socializing with juveniles and emerging adults from neighboring lakes. They appear to have developed a buddy system and call to each other when surfacing. Like the adult Loons, they often will circle each other, tease with

Area

Casual Worship

tapping bills, and dive in sync with each other. The Old Warriors keep an eye on the younger Loons from the sidelines, while fishing quietly on their own. We look forward to the temporary return of the Mergansers, Grebes, Canvasbacks, Buffleheads, and other migratory waterfowl, as they make their way south. I could not resist including a photo of the Great Blue Heron, with the hideous tongue, that likes to sun on our neighbor’s boat canopy. Quite the spectacle.

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VICES is recruiting for a temporary Facil ities Maintenance Technician. This is a temporary position for 3 to 6 months, pays $22 to $25 per hour, and is 40 hours per week. Responsibilities include painting, and basic repair of drywall, doors, and plumb ing. The person will be responsible for light bulb, ballast, and HVAC filter replacement, and general equipment maintenance such as tightening belts and bearings and check ing equipment oil. This position oversees snow removal services ensuring safety of employees, tenants, and staff. The ability to develop good rapport with staff and tenants and assist them with equipment or main tenance needs is required. For additional information, please call 651-379-3402 or email HumanResources@nyfs.org

The City of Circle Pines is seeking an individual to fill a part-time (20-30 hours) Administration Assistant position. Primary duties include prepares all council, board and commission packets, ordinance and resolution handling, transcribes recorded and written copy for City Council, Park Board, Planning Com mission, Utility Commission and Labor Management meetings. Maintains all record keeping of files in hard copy and in the document imaging electronic filing system. Performs receptionist duties such as answers phones; also accommodates customers in like manner at counter. Minimum requirements of a High School Diploma or GED, two (2) years demonstrat ed experience in administrative duties. Two years of government experience desired. Salary range $21.77-$28.83. Applicant must fill out a City of Circle Pines/Centennial Utilities application to be considered. For a full position description and application visit HYPERLINK “http://www.ci.circle-pines.mn.us” www. ci.circle-pines.mn.us. Application deadline 4:30 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2022. The City of Circle Pines/ Centennial Utilities is an equal opportunity employer.

Staff Writer

Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a staff writer to join its awardwinning team. As a staff writer, you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout for our newspapers and website. In addition to writing stories, the job will require attending news meetings, taking photographs, assisting with the layout process, writing occasional editorial columns and maintaining a positive relationship with the community at large. We are looking for a candidate who is a talented writer, passionate about local community news and great at time management. Candidates should have a degree in journalism (or a related field) and have relevant experience. To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three writing samples to quadnews@presspubs.com.

PARTS RUNNER - SHOP HELPER

IMMEDIATE - Full-Time employment opportunity with great benefits for a parts runner / shop helper at our Lino Lakes facility.DAYTIME HOURSIMMEDIATE OPENINGS Emergency Apparatus Maintenance, Inc provides full service and repair of fire apparatus, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Due to our rapid growth and expansion we are looking for professional, reliable parts runner and shop helper to join our team.

Job Requirements: Pre-employment physical and drug screen required. Good driving record. Must have a Class B CDL license. Excellent Benefits: medical/dental/life insurance, Holiday/Vacation pay and a HUGE retirement plan. Also, uniforms provided.

Go to our website to apply, www.eamservice.com or call (651) 786-4463

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Press Publications is looking for a motivated graphic designer for a part-time or full-time position to join our team! As part of the production-design team, you'll have a vital role in making sure the weekly and bi-weekly papers get out the door and into the hands of the local community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Comfortable in Adobe InDesign (CS6 + CC) with the minor use of Photoshop and Illustrator

- Build ads to customer specs, and assist the sales team with new ads for potential clients

- Follow a strict schedule with overlapping deadlines

-Work with editors to produce vibrant products

JOB DETAILS:

- 20-38 hours per week

- M-F 7:55am - 5:30pm

Email resume to: marketing@presspubs.com

Now Hiring

Accounting Assistant

Part Time, 20-25 Hrs/wk.

Collections, Deposits, Billing

Please send resume to: AR@presspubs.com

EN

TIVE

Now Hiring

Administrative Assistant

Part Time, Mon. & Tues., 7:55am-5:05pm

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

Desired Skills & Experience: High school diploma required.

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

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

HIRING

Are you an inspired writer looking for an opportunity to generate creative issue-based and feature-based articles for a Twin Cities area newspaper, as well as looking for additional income. Press Publications is looking for a part-time independent contractor to research for and produce monthly articles along with arts and entertainment features for our news-magazine hybrid publication. Candidate should have photography and/or graphics skills.

Please contact Patty Steele at Press Publications, 651-407-1213, or marketing@presspubs.com

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEF

Local resident charged with racially motivated crime

White Bear Lake resident James Shepard Marko, 20, is charged with intentionally causing damage to physical property on the basis of discrimination toward the prop erty owner’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or national origin and reducing the prop erty’s value by more than $500.

On Aug. 6, 2021 at approximately 11:54 p.m. Forest Lake police officers were dispatched to 5258 200th Street North on a report that Marko had gone to the house of the victim. Officers caught a video of the defendant immediately before he allegedly committed the act. In the video, it appears the defendant identifies where he is going and why he is going to commit the damage. The damage to the victim’s vehicle was caused by a rock. Marko is sentenced to one year and one day in jail and a fine of $3,000.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS CITY BRIEF

Vadnais Heights scarecrow trail event

Local businesses, organizations, and residents will install scarecrow creations along the trail at Commu nity Park. Go to the park to view the entries, then go to the city's website at cityvadnaisheights.com/265/ Scarecrow-Trail and vote for your favorite. The trail is free and open to the public during park hours. Trophies will go to the top entry in each category — business, organization, and resident. Winners can celebrate their award-winning scarecrow with lunch for the whole team ($150 max). All entries will also be considered for the Mayor's Choice Award. There is no fee to enter, but an entry form is required by Thursday, Oct. 20. For more information, contact Katie Everett at katie.everett@ cityvadnaisheights.com.

SCHOOL BRIEFS

See White Bear astronaut launch

Josh Cassada, NASA Astronaut and alum of White Bear Lake Class of '91, is piloting the NASA spaceship being launched to the International Space Station on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 11 a.m.

NASA is providing a live feed of the launch from the Ken nedy Space Center in Florida: blogs.nasa.gov/crew-5/

Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually - and you can send the astronauts a message when you register.

Liberty Hugo Campus Grand Opening

Liberty Classical Academy celebrates the grand open ing of the Liberty Hugo Campus with a ribbon-cutting on Friday, Oct. 7.

The public is invited to attend the event that marks the opening of the school’s new facility serving students in PreK-2nd grades, and also celebrates the school’s 20th Anniver sary.

The grand opening will begin at 1:30 p.m., and guests should plan to arrive between 12:45-1:15 p.m. The Hugo Campus is located at 10158 122nd St. N., the site of the former Withrow Elementary School.

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white bear

lence has been proven over and over again. Please join me in voting for Kevin Donovan for Mahtomedi School Board.

Phillip Williams Mahtomedi

vice-chair of the Vadnais Heights Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission.

PAID LETTER

Elephant in the womb

We need to talk about the elephant in the womb. Any Republican running for office in Minnesota who refuses to give their position on abortion rights, or states that “abortion is not on the ballot in Minne sota,” is trying to distract you from the reality of the Republican Party’s principles. The Minnesota Repub lican Party platform says, “The U.S. and Minnesota constitutions should be amended to restore legal protection to the lives of innocent human beings from conception to natural death. We are for overturning Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Gomez decisions.” The Repub lican Party’s position on abortion is clear.

I watched the White Bear Lake League of Wom en Voters forum between Senate candidates Roger Chamberlain and Heather Gustafson. When asked if he supports a constitutional right to an abortion, Chamberlain sidestepped the issue and used the “abortion is not on the ballot in Minnesota” excuse.

Gustafson countered by stating, “That is simply not true that abortion is not on the ballot.” Gustafson commented that as she is door-knocking in the com munity, reproductive rights is one of the top issues she discusses with voters. She doesn’t hide from her position, and stated clearly that she is pro-choice. The decision to have an abortion “is between a woman, her doctor, and her god, and NOT government.”

Abortion has been a right my entire life. I have no tolerance for government officials trying to take away my rights. I will be voting for Heather Gustafson to protect my rights and those of anyone with a womb!

Heather Christianson North Oaks

Even before joining the commission, Kelly cared deeply for our green spaces. She advocated for many community members to join in the No Mow May ini tiative and set up a rain barrel storage system. Kelly also came to City Council meetings to advocate for the new park that was installed at Bear Park during the summer of 2019. I am excited by what she has done and the improvements she is advocating for, includ ing connecting our trail system and adding more rain gardens.

Kelly welcomes all people, which I think is import ant in a City Council member. Kelly has her eyes set on starting a Human Rights Commission to improve cultural competency and racial equity within Vad nais Heights. Vadnais Heights will become a more welcoming, inclusive and diverse community with Kelly Jozwowski on our City Council. I encourage you to vote for Kelly for Vadnais Heights City Council.

Jessica Breur Vadnais Heights

sprung up called Vadnais Heights for Change (VH4C). The chair of that group is Heather Gustafson, who is currently running for Senate. Brion Curran, running for the House, is also a member. There are two mem bers currently on the Vadnais Heights City Council: Steve Rogers and Eric Goebel. This year’s city elec tions find three more diehard members running: Mike Krachmer for mayor, and Kelly Jozwowski and Katherine Doll Kanne for council members. These people are community activists who will try and push their environmental extremist agenda on us, and they should not get your vote this November.

In 2020, VH4C candidates ran on creating a Human Rights Commission in our city. They spoke before the City Council on July 20, 2021, pointing out the white ness of the council, ignoring the two white men their group helped elect. If the three members running for City Council were to win, a Human Rights Com mission is a shoe-in, which would only add another layer of unelected people telling you how to live your life, usually at the expense of your wallet, values and faith.

PAID LETTER

Keep community vibrant

I'm voting for Brion to keep our community vibrant. The last years have been difficult for everyone, and our government has had to make complex decisions by weighing people's needs, scientific information and economic factors. The world is not a simple place. That's why I'll be voting for Brion Curran for state representative.

Her experience in law enforcement and as a 911 dispatcher has given her a unique frame of reference to weigh complicated decisions in our communi ty. Her employment in the health and human services industry gives her an even more complete perspec tive. We need to allocate funds effectively and effi ciently to maintain community vibrance in the face of children's education needs, inflation, COVID, climate change and public safety. Our community is not a simple place. That's why I'm voting for Brion.

VH4C also wants Vadnais Heights to become a Minnesota GreenStep City. This program seems benign on the surface, but if you read the best prac tices directives, the program’s focus is on changing people’s behavior. One goal is to clump people togeth er in green housing units and create “alternatives to single-occupancy car travel;” i.e., they will take away your freedom to move around the county on your terms. You can read about it here: greenstep.pca.state. mn.us/best-practices.

Vadnais Heights needs smart businesspeople whose focus is on managing the city, not managing its cit izens. Greg Urban, Patricia Youker, Jerry Moynagh are three qualified, fiscally responsible people who will keep Vadnais Heights in the black and allow cit izens to keep their green. Find out more about Jerry Moynagh at jerrymoynagh.com.

Patty Bradway Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Vote to reduce carbon emission

In Minnesota, people of every background, no matter where we live, what we look like, or how we worship, have in common our love of the great out doors. But warmer winters are giving us shorter pond hockey and ice fishing seasons. Droughts in the sum mer are hurting our farmers and causing wildfires in the Boundary Waters.

The League of Women Voters recently hosted a fo rum for the candidates running to represent residents of White Bear Lake and neighboring communities (SD36) in the Minnesota Senate. The candidates were asked, "Do you believe the state has a role to play in reducing carbon emissions to address the changing climate?" After viewing the video of this exchange, it struck me that Senator Chamberlain's begrudging or half-hearted mention of clean energy sources in the same breath as fossil fuels only serves to further the interests of the fossil fuel companies.

I was encouraged by Heather Gustafson's abun dance of political imagination to leverage the work being done by conservation groups and to commit herself to address environmental challenges in a bipartisan way. There are so many ways we can work together. Installing electric vehicle charging stations, placing more solar energy systems on public build ings, offering rebates for electric vehicle and electric appliance purchases, strengthening weatherization assistance and weatherization employment programs, improving recycling programs, and supporting water, wildlife and habitat conservation programs are just a few ways we can transform our pro-environment sen timents into real world actions, creating employment opportunities in the process.

I will vote for Heather Gustafson because she is the candidate with the imagination and the drive to work in the Minnesota Senate to create a future for all of us without fossil fuels, where everybody has access to good jobs and where we protect the air and water for generations to come.

Joe Crowe White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER

Don’t be fooled

Margaret Seibel Vadnais Heights

Elliott Engen, an opponent of legalized abortion who is running for the Minnesota House in District 36A, has frequently made statements suggesting that abor tion should not be a concern during November’s mid term election. He often repeats a Republican talking point, that the right to abortion is settled law in Min nesota, and that even if a “trifecta” of Republicans hold the Senate, the House and the Governorship, it won’t be an issue. Does this sound eerily familiar to you? It should! We heard the same disingenuous tripe from Republicans prior to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade, essen tially ending 50 years of reproductive freedom for women in states across this country.

Make no mistake, while the right to an abortion is not literally on the ballot in Minnesota this election cycle, Elliott Engen is. This young man wants you to believe that candidates concerned about women’s reproductive rights are just trying to generate “clicks, cash and outrage.” It is clear by his cynical and cava lier attitude that he does not understand how serious this issue is for a solid majority of Minnesotans. If elected, however, he would most certainly take every opportunity to use his seat in the House of Represen tatives to strip Minnesota women of their reproduc tive rights.

Luckily, we have another option. Susie Strom, En gen’s opponent in the 36A House race, can be trusted to fight for women’s reproductive freedom. As a mom, an attorney, and a U.S. Army veteran who current ly serves in the U.S. Army Reserve, Susie believes that women should have the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions. When elected, she will work tirelessly to ensure that right is maintained in Minnesota. Vote for Susie Strom.

Debra Price-Ellingstad White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER Candidate understands issues

Brion Curran has the experience and qualities to be an effective advocate for the residents of District 36B in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

It is evident from her career in law enforcement and disability services that she values community service and has an understanding of issues that enable her to propose solutions. Brion has a passion for public safety, having served as a police reserve officer, reserve sergeant and 911 dispatcher in White Bear Lake. After completing her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, she joined the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office as a sheriff’s deputy.

In addition to her career in law enforcement, she has worked at Northeast Residence Inc. supporting those with developmental disabilities and is currently the senior human resources generalist.

As a former teacher and school board member, I am impressed with Brion’s commitment to lifelong learn ing. Please visit her website https://www.brioncurran. comand, and you will see that she continued her college education while working full time and recently completed the Northeast Metro Young Professionals program. I do believe that she will serve the community with honor, in tegrity and dedication as she has done in law enforcement and disability services.

Please join me in voting for Brion Curran on Nov. 8 to serve in the Minnesota House representing District 36B.

Ellen Fahey White Bear Lake

PAID LETTER

Knowledge, experience and empathy

It is my pleasure to endorse Heather Gustafson for Senate District 36 and Brion Curran for House District 36B. Both bring important experience that will allow them to advocate for us in the state Legislature. Both will fight to preserve reproductive rights, make health care more affordable and accessible, and enact com monsense legislation to curb gun violence. Both are outstanding listeners who will put us, their constitu ents, first.

PAID LETTER

Relational, environmental and wel coming

Kelly Jozwowski, my neighbor, is running for City Council. Kelly has lived in Vadnais Heights for more than 14 years and is actively engaged in working for the people of Vadnais Heights. Kelly is currently the

PAID LETTER

Vote for candidates to manage city, not citizens

I’m a current Vadnais Heights resident of 28 years. We moved here for its central location in the Twin Cities and for the Mounds View School District. It’s a beautiful, quiet town.

In the last four years, a radical left-wing group

Heather will bring her experience as a teacher to the Capitol to ensure our schools deliver a high-quality edu cation to all students. She will work to get money back in the pockets of families, seniors and small businesses for an economy that works for real people, not big cor porations. As a candidate, she has proven she can bring a variety of perspectives together and will ensure more voices are heard in powerful places.

Brion brings her experience working with people with disabilities and working in public safety. She un derstands that communities where people are treated

with dignity and respect are safer com munities. She recognizes that too many Minnesotans do not have the support they need to improve their mental health and will fight for affordable, accessible and effective mental health care.

I’ve had the chance to get to know both Heather and Brion over the past few months and have been impressed with their knowledge, experience and empathy. Please join me in voting for Heather Gustafson and Brion Curran on or before Nov. 8.

Cathy Crea White Bear Lake

Legislator endorses hopeful successor

To my friends and neighbors across White Bear Lake and Birchwood Village, thank you so much for your support over the years. Due to redistricting, I won’t be able to represent you in the Legislature in the future. But, you have a great can didate — Brion Curran — who will be a fierce ally for funding and strengthening the mental health and disability support services systems.

I heartily endorse Brion Curran for the Minnesota House of Representatives in the newly drawn District 36B, which includes our neighbors in Birchwood Village, Gem Lake, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake and portions of White Bear Township. Her experience working in disability support services for over 20 years, understanding of our public safety system and support for investments in the state’s mental health system will be invaluable on day one in the Legislature.

If elected, I look forward to working with Brion on all of these issues that matter so much to our community.

As the chair of the Behavioral Health committee for the last two years, I know how important it is to have level-headed conversations and debate that will bene fit Minnesotans. Brion embodies the best of bipartisan policy-making. She knows that there is more that unites us than divides us.

Brion has worked for decades in dis ability support services and she knows that right now, Minnesota is not preserv ing the human dignity of our neighbors with disabilities. We share the belief that we need to increase the reimbursement rate for disability support services to make these jobs more attractive and ensure better outcomes for residents. I am also excited about Brion’s passion to fund mental health care for all Minneso tans. Incidents of depression and anxiety have skyrocketed in recent years, and we need to support a comprehensive system that can help us all be healthier. I hope to hit the ground running in January with Brion.

Brion Curran’s personality and ex pertise will benefit the Legislature and the entire state. She will be a fantastic representative of our community. Please join me in supporting Brion Curran for state Representative for 36B on Nov. 8!

Rep. Peter Fischer Maplewood

Vote to save democracy

The midterm elections are coming shortly, and there is a clear choice for your vote. If you want to "save Democ racy," vote Democratic, and here's why: 65% of the Republican Party are "MAGA" cult of personality members! They insist that the 2020 presidential election was a steal against their "Chosen One," Donald John Trump. They believe the Jan. 6 insurrection was merely a political pro test instead of a coup, to forcibly insert Trump as THEIR president. Sixty courts have rejected Trump's claims of voter fraud.

Let's add the conservative (six Republi

cans + three Democrats) Supreme Court that overturned Roe vs. Wade. This has been a poison pill for the Republican Party, as 65% of American women want control over their own bodies! This court is also looking at repealing some of the LGBT laws.

For the last five years, Republican-con trolled states like Georgia and Texas have made it harder for persons of color to vote by suppressing their vote.

The reality of the "MAGA" cult is winning at any cost. Truths are disputed as lies, alternative facts are accepted as dogma. Their greed for power is their only goal!

Probably the most disturbing turn in the Republican Party is their adherence to another cult, QAnon. QAnon's core theory is that Democratic elitists are sex ual abusers of young children.QAnon's prophecy was that Trump was going to arrest and execute these elitists on the day of the "Storm" — a term that Trump himself has mentioned in recent "fund raising" appearances.

Trump is the cancer that has metasta sized throughout the "MAGA" Republi can Party. This man for the last 40 years has been the most litigious human in modern history — he's been a defendant in 1,450 cases.

Last week, he and his kids were sued for $250,000,000 for cooking the books in a tax fraud civil indictment in New York City, and the IRS will soon indict them for tax evasion. The hammer is going to drop on him in Georgia for voting fraud. This summer's search at his Florida home, "Mar-A-Lago," found hundreds of classified materials.

The "ketchup" on his double-cheese burger was his orchestrating, planning and fomenting a band of White Suprema cists to storm our nation's Capitol on Jan. 6 to violently overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Three people were killed that day, and hundreds were injured. When the dust settles here, "The Chosen One" will be looking at an orange jumpsuit for sedition conspiracy, invol untary manslaughter, possible treason and dereliction of duty for not stopping the insurrection.

Donald John Trump has led a life of grifting, lying and manipulating oth ers' weakness to his favor. The "MAGA" Republican Party will always be lieve Trump is above the law.

On Nov. 8, we must save our "Democra cy." Voting Democratic will ensure our future!

Jim Brunzell Jr. Vadnais Heights

PAID LETTER

Vote for volunteer of the year

We are so fortunate in Vadnais Heights to have such a strong person running for City Council. I met Kather ine a few years ago during my interest in VLAWMO’s rain garden grants. I also pursued getting a rain barrel, and this is when I met Katherine personal ly. I took her seminar on rain barrels and was lucky enough to win one! I have now learned she was a volunteer at the time — and was awarded Volun teer of the Year. Rightfully so — she gave so much of her time and expertise to this program. Katherine has so much energy and enthusiasm, I can imagine she will bring this and so much more to the Vadnais Heights City Council. She is currently on our Planning Commis sion and is committed to maintaining and growing our parks and trails, which is so important to me, and all of us I’m sure. Katherine also has a strong finance background, which will bode well for our council, and as a young mom, she will bring a new voice.

Please take the time to vote for this truly outstanding candidate, Katherine Doll Kanne, for our Vadnais Heights Council!

Diane Edson Vadnais Heights

Weather Tidbits Brought to you by WeathermanWatson.com

It was a September to remember, most notably in the form of the lack of precipitation. I totaled 0.29” and the airport a measly 0.24”.

If that doesn’t sound like much it is because it isn’t. It was record dry month. Despite the dry weather it is good news for farmers who have enjoyed getting out into the field for harvest. September finished a couple of degrees warmer than normal as well. Although we didn’t reach

many areas experienced their first

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Note: Visit WeathermanWatson.com

weather

Thank

Gloria’s

White Bear Lake Shortest Marathon

One Block Run

Mike Stary, Tim Bauman, Paul Munns (Marshal the Fire Dog), and the WBL Food Shelf staff.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors of the shirts: Abbott Paint & Carpet, Donatelli’s Restaurant, IC Systems, Rudy’s Red Eye & Country Inn, VFW Post 1782 and Auxiliary. Please patronize their establishments and thank them in person. Thanks to the food vendors that donate all the marathon food: Mueller Memorial and staff for the White Castles, Caribou Coffee (Hwy 96),Aldi (Mahtomedi) for the water and Cub Bakery (Centerville Rd) for the donut holes.

Our thanks also for the support of Perry Peterson, Deb, Amy & Ashley from the WBL Food Shelf, John Parenteau from East Central Screen Printing for printing the shirts, Patti and Paul of the White Bear Press, Fr. Ralph Talbot and Mary Scheurping of St Mary’s Church.

Not sure what Gloria’s goal was, but did she ever knock it out of the park!!

Don’t doubt for a minute that one person can’t make a difference.

— Gloria Carpenter & Peggy Parenteau

SP

Magicians, models and more promote H2O for Life at The Old Stewart House

BY CORINNE STREMMEL STAFF WRITER

Kelly Clement and Steve Bucher opened up their home for a night of glitz and glamor to benefit two charities that work to make water more accessible for people around the globe.

Patty Hall, president of H2O for Life, took the stage with supermodel and activist Georgie Badiel of the Georgie Badiel Foundation to explain the purpose of their respective charities.

H2O of for Life is designed as a service learning opportunity for school-age students to raise aware ness of the global water crisis and collect funds to implement sanitation and hygiene education projects with partner schools in the developing world.

“Kids do great things all over the country,” Hall said.

Hall originally introduced the idea to raise funds for water accessibility to Highview Middle School in New Brighton. After organizing a number of fund raisers, her students raised over $13,000, which was used to make water available year-round in Kathun gu Village in Kenya.

“We try to raise educated, global citizens,” Hall said of the project.

Today, about 1,787 schools around the U.S. and Canada have participated in H2O for Life by hosting walks for water, water fairs, bucket drives and other events to raise awareness about global water accessi bility.

Hall’s mission resonated with another effort to bring water to those who need it. Georgie Badiel, from Burkina Faso, grew up walking 3 miles a day to fetch water for her family.

For Badiel, fetching water was a regular annoy ance of life.

“As a kid, I kept thinking, why is the water so far?” Badiel recalled.

Badiel went on to be crowned Miss Africa and was scouted to be a model, walking for Marc Jacobs, posing in Italian Vogue and living “the good life” in New York and Paris.

In 2009 when Badiel’s sister announced she was going to have a baby, Badiel thought about how her family back home still did not have access to water.

Badiel decided to use her resources to found the Georgie Badiel Foundation and write a children’s book. “The Water Princess” tells the story of a young girl in West Africa who dreams of bringing clean water to her village. The funds from these projects have built and restored wells and invested in wom en’s empowerment.

“If I don’t stand up for the less fortunate, the less

powerful, who will?” Badiel said.

The two projects were positively received by the night’s guests. Badiel’s books had already sold out before the night began, and guests had the opportu nity to donate to H2O for Life via a QR code placed on each table in the home.

The night concluded with a bit of magic from Mike Caveney, who dazzled the crowd with disappearing acts, sleight-of-hand card tricks and even a chicken emerging from an audience member’s sport coat.

Like any good magician, when asked “How did you do all of that?” Canvey faithfully said, “Well, you're not supposed to know.”

The evening is just one of the many community events Clement and Bucher hope to pull off in their home.

“Just look around and see what people are saying,” Bucher said of his many smiling guests.

The Old Stewart House, formerly a church and then a theater, has served as a community gathering spot for 133 years, and the couple intends to keep it that way. This time, they're using their home to pro mote worthy causes, all with a little bit of magic.

Staff Writer Corinne Stremmel can be reached by calling 651-407-1226 or emailing lowdownnews@press pubs.com.

PUNKINMANIA

PUNKINMANIA

CORRINE STREMMEL | PRESS PUBLICATIONS Hall and Badiel share how they began their respective water charities.

1. The motor yacht Front Page, owned by White Bear Lake residents and former owners of Press Publications Gene and Kathy Johnson, served as a backdrop in Fox News’ coverage of Hurricane Ian. The boat, located in Ft. Myers, Florida, is a total loss,

with the

marina.

friends

photos

Holtz Kraemer shows off pavers in memory of Benny

barber” Schmalzbauer and his commitment to recording history in the community by calling the annual ice out on White Bear Lake. New pavers continue to be placed at

recognition

Thank

Premier

Gold Sponsor

RAO Manufacturing, Inc.

Mains’l

Silver Sponsors

The ReCyclery

Peggy & Dick Palen

Commercial Plumbing and Heating

Joy Erickson, Edina Realty

Hallberg Engineering

The Carlson Clinic

Comcast

Premier Banks

API Group, Inc.

White Bear Mitsubishi

White Bear Rental

Royal Credit Union

High Traffic Flooring

White Bear Boat Works

Cerenity Senior Care

MusicSponsor

Sponsors

YOU SPONSORS

Rotary Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Altstatt Consulting

Greg Bartz Consulting, LLC

Century College

White Bear Eye Clinic and Optical

White Bear Country Inn

High Traffic Flooring

White Bear Boat Works

Cerenity Senior Care

Lakeshore Players

Rotary Sponsors

Baltzer Painting

Craig & Gloria Drake

Ramsay & Associates

Darrell and Kathy Stone

Mueller Memorial Funerals and Cremation

Connie Bossard, Keller Williams

Mike and Sylvia Lovett

Bob & Vivian Timmons

Fred & Stella Treiber

The Inn on Madeline Island

Sandstrom & Associates

John Channon, Focal Point

Carol Nelson

Jim Hunt & Deb Lauer

Shear Reflections

Bryan & Lael Belisle

John Kenyon

Rust Architects

TSE, Inc.

In-Kind Sponsors

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

White Bear Press